PPID is a common neurodegenerative endocrine (hormonal) disease associated with the ageing horse, although has been reported in horses as young as 7. In the healthy horse, hormones exist in a fine balance and play an important role in maintaining and controlling bodily functions. Those with PPID have an imbalance of these hormones.

Dietary starch, from cereals, can increase acidity levels in the stomach and digestive system. Meadow Sweet with Turmeric contains no whole cereal flakes and has a low starch content which, along with its high fibre content, means it is sympathetic to gastric and digestive health. Honey also provides natural sugars which have a prebiotic effect, while a dusting of mint tempts fussy feeders. As later cut forages tend to be less nutritious, Alfalfa Plus Oil and/or Fibre-Beet, can be fed as additional sources of highly digestible fibre as well as some quality protein and other nutrients. Low starch, high fibre feeds often contain beet pulp and require soaking before feeding. Meadow Sweet with Turmeric is ready to feed and requires no additional chaff or beet, although these may be added, if desired.

Whilst calories are required to promote or maintain condition, many traditional conditioning feeds must be avoided as they are based on cereals supplying starch, intake of which must be kept to a minimum. Ease & Exceland Ease & Excel Cubes arelow starch, high calorie feeds which can be fed to promote condition and support performance, while keeping cereal intake to an absolute minimum. Time at grass will need to be carefully managed to control fructan (sugar) intake. Turning out very late at night, when grass fructan levels are lowest, and ensuring they are brought in by mid-morning, is safest. Avoid turning out onto pastures during cold, bright conditions, such as frosty mornings, when the fructan levels increase. Providing these precautions have been taken, forage may be fed ad lib to provide fibre calories and support gut health.

As a horse gets older his digestive system becomes less efficient so he may no longer obtain the full nutritional benefit from the feed he gets. If you notice that your older horse is not looking quite as good as he used to on his current diet, it could be time to step up to a specially formulated feed, like Senior Mix. This provides readily digestible, non-heating calories so should promote a little more condition than a high fibre, low energy feed and, with its excellent levels of quality protein, should also help promote improved muscle tone, which can start to fade as the years progress.

Year-round high fibre nutrition

A pot-bellied appearance, usually as a result of muscle loss over the topline and abnormal fat distribution (above eyes, crest and above tail head). Light Chaff or Speedi-Beet may be fed as low calorie alternative or additional fibre sources as long as overall fibre/calorie intake is controlled.

The overriding factor when managing diets for equines suffering from PPID is the increased risk of laminitis due to the hormone imbalances. Whilst this may be reduced for those being managed with Pergolide, it should always be considered, whether you are trying to promote weight gain/maintain condition or encourage weight loss/avoid weight gain. Decisions about the diet may also be dependent on whether the horse or pony has suffered from laminitis in the past. Soaking hay/haylage for 12 to 16 hours will help to reduce the wsc content. Build up to this gradually as soaking can reduce palatability and be careful in warm weather to avoid fermentation or bacterial growth.

Quick release energy for hard work or sparkle

Alternatively, Lo-Cal or Performance Balancer may be fed to provide quality protein, vitamins and minerals without the starch or calories associated with a mix or cube. “Safe” calories can then be added to the balancer in the form of Outshine, Fibre-Beet or Alfalfa Plus Oil.