What it is quidding?

Quidding is the dropping out of the mouth of inadequately chewed fiber.

Why is a horse quidding?

The main cause for this behavior is a painful condition in the mouth. Consider, first of all, periodontitis (gum disease) whether or not due to gaps between the teeth (diastemata).Severe wear and tear, tooth fractures, etc., can also cause these symptoms.

The second main cause is a lack of chewing ability of the horse. This typically occurs in older horses due to the loss of relief/enamel and teeth.

Until proven otherwise, any horse that quids is seriously suspected of having a significant dental problem.

What can you do if your horse is quidding?

Regular inspection and care of the horse's teeth is the key to preventing and treating dental problems and thus quidding. In addition to dental treatment, medication and nutrition modification is sometimes necessary.

FAQ

1. What does quidding mean in horses?
Quidding refers to the behavior where a horse drops small balls of food from its mouth that has not been adequately chewed. It often indicates impaired chewing function or dental health issues.

2. What causes this behavior in horses?
The main cause is pain in the mouth—such as from periodontitis, diastemata (spaces between teeth), tooth fractures, or severe wear. A diminished chewing ability—especially in older horses—also contributes.

3. What actions should you take if your horse is quidding?
Have your horse’s dental health regularly examined and treated by a qualified veterinarian. In some cases, medication support is necessary, and you may need to adjust its diet (softer or more processed feed, short fibers).