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Why Won’t My Horse Eat?
Common causes of reduced appetite, and when it needs a vet
Quick Answer
- Going off feed can be linked to dental pain, gastric ulcers, stress, or wider illness
- A horse that’s dropping feed while chewing (quidding) often points towards a dental issue
- Reduced appetite for more than a day, or alongside other signs, warrants a vet check
- Complete refusal to eat or drink is always worth contacting your vet about promptly
Common Causes
01 Dental pain Common
Sharp edges, a loose tooth, or other dental discomfort can make chewing painful, often shown by quidding or eating more slowly than usual.
02 Gastric ulcers
Stomach ulcers are relatively common in horses in regular work and can be linked to reduced appetite, mild colic-type signs, and a tucked-up look.
03 Pain elsewhere in the body
Discomfort from lameness, colic, or another source can reduce a horse’s interest in feed, even if the mouth itself is fine.
04 Stress or routine change
A new yard, a change in companions, or travel can be linked to a temporary drop in appetite in otherwise healthy horses.
05 General illness or fever
Many illnesses reduce appetite as a general sign of feeling unwell, often alongside other changes such as lethargy or a raised temperature.
Contact Your Vet Immediately
- Complete refusal to eat or drink anything for over 24 hours
- Reduced appetite alongside colic signs, such as pawing or rolling
- Reduced appetite alongside lethargy, fever, or collapse
- A foal or pregnant mare going off feed
A horse not eating or drinking at all is a genuine concern, not just a fussy phase.
When to Contact Your Vet
- Reduced appetite lasting more than a day
- Quidding, or dropping partly chewed hay
- Eating more slowly than usual, or showing reluctance to eat hard feed
- Any unexplained weight loss alongside reduced interest in feed
How Pet Med Direct Can Help
Once your vet has identified the cause of reduced appetite, ongoing support may include softer or alternative feed options, alongside any treatment recommended for the underlying issue.
Some treatments require a valid veterinary prescription. Pet Med Direct can only supply prescription medicines after the prescription has been checked. Always follow your vet’s advice and the directions on the medicine label.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can a horse safely go without eating?
Horses have a continuous digestive system that’s designed for near-constant grazing, so going off feed entirely for more than a day is a genuine concern and shouldn’t be left unchecked.
Can a change in feed cause appetite issues?
Yes, a sudden change in feed type or brand can sometimes put a horse off eating temporarily. Introducing changes gradually usually helps.
Does dental care need to be routine, not just reactive?
Yes — regular dental checks, usually at least annually, help catch sharp edges or developing issues before they affect appetite.
Can stress alone explain a horse going off feed?
It can, particularly after a recent change in routine, but it’s worth ruling out physical causes with your vet rather than assuming it’s stress without checking.
Need pet products or prescription medicines? Visit the Pet Med Direct shop.
This this article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute veterinary advice.
If you are concerned with your dog’s health, please consult a qualified veterinarian.