December 2009

Digestive Enzyme Products for Senior Horses

It may help senior horses and those with specific digestive difficulties.

By Eleanor Kellon, VMD

Since food only remains in the stomach and small intestine for about six hours, it’s important for the digestive enzymes to be operating efficiently. If they’re not, the horse won’t be able to absorb all the nutrients and properly digest the feed. Fortunately, most horses have no trouble at all and don’t need to receive supplemented digestive enzymes.

For other horses, though, digestive enzymes can make a big difference. Situations where digestive enzyme supplementation may be helpful include: Senior horse having trouble holding weight, even if on a probiotic. Older horses with no obvious dental issues may have inefficient chewing caused by changes in the angle of their chewing surface related to…