Hygain says an older horse needs highly digestible nutrients, and the right senior feed depends on its teeth, condition and workload. As horses age, their digestive and metabolic abilities start to decline, so a horse may not be getting from its diet the nutrition it used to. This guide covers the senior feeds from Hygain, Johnson's and Pryde's, and what each maker says about them.
Signs an older horse may need a different feed
Hygain's library article lists these signs of age related change that may mean an older horse needs a little extra:
- slower recovery from exercise
- needing more feed to maintain body condition (weight loss)
- decreased performance
- loss of topline (muscles across the back)
- decreased coat and hoof condition
- less paddock play or changes in herd hierarchy
The article also lists metabolic syndrome, Cushing disease, degenerative joint disease and kidney or liver issues as age related diseases. Those are for your vet to assess, and this guide does not suggest that any feed treats them.
What to look for in a senior feed
The senior feeds in this guide are a muesli, pellets, nuggets and an extruded sweet feed. This guide does not cover hay cubes. Hygain argues that digestibility is what makes a quality feed, and says age has a particular effect on how well a horse digests protein, phosphorus and fibre. It also notes that feeds with the same protein figure can still differ in how much protein the horse digests, so it advises checking the ingredients list as well as the label.
If weight gain is the goal, Hygain suggests comparing a feed's crude fat, digestible energy and protein figures with the horse's current diet, and choosing a feed that gives complete nutrition for overall health.
The four senior feeds and how the makers describe them
- Hygain Equine Senior: Hygain describes it as a balanced, oat-free muesli. It says the controlled starch, high fibre and quality protein suit horses that need extra condition or are struggling to maintain weight, and that micronised grains improve starch digestion in the small intestine. Hygain lists 15% crude protein, 7% crude fat and 14% crude fibre.
- Hygain Tru Care: Hygain describes it as a steam-extruded nugget with 18% fibre. It says the feed can be soaked into a mash, and that its Yucca schidigera and glycosaminoglycans give additional support for joints in ageing horses. Hygain lists 16% protein and 8% fat.
- Johnson's Old Timer: Johnson's describes it as a grain free pellet, high in fibre and low in starch, for old and retired horses. Johnson's lists 12.90% protein, 4.30% fat, 30.70% fibre, 2.10% starch, 19.10% non-structural carbohydrates (NSC) and 9.4 MJ/kg energy.
- Pryde's OldTimer Four: Pryde's describes it as an extruded sweet feed for aged horses. It says the cooked, extruded grains let old horses fully extract nutrients. Pryde's lists 13.1 MJ digestible energy, 15.0% crude protein, 7.7% crude fibre and 5.9% oil per kilogram.
When teeth are the problem: mash and soaked fibre
Hygain says a horse that cannot chew efficiently is at greater risk of choke and more likely to waste feed through spillage. Its article notes that a senior horse with missing or worn teeth may need a feed that can be served as a mash, wetted to a porridge consistency. The mash options named in this guide are:
- Hygain Tru Care can be soaked into a mash, according to Hygain.
- Johnson's Old Timer can be soaked into a soft mash for horses with poor teeth, according to Johnson's.
- Hygain Tru Beet is a low starch, steam extruded beet pulp nugget. Hygain says it forms a mash almost immediately when soaked at 4 parts water to 1 part Tru Beet, and that the ration must be weighed. Hygain says its NSC level is carefully controlled, and lists maximum starch at 1%.
Hygain says a horse that cannot forage on pasture or hay because of its teeth needs more frequent, small feeds, because a lack of forage means a lack of fibre. Its article suggests Tru Beet as a fibre source that can be soaked to a mash. For the pros and cons of beet pulp next to copra and lupins, see our copra, lupins and beet pulp guide.
Adding condition with Tru Gain
Hygain says it is fairly common for an old horse to need more calories to maintain body condition, because its ability to digest and metabolise food has decreased. It describes Hygain Tru Gain as a high fat conditioning supplement with 20% fat, an energy-dense, slow-release fuel source that supports weight gain. It lists 11% protein, 18% fibre and 17.5 MJ/kg digestible energy, and suggests adding it to a horse's already balanced diet.
For more on weight gain, see our guide to horse feed for weight gain.
How to change feeds safely
The makers repeat the same directions:
- Introduce a new feed gradually. Hygain says over 7 to 14 days for its feeds in this guide, and Johnson's and Pryde's say 1 to 2 weeks.
- Feed by weight, not by volume, and feed little and often, because horses have a small stomach (Hygain).
- Feed a minimum of 1.5% of body weight daily as roughage (Hygain). Johnson's says 1.5% to 2% of body weight in roughage per day.
- Always provide clean, fresh water (all three makers).
- Adjust intake for age, breed, appetite, activity level, climate and body condition (Hygain).
- Split large daily amounts into smaller meals, as Johnson's and Pryde's say above 0.5 kg per 100 kg of body weight a day.
- Do not add vitamins or minerals unless a vet or nutritionist directs it (Hygain).
For a 500 kg horse, Pryde's lists 1.5 to 2.5 kg a day for mature, resting or aged horses, and 2.5 to 3.5 kg a day for aged horses in light work. Pryde's also warns that feeding below its rates can lead to vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Follow the label for your horse's weight and workload, and check with your vet or nutritionist before adding anything.
When to talk to your vet or equine dentist
Hygain advises regular veterinary and/or dental checkups for senior horses. Speak to your vet or equine dentist if your horse:
- is losing weight or needs more feed to hold its condition
- has trouble chewing, drops feed or wastes it through spillage
- shows any of the age related changes listed above
- may have a metabolic, kidney, liver, joint or dental problem
Our picks
- Hygain Equine Senior: Hygain describes it as a balanced, oat-free muesli.
- Johnson's Old Timer: Johnson's describes it as a grain free pellet for old and retired horses.
- Pryde's OldTimer Four: Pryde's describes it as an extruded sweet feed for aged horses.
- Hygain Tru Care: Hygain describes it as a steam-extruded nugget that can be soaked into a mash.
- Hygain Tru Beet: Hygain describes it as a low starch, steam extruded beet pulp nugget that forms a mash when soaked.
- Hygain Tru Gain: Hygain describes it as a high fat conditioning supplement with 20% fat.
Frequently asked questions
When is a horse a senior?
Hygain says there is no senior card for horses and no magic birthday that labels them as old. Its article points to signs of age related change instead.
What should I feed an old horse that is losing weight?
Weight loss is one for your vet or equine dentist to assess first. Hygain says a drop-off in condition can follow the decline in digestive and metabolic ability that comes with age, and that older horses often need more feed to maintain condition.
Can senior feed be soaked?
Some can, according to the makers. Hygain says Tru Care can be soaked into a mash, Johnson's says Old Timer can be soaked into a soft mash for horses with poor teeth, and Hygain says Tru Beet must be soaked at 4 parts water to 1 part Tru Beet, and the ration must be weighed.
How much roughage does a senior horse still need?
Hygain says a minimum of 1.5% of body weight daily as roughage. Johnson's says 1.5% to 2% of body weight in roughage per day.
Browse the full range in Horse Feed.
Sources
Product facts in this guide are taken from the manufacturers' own pages listed below and from the product listings on this site; general care points are given as practical guidance, not veterinary advice. Last reviewed 15 October 2026.
- Hygain: Equine Senior
- Hygain: Tru Care
- Hygain: Tru Beet
- Hygain: Tru Gain
- Johnson's Natural Formula: Old Timer
- Pryde's EasiFeed: OldTimer Four
- Hygain library: Feeding the old, senior horse