Feeding veteran for energy?

[tatty_v]

My 19 year old connie x has lately been lacking his usual sparkle/energy, be it out hacking or schooling. He seems well in himself, is reasonably fit and not carrying excess weight (if anything he’s looking leaner than he usually does at this time of year!) He’s has full bloods run at the vets with no issues (incl Cushings) and a full lameness workup. He’s been medicated with steroid injections for very mild hock OA but vets are satisfied that this has been successful and he is not lame or in any pain/discomfort.

So I’m wondering if I should be feeding something to help him? Since I’ve had him he’s only been on a handful of happy hoof and ad lib hay. Any thoughts?

 

[AdorableAlice]

Oats would be my go to for energy, you can adjust the quantities as you need to. I find the 'energy' mixes to be full of junk. I also use Turbo Flakes in small amounts if my old boy is looking tired. 500g of those normally perks him up and the bucking starts again. he is retired at 26 but has to be fed like a king to keep him happy and healthy.

 

[ester]

I'm an oats feeder too, that and micronised linseed always made up the energy requirements of my veteran (+forage obv )

 

[supsup]

I'd consider a vit&min supplement or balancer too, if only as a trial. It may be that with age, he's no longer quite as efficient getting nutrients out of his regular feed, and it's coat-change time on top of that. If there's just a mild deficiency in something, it may be enough to affect his performance, but not show on a routine blood test.

 

[tatty_v]

Thank you, I’ll look into oats and a vit&min supp. Hadn’t thought of either so glad I asked!