Providing Dental Health for Horses with Proper Chewing

Does your horse suffer from sharp teeth? It may be time to consider the importance of proper chewing for their dental health.

Providing larger, unprocessed dry grains is essential when it comes to feeding horses. While small pellets or soggy meals may be convenient, they don't give horses enough chewing time as they break too quickly.

The Importance of Chewing for Dental Health

Chewing plays a crucial role in maintaining dental health for horses. Horses' teeth slide up from the sockets throughout their lives, and proper chewing helps wear down these teeth evenly. The grinding motion allows for balanced tooth wear, preventing sharp points and hooks from forming, which can lead to discomfort and pain.

When horses are not given sufficient chewing time, their teeth are unable to wear down properly. This can result in malocclusions, where the teeth do not align correctly, causing issues with eating and digestion. Sharp points and hooks can also form, causing ulcers on the horse's cheeks or tongue, making it painful for them to eat or wear their bits.

The Problem with Small Pellets and Soggy Meals

While small pellets and soggy meals may be convenient feeding options, they do not give horses adequate chewing time. These types of feed break down quickly, requiring minimal effort from the horse to consume. As a result, the horse's teeth do not receive the necessary grinding motion needed for proper tooth wear.

Horses evolved as grazers, spending hours each day consuming fibrous plants. This natural feeding behaviour allows for extended chewing time, promoting healthy teeth. Therefore, feeding dry grains that require more chewing is essential for maintaining their dental health.

Supporting Tooth Grinding with Larger, Unprocessed Dry Grains

To ensure horses' teeth stay strong and healthy, it is crucial to provide them with larger, unprocessed dry grains instead of small pellets or soggy meals. These dry grains require more chewing, providing the necessary grinding motion for proper tooth wear. By offering this type of feed, we support the natural behaviour of horses and their dental health.

Additionally, larger, unprocessed dry grains offer other benefits for horses. They promote saliva production, which aids in digestion and neutralizes stomach acids. The chewing process also helps break down the feed into smaller particles, making it easier for the horse to digest and extract nutrients.

Tips for Ensuring Extended Chewing Time

To maximize the dental health benefits of extended chewing time, consider implementing the following tips:

1. Utilize slow feeders: Slow feeders are designed to mimic natural grazing behaviour, forcing horses to take smaller bites and chew for more extended periods. This helps simulate the extended chewing time they would experience while grazing in a pasture.

2. Offer hay or forage: Providing ample amounts of high-quality thick hay or forage encourages horses to chew for longer periods. Hay is fibrous and requires extensive grinding, providing horses with the chewing time necessary for optimal dental health.

3. Avoid excessive grain processing: While some processing is necessary for grain feed, excessive processing can result in a feed that breaks down too quickly, depriving horses of enough chewing time. Opt for larger grain sizes that require more effort to consume.

4. Regular dental check-ups: Regular dental check-ups are essential for identifying and addressing any dental issues promptly. A qualified equine dentist can identify sharp points, hooks, or other dental abnormalities that may require correction.

Conclusion

Proper chewing is vital for maintaining the dental health of horses. To support tooth grinding and ensure strong and healthy teeth, it is essential to provide larger, unprocessed dry grains that require extended chewing time. Avoiding small pellets or soggy meals that break down quickly is crucial for maintaining proper tooth wear.

By promoting extended chewing time, we can prevent dental issues such as malocclusion, sharp points, and hooks. Slow feeders, offering hay or forage, minimizing excessive grain processing, and regular dental check-ups are effective strategies to ensure horses receive ample chewing time for optimal dental health.

Remember, a horse with healthy teeth is a happy and comfortable horse!