Best Senior Horse Feeds: Top-Rated Complete Feeds for Weight Gain, Dental Issues & Metabolic Support

Last updated: May 3, 2025

By: Miles HenryFact Checked

If your senior horse has started to lose weight, struggles with chewing, or walks away from their feed, you’re not alone — and the right nutrition can make all the difference.

As a lifelong horse owner, I’ve seen firsthand how aging affects even the healthiest horses. Metabolism slows, digestion weakens, and conditions like Cushing’s, dental issues, and muscle loss become more common. Choosing the best senior horse feeds is no longer optional — it’s essential.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to confidently support your aging horse with nutrition grounded in veterinary best practices and equine science, including recommendations from the NRC (National Research Council) and the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP). Whether your goal is weight gain, muscle maintenance, metabolic support, or helping a horse with worn teeth, we’ll walk through the top feed options.

If your senior horse has started to lose weight, struggles with chewing, or walks away from their feed, you’re not alone — and the right nutrition can make all the difference…

Top Picks Summary:

• Purina® Equine Senior® Horse Feed: A complete feed with built-in forage, ideal for seniors with dental issues.
• Triple Crown Senior Horse Feed: High in fat and fiber, suitable for weight gain and metabolic support.
• Blue Seal Sentinel Senior SR Horse Feed: Extruded feed promoting digestibility, great for horses with chewing difficulties.
• Hygain Zero 20kg: Ultra-low starch and sugar content, perfect for horses with metabolic issues.
• Nutrena ProForce Senior Horse Feed: High-fat formula designed for active senior horses needing energy support.

How to Choose the Best Senior Horse Feeds for Your Horse’s Needs

Feeding senior horses can be challenging, especially as their physical condition and digestive efficiency decline with age. Issues like weight loss, dental problems, and metabolic changes all contribute to the need for specialized nutrition. (Jump to Recommended Senior Horse Feeds)

Chewing Challenges & Feed Texture

Dental health is often one of the first obstacles owners notice. Worn or missing teeth can make chewing painful or ineffective, leading to “quidding” — when horses drop partially chewed feed. This not only reduces nutrient intake but also increases the risk of choke, especially with dry, coarse feeds.

For horses with significant dental issues, complete feeds that can be easily soaked into a mash are ideal. These are designed to serve as a sole source of nutrition when chewing hay or pasture is no longer viable. According to the Rutgers Equine Science Center, soaked feeds or hay cubes offer a safer and more digestible alternative for horses with compromised dental function.

💡 Tip: If your horse leaves hay uneaten or quids often, switching to a soaked complete feed can improve nutrient absorption and reduce waste.

Digestive Efficiency & Nutrient Absorption

As horses age, their gastrointestinal tract becomes less effective at fermenting fiber and absorbing key nutrients. This can lead to weight loss, dull coats, and loss of topline muscle.

The University of Tennessee notes that aged horses may require higher levels of easily digestible fiber, quality fat sources, and amino acids to meet their energy needs and support body condition.

Additionally, older horses may experience decreased protein metabolism, making muscle maintenance more difficult. Feeds formulated with higher levels of quality protein and balanced amino acids can help prevent muscle loss, particularly along the topline — a common issue in senior horses.

What Nutrients Matter Most?

To support aging equines, the best senior horse feeds typically include:

• High-quality protein: for muscle maintenance and repair.
• Fermentable fiber (like beet pulp): to aid digestion.
• Added fat: as a calorie-dense energy source.
• Vitamins and antioxidants: including Vitamin E and selenium to boost immune health.
• Prebiotics and probiotics: to support gut flora and nutrient absorption.

Research from the AAEP also emphasizes that senior diets should be monitored and adjusted regularly to ensure the horse maintains its body condition and meets its energy requirements.

Tailor the Feed to the Individual

Not every senior horse ages the same. Horses with Cushing’s disease (PPID) or Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS) may need low non-structural carbohydrate (NSC) feeds to help control blood sugar and insulin levels. In contrast, hard keepers may require higher-fat, higher-calorie feeds to maintain condition.

Always assess:

• Body condition score (BCS)
• Dental health
• Activity level
• Underlying medical issues

Pairing the right feed with your horse’s needs ensures they receive proper nutrition without the risk of overfeeding or underfeeding.

🏆 Top Brands Offering the Best Senior Horse Feeds

Several trusted brands offer senior horse feeds designed to address the unique challenges of aging, including weight management, dental issues, and metabolic concerns. The following three products are my top picks, and all are soakable, making them suitable for horses with chewing difficulties.

Purina® Equine Senior® (Soakable)

Purina Equine Senior is a widely recommended complete feed formulated for senior horses with dental issues, digestive inefficiencies, or reduced appetite. It can be easily soaked into a mash and serves as a full forage replacement.

Key Features:

• ActivAge® Prebiotic supports immune and metabolic function
• Outlast® technology for gastric comfort
• Amplify® High-Fat Nugget improves condition and coat
• Easy-Soak™ Pellet Technology
• Estimated NSC: ~19%

Guaranteed Analysis:

• Protein: 14%
• Fat: 5.5%
• Fiber: 18%

✅ Pros:

• Supports digestion and immune function
• Palatable, low in molasses
• Can fully or partially replace hay in the diet

⚠️ Cons:

• Lower fat content than some competitors
• NSC may be too high for some metabolic horses

Triple Crown® Senior (Soakable)

Triple Crown Senior is a grain-free, beet pulp-based feed ideal for horses with metabolic issues, dental problems, or those requiring weight support. It mixes well with water to form a soft mash.

Key Features:

• EquiMix® blend includes prebiotics, probiotics, and digestive enzymes
• High fiber (17%) for gut support
• Moderate fat (10%) for weight maintenance
• Estimated NSC: 14.7% — safe for many metabolic horses

“Switching to Triple Crown Senior helped my 25-year-old gelding regain muscle and appetite.” – Amanda T.

Guaranteed Analysis:

• Protein: 14%
• Fat: 10%
• Fiber: 17%

✅ Pros:

• Suitable for PPID and EMS horses
• Highly digestible fiber and fat sources
• Mashable and very palatable

⚠️ Cons:

• Premium price point

Nutrena® ProForce® Senior (Soakable)

Nutrena ProForce Senior is a calorie-dense, beet pulp-based feed aimed at supporting weight gain, topline development, and performance recovery in older horses. It can be soaked to aid intake in horses with poor dentition.

Key Features:

• Rebound Technology® and Topline Balance® amino acids
• Nutri-Bloom Advantage® enhances fiber digestion
• Marine-sourced calcite for gastric support
• NSC: ~18% (varies by product — check label)

Guaranteed Analysis:

• Protein: 14%
• Fat: 11%
• Fiber: 17%

✅ Pros:

• Excellent for hard keepers and active seniors
• High fat for calorie density
• Supports topline and gut health

⚠️ Cons: NSC levels vary between Nutrena senior lines

Best Senior Horse Feeds Compared: Full Nutritional Breakdown

While each feed has its own strengths—whether it’s Purina’s palatability and ease of soaking, Triple Crown’s metabolic-friendly fiber profile, or Nutrena’s high-calorie formulation—the best choice depends on your horse’s age, condition, and daily needs.

For senior horses with dental issues, complete feeds that can be soaked into a mash—such as Purina Equine Senior, Triple Crown Senior, and Nutrena ProForce Senior—are typically recommended. Soak using a 2:1 water-to-feed ratio, especially for feeds containing beet pulp, and allow it to sit until the mash reaches an oatmeal-like consistency. Feeding smaller, more frequent meals (3–4 times per day) can also improve nutrient absorption and reduce the risk of choke.

See the full nutritional breakdown of senior horse feeds in our comparison table below.

Still unsure which feed is best for your senior horse? In the next section, we break down specific scenarios—like managing PPID, helping hard keepers, or supporting healthy aging with fewer teeth—and recommend the best feeding strategies for each.

Best Senior Horse Feeds for Metabolic Conditions Like Cushing’s or EMS

As horses age, their risk of metabolic conditions such as Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction (PPID, or Cushing’s disease) and Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS) increases significantly. These disorders affect how the horse’s body processes insulin and stores fat, often requiring major changes in their diet.

Why Low-NSC Feeds Are Critical

One of the key dietary strategies for managing PPID and EMS is reducing non-structural carbohydrates (NSC) — the sugars and starches that can spike insulin and blood glucose. Feeds intended for metabolic horses should contain less than 12–15% NSC and derive calories primarily from fat and fermentable fiber rather than grains.

This approach is supported by veterinary nutrition research, including the scholarly article “Nutrition Considerations for the Aged Horse,” which emphasizes the importance of adjusting energy sources in senior horse diets to support insulin regulation and minimize the risk of laminitis.

Key Features of Senior Feeds for Metabolic Horses

When selecting a senior feed for a horse with metabolic concerns, look for the following characteristics:

• NSC levels under 15%
• No added molasses or cereal grains
• High fiber (beet pulp-based) for slow energy release
• Added fat (such as vegetable oil) as a calorie source
• Controlled protein levels to support lean muscle without excess energy

In senior horses, muscle loss and fat accumulation can occur simultaneously, further complicating feed selection. Published studies by Veterinary Immunologists show that horses with greater adiposity (body fat) also experience elevated inflammatory cytokine activity, making metabolic management even more critical.

The Role of the Gut in Metabolic Health

Emerging research has shown that the gut microbiome of older horses may change significantly with age and body condition. According to The Equine Gastrointestinal Microbiome: Impacts of Age and Obesity, senior horses — especially those with obesity — exhibit altered microbial diversity in the gastrointestinal tract, which can affect how nutrients are digested and metabolized.

This reinforces the importance of choosing feeds that include:

• Prebiotics and probiotics
• Highly digestible fiber
• Natural antioxidants to reduce systemic inflammation

You can learn more about Horse gut health in my article: A Healthy Gut, A Winning Horse: Exploring Equine Probiotic Benefits

Practical Feeding Tips

• Test your hay for sugar content, or soak it to reduce NSC levels.
• Feed smaller, more frequent meals to maintain stable insulin levels.
• Use complete feeds if the horse has dental issues, and soak as needed.

Senior horses with PPID or EMS can live comfortably and perform well with a diet tailored to their unique metabolic needs. The right feed is not just about calories — it’s about managing hormonal and inflammatory responses as the horse ages.

Best Senior Horse Feeds for Weight Gain or Hard Keepers

Not all senior horses lose weight due to illness. Many simply become “hard keepers” as they age, struggling to maintain body condition due to changes in metabolism, nutrient absorption, and muscle protein synthesis. This often requires a more strategic and nutrient-dense feeding approach.

Why Do Older Horses Lose Weight?

Common contributors to age-related weight loss include:

• Reduced digestive efficiency, especially in processing fiber and protein
• Muscle wasting from decreased protein utilization
• Increased calorie needs during colder weather or illness
• Dental issues that limit chewing and feed intake

Research published in Equine Veterinary Education notes that older horses typically require more concentrated energy and protein sources to support body condition—especially when facing chewing difficulties or declining digestive function.

Protein and Amino Acids: The Key to Muscle Maintenance

A significant factor in maintaining weight is preserving muscle mass, which tends to decline with age. One study, “Amino acid supplementation improves muscle mass in aged and young horses,” found that horses receiving targeted amino acid supplementation—especially lysine and threonine—showed measurable improvements in topline development and muscle tone.

Building on this, research published in Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition demonstrated that dietary amino acids enhanced both whole-body and muscle protein metabolism in aged horses, reinforcing the value of feeds that support not just calorie intake but efficient protein utilization.

What to Look for in Senior Feeds for Weight Gain

When choosing a feed for hard keepers, prioritize products with:

• High fat content (ideally 8–12%) to deliver calories without bulk
• Quality protein sources containing lysine, threonine, and methionine
• Digestible fiber like beet pulp or soy hulls for gut-friendly energy
• Calorie-dense fat sources, such as stabilized rice bran, vegetable oil, or flaxseed oil, which also adds omega-3 anti-inflammatory support
• Probiotics and prebiotics to enhance nutrient absorption

Feeds labeled as “complete” are ideal for horses with dental issues, while “concentrates” can be paired with hay for those who can still chew effectively.

Feeding Tips for Hard Keepers

• Soak feed for better texture and moisture if your horse struggles with chewing.
• Feed 2–3 smaller meals per day to increase total intake without overloading digestion.
• Add fat supplements (such as rice bran or flaxseed oil) gradually to boost calorie density.

Popular options include:

• Triple Crown Senior – grain-free, high in fat and fiber
• Nutrena ProForce Senior – features amino acid profile for topline support

Remember: More calories won’t help if your horse can’t digest them. Choose feeds designed for nutrient availability, protein efficiency, and gut health.

Feeding Tips When Using the Senior Horse Feeds

Expert Tip:
When soaking senior horse feeds—especially those containing beet pulp—a 2:1 water-to-feed ratio is generally recommended. This means using two parts water for every one part of feed. Soaking ensures proper hydration, improves palatability, and helps reduce the risk of choking, particularly in horses with dental issues.

Tailor Feed to Your Horse’s Needs

• Metabolic Conditions (PPID, EMS): Choose low-NSC feeds like Triple Crown Senior (~14.7%) or Purina Equine Senior (controlled starch/sugar). Always consult your vet for individualized dietary guidance.
• Underweight Horses: High-fat, calorie-dense feeds such as Nutrena ProForce Senior (11% fat) or Triple Crown Senior can support healthy weight gain. Additional fat sources like stabilized rice bran or flaxseed oil may help.
• Easy Keepers with Good Teeth: Use concentrated senior feeds like Purina Equine Senior Active alongside quality hay or pasture to avoid excess calories.

General Feeding Guidelines for Senior Horses: Best Practices

• Feed small, frequent meals (3–4 daily) to improve digestion and nutrient absorption.
• Ensure constant access to clean, fresh water, especially in cold weather.
• Monitor body condition regularly and adjust the feeding plan accordingly.
• Introduce any feed changes gradually over 7–10 days to prevent digestive upset.

Did You Know?
As horses age, their ability to absorb key nutrients—especially protein, phosphorus, and certain vitamins—declines due to reduced digestive efficiency and enzyme production. This makes easily digestible, nutrient-rich feed essential for senior care.

Forage Is Still Foundational

For horses that can still chew well, high-quality forage such as hay or pasture should remain the base of their diet. For those with dental issues, soaked hay pellets, cubes, or complete feeds can serve as effective replacements. A consultation with your veterinarian or equine nutritionist is the best way to build a plan tailored to your horse’s evolving needs.

FAQs on Selecting Senior Horse Feed

Common concerns among horse owners when selecting senior feed include:

For further information and related topics, consider exploring these resources:

Compare the Best Senior Horse Feeds: Nutritional Breakdown

Here are three additional senior horse feed options worth considering before reviewing the full comparison table:

• Blue Seal Sentinel Senior – An extruded feed ideal for senior horses with dental problems or metabolic issues. Features gutWise™ Nutrient Release Technology and is low in starch and sugar.
• Hygain Zero – A grain-free, ultra-low starch and sugar feed designed for horses with metabolic concerns like Cushing’s or EMS. Very high in fiber and fortified with essential nutrients.
• Standlee Hay Pellets/Cubes – Great forage alternatives for horses that can’t chew hay. Available in alfalfa, timothy, or blended forms, all of which are soakable for easier intake and digestion.

Senior Horse Feed Comparison Table

Product	Type	Protein (%)	Fat (%)	Fiber (%)	NSC (%)	Best For	Soakable?
Purina Equine Senior	Complete	14	5.5	18	~19	Dental issues, overall health	Yes (Easy Soak™)
Triple Crown Senior	Complete	14	10	17	14.7 (Est.)	Metabolic horses, weight gain, poor teeth	Yes
Nutrena ProForce Senior	Complete	14	11	17	~18	Hard keepers, active seniors	Yes
Blue Seal Sentinel Senior	Complete	14.5	5.5	17	<17.2	Poor teeth, metabolic concerns	Yes
Hygain Zero	Complete	15	4	35	<6.5	Metabolic issues, grain sensitivities	Yes
Standlee Alfalfa Pellets	Forage	16	1.5	26	<8	Weight gain, carb-sensitive horses	Yes
Standlee Timothy Pellets	Forage	8	1.5	28	<9.7	Easy keepers, overweight horses	Yes
Standlee Alfalfa Cubes	Forage	16	1.5	26	<7	Weight gain, carb-sensitive horses	Yes
Standlee Alfalfa/Timothy Cubes	Forage	12	1.5	32	<7	General use, carb-sensitive horses	Yes

Feeding Plan Example

For a 1,000 lb senior horse with poor teeth: feed 12 lbs of soaked Triple Crown Senior daily, divided into 3–4 meals. Adjust based on your horse’s body condition, activity level, and vet guidance.

⬆ Back to Product Reviews

Conclusion

In conclusion, selecting the best senior horse feed involves a thorough understanding of the unique nutritional needs and challenges faced by aging horses. By considering factors such as the horse’s age, health status, dental condition, metabolic concerns, and weight management, horse owners can make informed decisions. Consulting with equine professionals and continuously monitoring the horse’s response to the diet are crucial steps in ensuring a healthy and happy golden age for your equine companion.

Have questions about your horse’s diet? Leave a comment or consult your vet for a tailored plan.