Getting a fussy eater to eat is no easy task, especially when a horse suddenly refuses its usual ration.
“A horse’s appetite is one of the most important indicators of digestive comfort. When a horse becomes selective or stops eating, it’s often their way of telling us something isn’t quite right,” says Pryde’s in‑house nutritionist, Bethanie Gagliardi.
To help owners navigate this frustrating challenge, The Pryde’s nutrition team has outlined practical strategies proven to encourage even the pickiest horses to eat consistently.
Key strategies to support a fussy eater
1. Remove salt and electrolytes temporarily
Salt can make feed less appealing when a horse already has a reduced appetite. Removing it for a short period can help restore interest in the feed.
2. Choose cooked grains or non‑grain feeds
Uncooked grains can push starch into the hindgut, reducing appetite. Cooked grains and fibre‑based feeds support healthy fermentation and vitamin B1 production, an essential appetite stimulant.
3. Feed a ration that tastes genuinely good
Highly palatable, fully fortified complete feeds reduce the need for unnecessary supplements and encourage horses to eat willingly.
4. Avoid diet changes at competitions or events
Stress and unfamiliar environments already challenge appetite. Introducing new feeds or supplements at events can make meals even less appealing.
Pryde’s EasiResult and EasiPerformance are both formulated with palatability in mind, making them ideal options for horses who regularly turn their nose up at their feed.
Professional Insight
Pryde’s Equine nutritionist Bethanie Gagliardi explains, “When a horse becomes fussy, our priority is to reduce anything that may be affecting flavour or digestive comfort. Small adjustments can make a big difference to appetite and overall wellbeing.”
FAQs About feeding fussy horses
1. Why should I remove salt from my horse’s feed if they stop eating?
Salt can intensify flavours and make feed less appealing when appetite is already low. Removing it temporarily helps reset taste preferences before gradually reintroducing it.
2. Do cooked grains really help with appetite?
Yes. Cooked grains prevent excess starch from entering the hindgut, supporting healthy fibre fermentation and vitamin B1 production, both essential for maintaining appetite.
3. Is it better to keep the diet simple for picky eaters?
Absolutely. Over‑supplementing can make feed unpalatable. A complete, fortified feed paired with forage is often the most effective approach.
4. Why do horses go off their feed at events?
Stress, travel, and unfamiliar surroundings can disrupt eating habits. Keeping the diet consistent and allowing plenty of grazing time helps maintain appetite.
5. Which Pryde’s feeds suit fussy eaters?
EasiResult and EasiPerformance are specifically designed to be highly palatable and nutritionally balanced for horses that are selective or inconsistent eaters.