Our equine nutrition experts answer their most-asked questions from veterinarians.

At Sentinel^®, we understand nutrition is the foundation to maintaining a horse’s health and performance. From supporting digestive health to providing the right energy levels, what you feed a horse can make all the difference. But we also know every horse is unique, and nutrition isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. That’s why we’ve brought together our team of equine experts to answer your dietary questions.

Meet the team:

Q: Are different protein sources metabolized and used differently in equines (i.e. protein from soybean vs alfalfa based)?

A: Once protein is digested, it is not metabolized differently. It is the quality and digestibility of the protein source that varies considerably and determines how it is used. Quality of protein source is based on its essential amino acid content. Sources that contain higher amounts of essential amino acids such as lysine, methionine and threonine are of higher quality because these amino acids must be supplied in the diet for proper protein synthesis. These sources would include SBM, whey protein and, to a lesser extent, alfalfa as a forage source. -Dr. Randy Raub

Q: With approximately 75% of equines being magnesium deficient, is there a reason why this is not focused on more when creating fixed or otherwise formulas for commercial grains sold and fed?

A: Magnesium is added to horse feeds to meet horses’ requirements. Horses that are deficient should be evaluated for reasons why they are deficient. -Dr. Randy Raub

Q: I am confused on exactly how to calculate NSC for horse hay. I have always read that it is WSC + starch, but recently read that is incorrect for horses. It should be ESC + starch. Which is it?

A: Scientifically, total NSC = WSC + starch. However, many veterinarians, nutritionists and laboratory analysis results will erroneously report NSC for horses as ESC + starch. It is important to ask how the value provided was calculated. Which calculation to use depends on the digestive or metabolic condition of the horse that is dictating you feed a low NSC diet in the first place. -Jeanne van der Veen

Q: How should my patients’ feeding plans be adjusted when traveling for shows?

A: The key is to keep a horse’s feeding plan consistent at all times, including when traveling.  Whenever possible, have your clients take enough hay and grain for their trip. If your client can’t take enough for the entire trip, make any changes gradually, including the hay, and if switching hay or grain, try something nutritionally similar. They can also consider putting their horse on a gastric support product before, during and after travel to help with stress.  Sentinel Care^™ Gastric Support is a product to consider. -Kristyn Sturken

Q: At what age should I consider recommending senior feed?

A: In general, I would consider a senior feed when you notice changes in body condition (especially weight loss), trouble chewing, poor teeth or needing to increase grain amounts to maintain body weight. This can happen at varying ages in horses. A general rule of thumb is to consider changing when a horse is in his or her late teens. If a horse is maintaining its weight, in good body condition and eating well, don’t make a change just to make a change. -Kristyn Sturken

Q: I’m treating an 11-year-old paint/TB that was just diagnosed with ulcers. What is the best forage-based diet to put him on? He’s currently on Sentinel Senior and soaked alfalfa pellets. He needs to put on weight.

A: You could try transitioning your patient to Sentinel Performance LS. It is lower in starch and sugar compared to Sentinel Senior (even though it is low too) and higher in fat, which will help with weight gain. Sentinel products have gutWise™ technology in them, which include prebiotics, probiotics and marine-sourced calcium to help with ulcers. In addition, I would supplement with Sentinel Care Gastric Support, one cup three times per day. This supplement is designed for horses with ulcers and other gut issues like leaky gut syndrome. -Jeanne van der Veen

Q: What is your recommendation for treating fecal water syndrome when horses are otherwise clinically healthy?

A: We would recommend trying our Sentinel Care Gastric Support supplement. It is a combination of prebiotics, probiotics, marine-sourced calcium and butyric acid and zinc. We are seeing a good response in horses when feeding this product. For a 1,000-pound horse, we advise feeding 1 cup, three to four times per day. -Kristyn Sturken

Q: What are the nutritional needs for yearlings?

A: Start with good-quality forage, and feed an appropriate grain ration to maintain steady growth rate and desired body condition. Ensure your patient’s diet contains quality protein (balanced amino acids), vitamins and properly balanced minerals for healthy bone growth. For grain ration, we suggest a feeding rate of 0.6-0.9 pounds per 100 pounds body weight each day. For an 800-pound yearling, this would be 4.6 to 7.2 pounds of grain ration. -Jeanne van der Veen

Q: What are the best feeds and supplements to keep weight on a Cushing’s pony?

A: For ponies or horses with Cushing’s, there are several nutritional goals you may consider. First, you may want to recommend a lower starch and sugar diet, and a higher fat diet if additional calories are needed for body condition. Also, it’s often beneficial to recommend feeding to promote immune system function, ensuring your patient gets balanced mineral and vitamin supplementation. Choose a grain with high fat and low starch and sugar, and, if needed, add a high-fat supplement. Products to consider are Sentinel Performance LS, Sentinel Active Senior and, for a high-fat supplement, Sentinel Care Omegatin^®. -Kristyn Sturken

The Sentinel team can help you make the best nutritional decisions for your horse and the horses under your care. Sign up for the latest news, research and expert nutritional guidance for all horses.