Horse Feed & Equine Nutrition

Yes, we have several products, including supplements and feeds, depending on the horse’s needs. In general, our Sentinel Performance LS and Sentinel Senior extruded feed products have both worked well for horses with PSSM. We also have Sentinel Care Carb Guard and other Sentinel Care supplements that may be more appropriate, depending on the individual horse. (Jeanne van der Veen)

I would recommend Sentinel Performance LS extruded horse feed. An extruded feed is easily broken down by horses with poor dentition, and it can also be easily made into a mash. This feed also contains 12% fat for efficient weight gain and high fiber content for naturally safe feeding. In addition, Sentinel Performance LS contains multiple ingredients to support an aging horse’s digestive system. (Jeanne van der Veen) 

The mare may need additional vitamins and minerals in the last two to three months of gestation to support foal growth, along with energy to maintain body condition. The horse may need a protein, mineral and vitamin supplement, like Sentinel Care Equine Choice Topline 30. During the last two to three weeks before foaling, it’s recommended to switch to a feed designed for lactation and foaling, like Sentinel Safe Start or Sentinel XT Grow. (Kristyn Sturken)

Yes, Sentinel Senior can safely be fed to a senior pony. Continue to monitor body condition so the pony doesn’t become overweight. You could also consider Sentinel Simply Lite, an extruded feed for adult horses, ponies and miniatures that need a restricted calorie diet or reduced feeding rate to maintain healthy body conditions. It is balanced and concentrated with lower fat for easy keepers that don’t need additional calories for maintenance. (Kristyn Sturken) 

In general, feeding recommendations for mini horses are similar to feeding standard-size horses, with adjustments for weight and body condition. Maintaining proper body condition is very important since many mini horses tend to become overweight due to overfeeding. Also, feeding products with controlled low-to-moderate starch and sugar levels may be beneficial. (Jeanne van der Veen) 

Every horse is different, and sometimes the best choice may, unfortunately, require trial and error. Sentinel Senior is a great choice, and we’d recommend it in this situation. There are varying degrees of Cushing’s and insulin resistance, and these conditions can change over time. If your horse is doing well, stick with this program. If you see changes or the condition progresses, different nutritional approaches can be considered. (Kristyn Sturken) 

Whenever you’re making a feed, hay or pasture change, it’s critical to make changes slowly, monitor behavior and keep an eye on feed intake. For example, when making grain changes, take 10 to 14 days to transition to the new feed. It’s a good practice to transition slowly with significant hay changes, too. In the spring season, the key is to start with minimal grazing at first and gradually increase pasture time over several weeks until horses adapt. (Kristyn Sturken) 

Every horse is different, so the best nutrition can vary depending on many physiological factors. In general, I believe the best nutrition for an older horse is a highly digestible, easily chewed feed, like Sentinel’s extruded feeds, which contain low starch and sugar levels, moderate to high levels of fat, high levels of built-in fermentable fiber and additives to support gut health. (Jeanne van der Veen) 

You can safely increase the Sentinel Performance LS about 1 quart every other day until you reach a level that sustains optimal body condition and topline. This may be about 6 quarts per day. Another approach, if feeding 6 quarts of grain seems excessive, would be to increase the Performance LS to 4 quarts per day and feed Sentinel Topline 30 supplement at 1 pound per day. (Jeanne van der Veen) 

In general, I would consider a senior feed when you notice changes in body condition, trouble chewing, poor teeth or needing to increase grain amounts to maintain weight. A general rule of thumb is to consider changing to a senior feed when a horse is in their late teens. But if your horse is maintaining its weight, in good body condition and eating well, don’t make a change just to make a change. (Kristyn Sturken)