Horse not eating like he used to. advise please - Horse Forums - Equine Topics - Equine Forums - Horse Trainers

*Court402* · 02-05-2011,

[size="4"]The last couple of days my horse hasnt been eating all of his grain. He eats half of it then picks through the rest. He eats his hay. He doesnt have a fever and he acts the same as he did before. Could the weather have something to do with it or is it something else?
Please i need some ideas as to why he is doing this.[/SIZE]

*Ltc4h* · 02-06-2011,

Could be many different things.
But the two most common-for eating hay over grain.
Ulcers
Teeth

During winter water intake is very important-you can try feeding a very wet/soupy beet pulp, it may help.

*AQHABreeder* · 02-06-2011,

My mare would do that when her stomach was bothering her. But it would only last for a day. I would check his teeth, see if one may be bothering him. Use a flashlight so you can see into the back part of his mouth, and you may want to check his gums also for foreign objects/possible abscessing.

Good luck

*Danainnm* · 02-11-2011,

Has anything changed? The reason I ask is a month ago We sold one of our horses and her buddy stopped eating for about 3 days because I guess he was sad when I ask the vet he said it has happen. Also when was the last time you had the teeth floated?

*kjhorserehab* · 03-02-2011,

Quote:

Originally Posted by Court402

[size="4"]The last couple of days my horse hasnt been eating all of his grain. He eats half of it then picks through the rest. He eats his hay. He doesnt have a fever and he acts the same as he did before. Could the weather have something to do with it or is it something else?
Please i need some ideas as to why he is doing this.[/SIZE]

I would feed him his hay first let him settle that in his system before the grain. Then follow with the grain in 30 minutes or so. If he eats all his grain at that time it could be ulsers. Grain will increase the acids in the stomack and make the grain a painful thing to eat even though your horse wants it. Also yes check the horses teeth and look to the back. You are looking for the teeth to be level top and bottom so your horse can grinde his food. Very carfully feel the edges of his back teeth on the outside and make sure they are not sharp.If there is any redness on the inside of his cheeks or sores or if you see any hooks call your vet to advise you on a good dentist. If the teeth are fine think about a good stomack product like Sucseed or U-7 or Gastrogard. A call to the vet will be in order at that time. Also think about what your feeding and why. What is the grain and what are the needs of your horse. A phone visist with your vet may help you to find a feed that is better for your horses needs. Also take a fecal sample to your vet or call him to see if parasites are an issue.

*circlekinstructor* · 03-03-2011,

sounds like ulcers

*jd4700tt* · 03-10-2011,

my young filly has done the same exact thing since about tuesday of this week. 3/10/11 she will eat hay but not grain at all ...

*suzireyan* · 07-15-2011,

May be your horse is seek. So that is why he can't take the food properly. I think you have to take your horse to the doctor and only he can solve the problem.