A: Actually, age is not the measure of when to make the switch.

Unlike humans who have certain social benefits for reaching higher ages, horses are not so lucky. In fact, their social status decreases a little with age because they are not able to spar with their pasture mates as well as they did when they were younger. Thus, they edge towards the end of the pecking order.

Hormonal and metabolic changes along with dental issues affect the horse's ability to digest, absorb and utilize essential nutrients, especially protein and fiber. The main factor I use in determining when to switch a horse to a more digestible feed is when it is apparent they are not doing as well physically when consuming a traditional feed. If it is harder for them to maintain their weight either at maintenance or performance levels, it is time to make the switch to a senior formula.

Obesity can be a problem in older horses as well. Excess body weight not only stresses the joints and hooves but can increase the risk of laminitis. Obesity and weight gain can be a sign of insulin resistance. Horses with this metabolic condition should be kept on a senior diet that is low in starch and sugar.

In addition to weight issues, other conditions to look for include: dental problems, difficulty chewing hay, loss of muscle tone, weakened immune system, arthritis, respiratory problems and/or a poor hair coat. A horse who exhibits these signs and symptoms of metabolic and physical changes of aging will typically benefit from a senior formula feed.

When you have a horse that has reached this physiological age, in addition to feeding a senior formula, make sure his teeth are well cared for; he is dewormed on a regular schedule, and he has all the grass or hay he will eat. As horses' teeth begin to wear and fall out, they have more difficulty in chewing long-stem forage, so you may need to provide a chopped hay or cubes that are soaked in water to help them with forage intake.

Seminole Senior Formula is a low-starch, highly digestible fiber feed that is digested more in the hind gut where the fermentation takes place. The cecum and large intestine tend to be more functional as they age when compared to the efficiency of the small intestine. Thus, a feed that digests well in the hindgut will enable older horses to get more nutrients out of the feed. Additionally, Seminole Senior Formula contains vitamins, chelated minerals and other key nutrients at levels needed by geriatric horses.

Not all horses will have the digestive challenges and arthritis seen in other horses. Some will be sound until the day they die, and others will need help when they are very young. We have seen great benefits of feeding low starch feed, so it may be an advantage to switch to that type of feed even before you notice the age changes in your horse.