Seniors & Hardkeepers

Zesterra® helps support your seniors and hardkeepers

Some horses simply require more nutritional support than others. Whether due to age, dental issues, high caloric needs, or underlying metabolic challenges, "hard keepers" often struggle to maintain or gain weight. Others may be recovering from illness or injury, which can reduce gut motility and lead to ulcers or reduced feed utilization.

 

Zesterra® is designed to help support the digestive system of these horses, giving them the best possible chance to thrive. By promoting a healthier gut environment and optimizing nutrient absorption, Zesterra® helps unlock more from every bite.
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What Makes a Horse a "Hard Keeper"?

Some horses burn calories more quickly or struggle to extract nutrition from their feed. In older horses, worn or missing teeth can reduce chewing efficiency, while others may suffer from undiagnosed ulcers or metabolic issues.

  • Rapid weight loss and difficulty maintaining body condition
  • Increased caloric needs due to age, breed, or activity level
  • Dull coat, reduced energy, or poor topline despite feeding
  • Pain, illness, or stress that impacts appetite or digestion
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Why Proper Nutrition Alone Isn’t Always Enough

It’s not just about what you feed – it’s about what the horse can absorb. A compromised gut may prevent even the best feeds from doing their job. Supporting gut health with the right prebiotic approach can improve utilization dramatically.

  • Zesterra® supports pH balance, reducing harmful acid levels
  • A balanced rumen and stomach pH promote microbial health
  • Helps heal and maintain gut lining integrity for nutrient absorption
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Forage First – But Make It Count

A horse’s digestive system is designed for constant forage intake. Older or hard-keeping horses need free-choice access to forage that’s high-quality and easy to chew.

  • Offer unlimited access to soft grass hay or soaked hay pellets
  • Supplement with beet pulp, soaked hay cubes, or alfalfa for added calories
  • Use warm water to soak and soften feeds for horses with dental issues
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Ulcer Prevention and Gut Comfort

Gastric ulcers aren’t just for performance horses. Any horse under stress – including seniors or those struggling to maintain weight – may develop ulcers, even without obvious signs.

  • Watch for subtle symptoms: irritability, girthiness, dullness, or picky eating
  • Zesterra® helps neutralize excess stomach acid and soothe the gut lining
  • Regular support can reduce recurrence and improve feed intake
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Avoiding Hindgut Acidosis

Trying to bulk up a hard keeper by adding grain can backfire. If undigested grain ferments in the hindgut, it can cause acidosis, colic, or laminitis.

  • Stick to small, frequent grain meals using crimped or extruded feeds
  • Avoid large grain dumps or high-starch feeds
  • Zesterra® can help stabilize pH throughout the digestive tract
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Feed the Good Bugs

The gut microbiome plays a massive role in digestion. Prebiotics like Zesterra® help the beneficial bacteria flourish, which improves everything from nutrient uptake to immune function.

  • Promotes a stronger, more diverse microbial population
  • Helps reduce "leaky gut" and inflammation
  • May increase resistance to pathogens like Salmonella and E. coli
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Fat Is Your Friend

Fat provides more calories per pound than grain and is easier on the digestive system. For horses with limited appetites, adding fat can help increase energy intake without bulk.

  • Zesterra® includes soy oil, corn oil, and other digestible fats
  • Add additional fat sources if needed: flax, rice bran, vegetable oils
  • Monitor condition closely and increase gradually to avoid digestive upset
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Don’t Forget the Teeth

If a horse can’t chew, it can’t extract nutrients. Dental issues are often a major contributor to weight loss in seniors.

  • Schedule regular dental exams and floats with your vet
  • Offer soaked feeds or mashes to reduce discomfort
  • Switch to senior feeds with smaller or softer pellets as needed
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Gut Parasites and Hidden Stressors

Even a mild parasite load can reduce nutrient absorption. Stress from herd dynamics or weather changes can also play a role in reduced feed intake.

  • Conduct regular fecal egg counts and deworm as needed
  • Offer stress-free feeding areas away from aggressive horses
  • Zesterra® supports gut flora that compete with parasites and boost immunity
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Better Nutrition, Better Outcomes

When feeding hard keepers, quality matters more than quantity. Look for digestible, nutrient-dense feeds and make every bite count.

  • Prioritize forage, then layer in concentrated feeds and fat as needed
  • Consider feed palatability and moisture content for picky eaters
  • Use Zesterra® daily to support gut function, appetite, and energy
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Let’s Get Your Horse Back on Track
Whether you're working with a senior, a hard keeper, or just trying to solve a frustrating weight-loss mystery, you're not alone — and you don’t have to guess.

📞 Want to have a one-on-one conversation with a Zesterra® Specialist? 

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