Feeding a PPID (Cushing’s disease) horse can be challenging—especially when that horse also has Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis (EPM). Both conditions affect how your horse metabolizes nutrients, maintains weight, and supports muscle strength.
In this guide, you’ll learn practical PPID horse feeding tips to manage diet, improve digestion, and promote overall wellness for horses facing these dual health challenges.
Understanding PPID and EPM in Horses
PPID, also known as Cushing’s disease, is a hormonal disorder that mainly affects older horses. It can cause:
- Muscle and topline loss
- Laminitis risk
- Poor immune function
- Sensitivity to sugar and starch
EPM, on the other hand, is a neurological condition caused by protozoal parasites that damage the horse’s central nervous system. Horses with EPM often experience:
- Muscle wasting
- Weakness or uncoordinated movement
- Weight loss and reduced appetite
When a horse has both conditions, feeding becomes a careful balance—controlling sugars for PPID while increasing calories and nutrients to help fight EPM and rebuild muscle.
1. Prioritize High-Quality Forage
Forage should form the foundation of every equine diet, but for PPID horses, quality and digestibility are everything.
Key Forage Tips:
- Choose soft, leafy grass/legume mix hay rather than coarse, mature hay.
- Test hay for nonstructural carbohydrates (NSC)—aim for below 10% for PPID horses.
- If your horse struggles to chew, replace hay with hay cubes, pellets, or chopped forage.
- Consider soaking hay to reduce sugar levels before feeding.
If chewing or digestion is a concern, commercial fiber-based senior feeds can replace part of the hay ration safely.
2. Select the Right Concentrate Feed
After ensuring your forage base is solid, focus on selecting a concentrate feed that supports energy without triggering metabolic flare-ups.
Best Practices for Concentrates:
- Choose low-NSC, high-fat senior feeds designed for PPID horses.
- Look for feeds that include beet pulp, rice bran, or vegetable oil for safe calories.
- Always feed according to the manufacturer’s directions—underrating can cause nutrient deficiencies.
- Divide concentrate meals into 2–3 smaller feedings per day for better digestion and insulin control.
3. Supplement for Targeted Support
Smart supplementation can make a big difference for horses dealing with both PPID and EPM.
Recommended Supplements:
- Omega-3 Oils: Add calories and reduce inflammation. (Flaxseed or fish oil are great choices.)
- Vitamin E: Supports nerve repair and immune health in EPM horses.
- General guideline: 5,000–10,000 IU per day (consult your vet first).
- Probiotics and Prebiotics: Improve digestion and nutrient absorption.
💡 Pro Tip: Have your vet test your horse’s vitamin E levels before supplementing to determine the correct dosage.
4. Focus on Feeding Management
How you feed is just as important as what you feed. Consistent routines and hydration play a big role in digestive and metabolic stability.
Management Tips:
- Keep feeding times consistent to reduce stress and hormone spikes.
- Provide clean, unfrozen water at all times—dehydration worsens metabolic problems.
- Avoid high-sugar treats and molasses-rich feeds.
- Regularly monitor body condition score (BCS) and weight.
- Make feed changes gradually to avoid digestive upset.
5. Work With Your Vet and Nutritionist
Because PPID and EPM both require medical management, it’s essential to coordinate your nutrition plan with your veterinarian and, if possible, an equine nutritionist. They can:
- Review hay and feed test results
- Adjust diet as symptoms change
- Recommend specific supplements or medication timing for optimal absorption
Take-Home Message
Senior horses with PPID and EPM face complex nutritional needs—but with the right approach, weight gain and muscle recovery are possible.
Start with tested, low-sugar forage, choose high-fat senior feeds, and support nerve and muscle health with omega-3 oils and vitamin E. With consistent management and professional guidance, your horse can thrive despite these challenging conditions.
