what to feed a horse to gain weight

These are:

• High energy fibres —including soybean hulls, copra meal and sugarbeet pulp. ...
• Cereal grains and grain based feeds —cereal grains are well known as being high energy feeds and are useful in the diet of horses that need to gain weight. ...
• High fat feeds or oils —high fat feeds and oils are the highest energy feedstuffs you can give a horse. ...

Full Answer

What feed is good to help your horse lose weight?

If your horse is thin without any underlying health issues, and simply needs more calories, you can fix the problem by:

• Allowing 24/7 access to pasture or hay (or as much forage as possible).
• If increased amounts of hay aren’t enough, try offering a higher quality hay such as alfalfa or an immature grass hay. ...
• If you aren’t feeding any grain, try adding a grain product meant for working or performance horses. ...

More items...

What is the best weight gain supplement for horses?

Top 8 Weight Gain Supplements for Your Horses

• Manna Pro Cool Omega 40+. Cool Omega 40+ is a unique blend of fat and all-natural proteins. ...
• AniMed Muscle-UP Powder, 2.5lb. ...
• AniMed L-Lysine for Horses. ...
• Farnam Grow Colt Growth. ...
• AspirEze + Pain Relief for Horses. ...
• UltaCruz Equine Weight Gain Supplement. ...
• Penwoods Equine Body Builder 4000. ...
• Foal-Lac Instantized Powder. ...

What is the best thing to put weight on my horse?

Most horses do very well on grass or hay alone. More hay in its feeder or longer grazing time may be all it takes to see weight gain. Grass hay and pasture grasses are often sufficient for weight gain but alfalfa and other legume hays help boost the richness of hay and pasture.

What is the best oil to help horses gain weight?

To help your horse gain weight fast:

• Ensure that there is always hay for your horse to eat. How will he put on weight if he doesn’t have a lot to eat?
• Mix a handful of alfalfa in the usual quantity of grass. ...
• Boost the quality of the forage by mixing in weight gain supplements. ...
• Feed many smaller portions instead of one large meal. ...
• Make your horse have plenty of exercise. ...

How can I make my horse gain weight fast?

What is the fastest way to put weight on a horse? High fat, high protein grain combined with a rich alfalfa hay can quickly put weight on a horse, if there is not an underlying medical condition.

What to feed horses to fatten them up?

Adding highly digestible fibre sources such as sugar beet is beneficial for promoting weight gain in horses. Dengie Alfa-Beet is an ideal feed for underweight horses as it combines alfalfa with unmolassed sugar beet. Studies have shown this also helps to improve the digestibility of other fibre sources in the diet.

How can a skinny horse gain weight?

The simplified solution to poor weight is to increase the caloric content of the diet while ensuring adequate protein content. The three nutrients which can supply energy to increase the caloric content of the diet in the horse are fiber, starch and fat.

How quickly can a horse gain weight?

In general, healthy horses gain the weight they lost in four months, and you should see noticeable signs of weight gain within 90 days. However, some may take considerably longer to restore their lost weight, depending on the length of their sickness and age.

What oil can I give my horse to gain weight?

Adding vegetable oil, such as canola oil, is a useful way to boost the caloric density of your horse's diet without significantly increasing his feed intake. Another fat source to consider is stabilized rice bran, a high-fat supplement that is often pelleted.

Will alfalfa pellets put weight on a horse?

Horses in a challenging work program often need a higher protein diet to replace lost calories, and alfalfa cubes or pellets are an excellent way to add this element into their diets. The horse needs to gain weight. It can be very difficult to get underweight horses to put on weight.

Will corn put weight on a horse?

This energy density is how corn got a reputation for causing obesity or high-strung behavior; when compared to an equal volume of oats, the corn-fed horse will have consumed much more energy. If equal amounts of energy are fed, corn does not cause horses to be any more susceptible to weight gain or excitability.

Does beet pulp help horses gain weight?

Beet pulp can be used to help underweight horses gain weight, as it provides approximately 1,000 kcals per pound (one quart of dry beet pulp shreds weighs approximately 0.5-0.6 pounds).

How much corn oil do you give a horse?

1 to 16 ounces per dayIt should never be fed at more than 15% of the total diet, but 1 to 16 ounces per day is safe. Too much oil will decrease feed consumption and may cause loose manure.

What does sunflower oil do for horses?

The additional fat may help improve coat condition. In addition, sunflower oil is a rich source of vitamin E, a potent antioxidant. For horses that are not allowed to graze fresh pasture, it is always best to supplement with a natural-source vitamin E product, like Nano-E.

Is sweet feed good for horses?

Sweet feed is bad for horses—it's nothing but sugar.”

How much vegetable oil should I feed my horse?

Many horses receive a spoonful of (2 tablespoons) vegetable oil daily on the food to create more shine and gloss in their fur. Vegetable oil also helps digestion and smooth muscles and joints in horses. Any vegetable oil is suitable to feed horses such as sunflower oil, soybean oil and linseed oil.

How to help a horse gain weight?

These are all issues to be addressed by your veterinarian, and making an appointment with your vet is the first step to help your horse gain weight. If weight loss is caused by a health condition, then addressing the condition may be all that is necessary to help your horse regain the lost body condition. Your vet may suggest that your horse is ...

What is the best feed for an older horse?

First, if the older horse is still well able to chew and digest pasture/hay, switching to a higher calorie feed may be a good choice. Equine ® Senior Active is a high-calorie feed that is ideal for older horses that are still able to utilize long-stemmed forage.

How much does a horse need to gain to gain weight?

For every condition score below 5, an 1100-pound horse needs to gain about 45-50 pounds, and a 1-pound gain requires about 8000-9000 kcals over the calories required for maintenance. So, for example, if the horse needs to go from a 4 to a 5, it needs to gain 45 pounds, which is a total of approximately 380,000 kcals.

Why does my horse's hay wear down?

Hay is very fibrous, and as a horse ages, its teeth wear down to the point that the horse is unable to fully chew the hay , and, also with age, the horse’s digestion and absorption in the gut becomes less efficient.

Why is my horse underweight?

In many cases, the reason a horse is underweight is that it is just not eating adequate calories. So, to put weight on a horse, first you need to determine how much the horse currently weighs and how much weight it needs to gain. An easy way to determine the horse’s body weight is to use a weight tape. The Purina equine research team has spent many ...

How much weight can a horse gain in 90 days?

It is safest to put weight on a horse slowly, so let’s take 90 days for this example. 45 pounds of gain in 90 days is 1/2 pound per day, a safe goal to aim for. About 4500 additional kcal per day over the normal amount fed should achieve half a pound of gain per day.

Can you add water to a horse's mash?

If the time comes when the horse’s dental condition is so poor that the horse is no longer even able to chew the soft pellets, then water can be added to the Equine Senior ® to make a mash. (Note: the age at which a horse becomes a senior is determined by the horse.

What is the best food for a horse to gain weight?

Most important it includes many ingredients that encourage weight gain. These are soybean oil, stabilized milled flaxseed, and dried beet pulp. Buckeye Safe ‘N Easy Senior could be right for a horse that is still able to chew pellets and eat other forage but is looking to put on some weight. Pros.

What is the best supplement for horses?

The fiber assists in maintaining energy levels and giving the horse a healthy digestive tract. Vitamin E gives the horse a strong immune and muscular system. And, the amino acids, organic minerals, fatty acids, and antioxidants help in the horse’s weight gain.

What is Purina for horses?

Purina Equine Senior also includes prebiotics and antioxidants (Vitamin C and Vitamin E) to strengthen a horse’s immune system. This can be desirable for senior horses, rescue horses, or horses in recovery. It also has soy oil and molasses to encourage horses to eat without giving them too much sugar intake.

Why do horses get cut off?

Some senior horses get cut off from grass or hay (i.e.- forage) due to various dietary and physical restrictions. So, there must be viable replacements for these elements of their diet. Triple Crown Senior accounts for this and can be used as the only element of a horse’s diet.

Does beet pulp help with weight gain?

It is also beet-pulp based, which helps with digestion. Added flaxseed, rice bran, and vegetables are what most strongly encourages weight gain and maintenance, though all discussed ingredients will encourage healthy weight gain.

Can you feed a senior horse?

They are all “ senior” feeds, as senior horses frequently struggle with holding their weight. But, these feeds can be used on any horse for which they are appropriate. Always consult your vet or trainer before feeding your horse something new!

Is Triple Crown Senior good for horses?

Triple Crown Senior can be expensive, but it is well worth the cost for the benefit it will bring your senior horse. Most of its ingredients are good for all horses, though it is beet-pulp based and has low starch and sugar levels. While this is good for some horses, it is not good for all of them.

What supplements can help a horse gain weight?

Most contain high amounts of fat as well as amino acids, vitamins, minerals and other nutrients that help a horse build and maintain muscle.

What is the best food for a thin horse?

Grains, sweet feeds and other starch- and sugar-based concentrates had long been the high-calorie foods of choice for thin horses, especially those in hard work. They are convenient to use, but the benefits come with a price: Feeds that are high in starch and sugar can pose some health risks if fed in large amounts.

How do you know if your horse has dental problems?

In addition to weight loss, signs that a horse is experiencing dental problems might include dropping partially chewed feeds from the mouth, bad breath, fussiness with the bit and unchewed grains and bits of hay in the manure. >> Click here to read about common equine dental problems.

How much forage should a horse eat?

To sustain a healthy weight, a horse needs to consume a daily ration of 2 to 3 percent of his body weight each day; of that, at least 1.5 to 2 percent needs to be some form of forage. That means two pounds of total feed for every 100 pounds ...

What is the best fat for horses?

Rice bran is another source of fat that most horses love, and it’s also rich in vitamin E as well as fiber. The biggest concern with rice bran is that it is also high in phosphorus, which can inhibit the amount of calcium available in the horse’s body.

What are the signs of a horse losing weight?

Most will be accompanied by other obvious signs, such as diarrhea, colic, fever or lethargy— but in some cases signs of illness might be extremely subtle or nonexistent. “If your horse starts losing weight and his diet has not changed, get the veterinarian out ASAP,” says Ralston.

Can you feed hay by volume?

Even flakes of hay can vary in weight, and if you’re measuring out feed by volume—in a coffee can, for instance—you may discover that you’re feeding substantially less than a manufacturer’s recommended portion, which is usually given by weight.

What is the best food for horses?

This is a complete food for horses of all ages, whether they’re babies, thriving adults, or retired seniors. It has a variety of healthy whole foods for your horse to enjoy, such as whole oats, timothy hay, alfalfa, peas, cabbage, papaya, and ground flaxseed. This makes the formula intriguing to horses and more likely that they will eat it and therefore gain weight. The formula even includes dry rose hips, which will support your horse’s immune system and improve their overall quality of life.

What is the best supplement for horses?

It is fortified with a supplement called biotin that works to ensure the healthy growth of hooves. It also contains a healthy dose of fatty acids and antioxidants that will keep your horse’s coat soft, silky, and smooth.

What is total feed?

Total Feeds Total Equine feed was developed using 40 years of scientific research and is formulated to provide horses with the foods that they naturally crave so they enjoy every bite. Full of fiber, this horse feed helps regulate digestion and minimize digestion discomfort. This product contains extruded grain for optimal energy that will keep your horse active and happy throughout the day. Alfalfa is the main ingredient, which provides the basic amino acid profiles and fiber that your horse needs to stay healthy as they get older.

What to talk to a veterinarian about horse feed?

It is always a good idea to talk to your veterinarian before you start shopping for a feed to help put weight on your horse. They can help you decide whether to use a complete food formula or a supplement. They can also recommend ingredients to look for and those to avoid based on your horse’s age, general health, activity levels, and lifestyle conditions. They can even provide you with their opinion about the feed options that you are already considering buying.

Is Triple Crown horse feed good for horses?

This is a low-soluble carbohydrate formula that is suitable for horses that are underweight and insulin resistant. As a beet pulp-based formula, Triple Crown horse feed contains vitamins and minerals from real food, not just manufactured supplements.

Can horse feed be used as a supplement?

Check Latest Price. This horse feed can be used as a standalone food or as a supplement. It contains all the essential nutrients that a horse needs to thrive, including a healthy ratio of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.

Can horse feed help with weight gain?

Purchasing horse feed for weight gain can be a complex, confusing process. Most horse feeds contain low-calorie plant foods, so it can be tough to tell which could help your horse put on a few pounds. Here are tips and tricks that you can use to ease the process of shopping for a new horse feed.

Signs A Horse Needs To Gain Weight

A horse needs to maintain a certain level of body fat and muscle to support their bones and joints. When a horse is too skinny, they are much more fragile and can get injured more easily because of the lack of ‘cushion’ provided from body fat.

Why A Horse Needs Weight Gain Supplements

Before adding weight gain supplements, rule out any underlying health problems such as worms in their gut affecting proper digestion, teeth problems, digestive tract problems, and the horses overall lifestyle.

How To Make A Horse Gain Weight Quickly

Understanding what to feed a horse to have a horse gain weight will help you choose the best diet to increase weight gain. The amount of time the horse gains weight will only be determined by how properly you feed the horse. Overfeeding the horse too quickly will shock the horse’s digestive system, leading to colic, and potentially death.

Best Weight Gain Supplements For Horses

Adding a supplement with fiber, starch, fat, probiotics, flax, and oils will provide the extra boost in nutrients to gain body fat that the horse needs. There are many options in the market today marketed as weight gain supplements for horses.

What To Do After A Horse Has Gained Weight Back

Once it is noticeable that a horse is gaining weight, continuing the weight gain supplement is important. Only when the horse is at a suitable weight should you start to decrease the weight gain supplement slowly over time, taking note if the horse begins to drop weight again.

1. Be sure your horse actually needs more condition

While this advice might seem obvious, obesity remains a serious problem in horses. In a 2012 study, Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine researchers found that 32.3% of 300 horses were overconditioned (had a body condition score, or BCS, of 7 on the 1-to-9 scale) and 18.7% were obese (BCS of 8-9).

2. Rule out other health issues

Some horses are simply too lean or they’re underconditioned and need to gain weight and/or muscle mass. But weight loss and muscle wasting can also be signs of potentially serious health conditions, from dental disease to pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (equine Cushing’s disease).

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How much do you spend each year on your individual horse's dental care?

Why does my horse gain weight?

Weight gain in the horse can be attributed to protein or fat deposition. When a horse does not have enough calories or protein in the diet, the body will break down its own muscle tissue and deplete much of the adipose tissue or fat. This results in emaciation with poor muscle definition and protruding bones.

What are the three nutrients that horses need to get energy?

The three nutrients which can supply energy to increase the caloric content of the diet in the horse are fiber, starch and fat . Each nutrient is utilized for energy in a slightly different way in the body which, depending on the horse, can be advantageous or not.

Why is pasture higher than hay?

The digestibility of pasture is usually higher than hay because the curing process of haymaking results in digestible fiber losses. When comparing the energy content of alfalfa (lucerne) and grass hays, alfalfa hay can provide a horse with more energy than grass hay of similar quality.

How to increase energy density in horses?

Starch. When a horse cannot maintain weight on hay or grass alone , the addition of starch in the form of grains has been the most traditional method of increasing the energy density of the diet. Obtaining energy from starch is actually more efficient because it is a simple enzymatic process.

How much hay should a 1000 pound horse eat?

The minimal amount of forage a horse requires is 1% of its body weight. Therefore, a 1000 pound (450 kilogram) horse needs a minimum of 10 pounds (4.5 kilograms) of hay per day in order to maintain a reasonable balance of the microbial population.

Which carbohydrate gives the most structural support to a plant?

Lignin is the carbohydrate which gives the most structural support to a plant; rigid-stalked vegetation will contain more lignin than limp-stalked plants. For instance, there is little lignin in the soft leaves of the alfalfa plant (lucerne), but a much higher content of lignin is present in the rigid stem.

What determines a horse's metabolic rate?

The metabolic rate determines whether a horse is an easy or hard keeper, and the variation between horses can be extreme. Metabolism is the speed at which the body burns fuels for energy in order to maintain normal body functions. A slow metabolism can function on little input of fuel energy.

Why Horses Lose Weight

Getting Started

First, The Forage

Fats, For Calories

Finally, Concentrates

• Grains, sweet feeds and other starch- and sugar-based concentrates had long been the high-calorie foods of choice for thin horses, especially those in hard work. They are convenient to use, but the benefits come with a price: Feeds that are high in starch and sugar can pose some health risks if fed in large amounts. When a horse eats more starch in...

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