Understanding Equine Teething
Horses, like humans, go through a teething phase where they lose their deciduous (baby) teeth and erupt permanent ones. This typically occurs between 2.5 and 5 years of age. During this period, the mouth can be sore, and chewing may be difficult. Proper dietary adjustments are crucial to ensure the horse receives adequate nutrition without discomfort.
Recommended Feed Types During Teething
Softened Feeds
To minimize pain, feed should be easy to chew and swallow. Consider soaking hay cubes or pellets in warm water until they form a mash. Beet pulp can also be soaked and fed as a soft mash. These provide fiber and calories without requiring much chewing.
High-Quality Forage
Good quality hay that is soft and leafy, such as second-cutting alfalfa or timothy, is easier to chew than coarse, stemmy hay. Soaking hay can further soften it and reduce dust.
Complete Feeds
Commercial complete feeds (textured or pelleted) can be soaked to create a gruel. Look for feeds formulated for young, growing horses with balanced calcium:phosphorus ratio and added joint support.
Avoid Hard Grains and Treats
Whole grains, hard cookies, and large carrots can exacerbate soreness. If offering treats, choose soft options like mashed bananas or soaked apple slices.
Portion Sizes and Calorie Needs
Energy requirements vary by age, breed, and activity level. A yearling (12 months) may need 2-2.5% of body weight in feed daily, while a 2-year-old in light work may require 1.5-2%. During teething, the horse may eat less due to discomfort, so it's important to monitor body condition and adjust accordingly. Provide at least 1.5-2% of body weight in forage daily, supplemented with a concentrated feed to meet growth demands.
| Age | Body Weight (kg) | Daily Calorie Needs (Mcal) | Forage (kg) | Concentrate (kg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 months | 200 | 18-20 | 3-4 | 1-2 |
| 1 year | 300 | 22-25 | 4.5-6 | 2-3 |
| 2 years | 400 | 25-28 | 6-8 | 2.5-4 |
| 3 years | 450 | 27-30 | 7-9 | 2-4 |
Adjust based on individual metabolism and body condition score (BCS 5-6 is ideal).
Feeding Frequency and Schedule
Divide daily rations into multiple small meals (3-4 times per day) to ease digestion and maintain steady blood sugar. Young horses have small stomachs and benefit from frequent feeding. Offer forage free-choice if possible, or at least 2-3 times daily.
Sample schedule:
- Morning: Soaked hay cubes (1 kg) + concentrate mash (0.5 kg)
- Midday: Free-choice hay or pasture
- Afternoon: Soaked beet pulp (0.5 kg) + vitamins
- Evening: Concentrate mash (0.5 kg) + hay
Essential Nutrients for Growing Horses
During teething and growth, focus on:
- Protein: 14-16% crude protein for yearlings; lysine is the first limiting amino acid.
- Fat: 3-5% for energy; higher fat can reduce concentrate intake.
- Fiber: At least 1-1.5% body weight as forage.
- Calcium and Phosphorus: Calcium 0.6-0.8%, phosphorus 0.4-0.5%; ratio 1.5:1 to 2:1.
- Vitamins: A, D, E (especially for joint health).
- Minerals: Copper, zinc, selenium (important for connective tissue).
Toxic Foods and Ingredients
Never feed horses:
- Avocado (persin toxic)
- Chocolate (theobromine)
- Onions, garlic (in large amounts can cause anemia)
- Moldy hay or grain (mycotoxins)
- Stale or fermented feed
- High-sugar treats like candy or bread
Hydration Requirements
Provide fresh, clean water at all times. Horses drink 5-10 gallons (20-40 liters) per day, more in hot weather or with increased feed intake. Soaking feeds increases water consumption. Check for signs of dehydration (skin tent test, delayed capillary refill).
Beneficial Supplements
During teething, consider:
- Probiotics: Support digestion during diet changes.
- Joint supplements: Glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM for developing joints.
- Vitamin E and selenium: For muscle and immune health.
- Calcium paste: If the horse refuses to eat enough.
Differences in Feeding Young, Adult, and Senior Horses
Young horses need higher protein, calcium, and phosphorus for bone growth. Adults require maintenance levels (10-12% protein) with adjustments for work. Seniors may need easier-to-chew feeds (soaked pellets, senior complete feeds) and additional joint support. During teething, treat a young horse similar to a senior in terms of feed texture.
Signs of Healthy vs. Poor Diet
Healthy signs: Shiny coat, good body condition, bright eyes, calm demeanor, normal manure (firm, well-formed), steady growth.
Poor diet signs: Dull coat, weight loss or obesity, lethargy, colic, diarrhea, dental issues (quidding, dropping feed), abnormal chewing.
If a horse is not eating well during teething, consult a veterinarian and equine nutritionist to adjust the diet.