As horses age, many have trouble chewing hay, keeping weight on or digesting their food as efficiently. Senior feeds are designed to help. Purina Equine Senior is one of the best-known senior feeds in North America. This review looks at what it offers, how to feed it and what to consider before switching.
The Short Answer: Purina Equine Senior is a widely used complete feed with built-in fiber that can partly or fully replace hay for horses with poor teeth. It’s easy to soak into a mash. It isn’t the lowest-starch option available, so horses with insulin dysregulation or a history of laminitis may need a different feed. Work with your vet on the right choice.
Key Details
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Complete senior feed with built-in fiber |
| Form | Pelleted feed that can be soaked |
| Use | Fed with hay or as a partial or full hay replacement |
| Feeding rate | Varies widely depending on how much hay the horse eats (check label) |
| Best for | Older horses, especially those with dental problems or weight loss |
What It Is and How It Works
Equine Senior is called a complete feed because it contains enough fiber to make up much of the diet. For a horse that can still eat hay, it’s fed in smaller amounts alongside forage. For a horse with poor teeth that can’t manage hay, it can be fed in much larger amounts as a hay replacement, following the label.
It’s easy to soak into a mash, which helps horses with missing or worn teeth. Soaking also adds water to the diet.
Older horses often need regular dental care and weight monitoring. See senior horses care, equine dental care and body condition scoring for horses.
What We Like
- Built-in fiber for horses that struggle with hay
- Can be soaked into a mash
- Widely available
- Long track record
- Balanced vitamins and minerals at label rates
Drawbacks
- Not the lowest starch and sugar option
- Large amounts needed as a full hay replacement can be costly
- Feeding below label rates may leave nutrient gaps
- Some horses gain too much weight
How to Switch Feeds Safely
Horses have sensitive digestive systems, and sudden feed changes are a known risk factor for colic and laminitis. A typical switch looks like this:
- Start by replacing a small portion of the old feed, often about a quarter, with the new feed.
- Increase the new feed gradually over 7 to 14 days.
- Split daily grain or concentrate into two or more meals rather than one large one.
- Keep hay or pasture as the foundation of the diet.
- Watch manure, appetite and attitude during the change.
Weigh feed rather than measuring by scoop. A scoop of one feed can weigh very differently from a scoop of another. See colic in horses for warning signs.
Things to Consider Before Buying
- Have your vet check your horse’s teeth and overall health first.
- Ask your vet about insulin dysregulation or PPID before choosing a feed.
- Feed at least the minimum label rate, or add a balancer.
- Weigh the feed rather than using a scoop.
- Change feeds gradually.
Tips for Using It
- Soak feed in warm water for horses with poor teeth.
- Split large amounts into several meals a day.
- Check body condition score monthly.
Who It Suits
| Good fit if… | Consider something else if… |
|---|---|
| Your senior horse struggles to chew hay | Your horse has insulin dysregulation or a history of laminitis (ask your vet) |
| Your older horse needs help maintaining weight | Your horse is an easy keeper that doesn’t need extra calories |
| You want a well-known, widely available feed |
Alternatives to Consider
| Option | How it differs |
|---|---|
| Triple Crown Senior | Beet pulp-based, lower starch |
| Ration balancer plus soaked hay cubes | Lower calorie option |
| Hay pellets or cubes | Forage alternatives for poor teeth |
When to Call Your Vet
Contact your vet if:
- Your horse is losing weight despite good feeding
- Your horse is dropping feed or has bad breath
- You see signs of colic or laminitis
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Purina Equine Senior replace hay?
Yes, for horses that can’t chew hay well. Feed it at the label rate for hay replacement, which is much higher than the rate used alongside hay, and split it into several meals.
Is Equine Senior low in starch and sugar?
It’s moderate, not among the lowest. Horses with insulin dysregulation, PPID or a history of laminitis may need a lower-starch feed. Ask your vet.
How much Equine Senior should I feed?
It depends on your horse’s weight, condition and how much hay it eats. Use the label chart and adjust with your vet’s help.
Should I soak Equine Senior?
Soaking helps horses with poor teeth and adds water. Many owners soak it for all senior horses.
Can younger horses eat Equine Senior?
Yes. Some hard keepers of any age do well on it. Check with your vet.
How long does it take to see weight gain?
Many horses show changes within a few weeks to a couple of months. Track body condition.
Can I feed Equine Senior with a supplement?
Yes, but avoid doubling up on vitamins and minerals. Check labels and ask your vet.
Is Equine Senior good for horses with Cushing’s?
Some horses with PPID do well on it, but others need lower starch. Ask your vet.
Pet Health Man is independent and isn’t paid by the brands we review. Product formulas, specifications and prices change, so check the current label or the manufacturer’s information before you buy.
This article is for general information only and isn’t a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If you’re worried about your pet’s health, contact your veterinarian or an emergency animal hospital.
