Why isn't your horse eating? Causes and what to do

Dental problems: the most overlooked cause

Many horses eat less or refuse hard feed because their teeth are causing pain. Sharp points, broken molars or uneven wear make chewing literally painful. A horse with dental problems often drops half-chewed feed — also known as 'quidding' — or starts eating more slowly. On average, around 60 to 80% of horses older than 10 years need dental treatment. Also check whether there is excessive salivation or whether your horse tilts its head while eating. Schedule a dental check-up at least once a year; twice a year for older horses.

Stomach and intestinal problems as a cause of feed refusal

Gastric ulcers are a common reason why horses refuse feed, especially concentrate feed. Estimates go up to 70% in sport and competition horses. Symptoms are subtle: a horse that starts eating slowly, drinks water before grazing, or loses condition. Colic is another clear reason — a horse in abdominal pain simply will not eat. Watch for flank-watching, rolling, sweating and increased breathing rate. If you suspect colic, call your vet immediately; never wait until the next day.

Stress and social environment

Horses are herd animals. A change of stable companions, a move to a new yard, or bullying by other horses can directly affect appetite. A busy environment — heavy traffic, noise or irregular stable routines — also causes stress. A stressed horse produces more cortisol, which inhibits digestion. Observe at what time of day your horse eats less and whether there is a pattern. Sometimes a simple change in stable layout or a quieter feeding time is enough to solve the problem.

Common causes at a glance

• Dental problems: sharp points, broken molars or uneven wear
• Gastric ulcers: especially in sport horses receiving large amounts of concentrate feed
• Colic: abdominal pain due to impaction, gas build-up or intestinal entrapment
• Fever or infection: a horse with a temperature above 38.5°C rarely eats normally
• Poor-tasting or mouldy feed: check the smell, colour and texture
• Feed change introduced too quickly: always transition over a minimum of 10 to 14 days
• Loneliness or stress caused by the stable environment

When should you call the vet immediately?

Some situations call for immediate action. Call your vet if:

• Your horse has completely refused to eat or drink for more than 12 hours
• There are signs of colic: rolling, sweating, flank-watching
• The temperature is above 38.5°C or below 37.5°C
• Your horse is clearly losing weight within a week
• There is mucus or blood in the droppings

Tracking with EquiSight helps you spot patterns

Eating less on one occasion is different from a structural loss of appetite. By recording eating habits, behaviour and weight in the EquiSight horse profile, you can quickly see whether a recurring pattern is emerging — for example after training, in warm weather or after a feed change. Based on your notes, EquiCoach can flag when something deviates from the normal pattern for your horse. This keeps you alert earlier and means less guesswork.