what to feed horses for weight gain

The Ingredients

• Proteins. Even though horses are herbivores, they still need a lot of protein. ...
• Starch or Carbohydrates. The best feed for performance uses a mixture of oats, barley, hay, and beet pulp. ...
• Fats, Vitamins, and Minerals. Healthy grains and fruits are an equestrian’s go-to source for minerals and vitamins. ...

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?

“I've seen horses do very well on corn, flax and rice bran oils. All three help to put weight on horses and really bring out the shine in their coats,” said Zach Madden, director of customer relations at Millennium Farms, a Central Kentucky-based full service breeding and public boarding operation.

How do 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 is the best horse feed to put weight on a horse?

Feed lucerne hay. Lucerne (known as alfalfa in North America) is a high energy forage and makes a valuable contribution to raising a horse's calorie intake above their daily requirement to encourage weight gain. Lucerne will also provide your horse with good quality protein which will facilitate muscle development.

What is the best grain to put weight on a horse?

Use alfalfa hay to put weight on horses But alfalfa is best fed mixed with grass hay and beet pulp because of its high protein and calcium levels. Horses that are not active run a risk of putting on too much weight too fast.

What oil helps horses gain weight?

Answer. 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.

How do I bulk up my horse?

You can use corn, peanut, canola, or vegetable oil. Adding oils to your horse's feed will help increase his weight and can aid in digestion. While your horse is on a higher calorie diet, make sure it's getting a little light exercise. This way, your horse will start to condition and build muscle.

Does alfalfa make you gain weight?

A. No, alfalfa consumption may cause weight loss. Alfalfa is a low-calorie, highly nutritious food. It also has a low glycaemic index.

Is beet pulp good for weight gain in horses?

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).

Does corn oil help horses gain weight?

Using corn oil as an example, eight fluid ounces of oil contains the same amount of fat as a pound of corn or 1.5 pounds of sweet feed. Therefore, adding oil as a top dressing to a horse's feed is an easy way to increase their fat intake, especially in horses who are unwilling or unable to consume more feed.

Will sweet feed put weight on horses?

Usually you will feed your horse a daily ration of sweet feed that's equal to a percentage of his body weight, typically between 0.5 and 3.0 percent. Weight it carefully so you know how much you're feeding, since guessing can lead to over- or underfeeding your horse.

Is peanut oil good for horses?

Peanut oil is prized by cooks because it withstands high frying temperatures. Due to its cost compared to other vegetable oils, peanut oil has not gained a foothold in the equine market, though there is no reason to believe that horses could not benefit from it just as they do from other liquid fats, said Crandell.

How can I put weight on my hard keeper horse?

Hard keepers should be fed, at minimum, 2% of their body weight per day in forage. For a 1000 pound horse, that would be 20 pounds of forage per day. This could then be increased to 2.5% to 3% per day (25 to 30 lb for 1000 lb horse) divided over many meals.

What horse feed has the most fat?

Horsemen have been feeding vegetable oils for decades, and for much of that time corn oil was the hands-down favorite. From a nutritional perspective, vegetable oil is 100% fat.

What horse feed has the most fat?

Horsemen have been feeding vegetable oils for decades, and for much of that time corn oil was the hands-down favorite. From a nutritional perspective, vegetable oil is 100% fat.

What to feed a horse that is losing weight?

If horses have free-choice access to as much forage as they will consume and they are losing weight, better quality forage must be provided. In addition, a grain concentrate can be added to provide extra nutrients that are missing in poor quality forage.

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).

Does speedi beet put weight on horses?

Speedi-Beet is so versatile. You can feed it in small amounts to a horse that is prone to weight gain or as a carrier for a mineral/vitamin supplement or medication.

How can I make my horse gain weight fast?

For a horse to gain weight quicker, you need to feed him a high-fat and high-carbs diet. The horse’s diet should be composed of about 80% grass hay...

What horse feed has the highest fat content?

Rice bran might be the best choice for horses that are fed a high-fat diet. Rice bran contains approximately 18% of fat, about 5% of protein and mo...

Does beet pulp help horses gain weight?

Yes. Beet pulp is energetically rich food as it contains approximately 1,000 kcals per pound. Beet pulp is considered a good source of fiber and ca...

How long does it take a thin horse to gain weight?

The rate at which a horse gains weight is determined by a number of factors, such as how badly malnourished he was, and what are the reasons for th...

What to feed an underweight horse?

The best feed for an underweight horse is good quality hay or pasture grass. 1  Give him free choice hay unless there is some medical reason (such as metabolic syndrome, founder (also known as laminitis) or Cushing’s disease) not to. Introduce horses to grass gradually to decrease the possibility of founder, colic, or diarrhea. Many 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.

What to feed a horse with bad teeth?

Rice bran and flax are also popular additions to the diets of underweight horses. Oils such as bran, rice, corn, flax, and other grain oils are often used to boost the energy and calories of a horse’s feed. Some people feel they also help keep the ...

Why do horses eat beet pulp?

Beet pulp is often fed as a supplement because it is high in fiber, which the horse can turn into energy. 2  Some people prefer to give their horses pelleted feed because they feel this is more easily digestible. Older horses might be able to digest "cooked" grains easier than regular grains, so a specially prepared senior feed might be helpful. For horses with bad teeth, smaller pellets or grains are easier to chew than larger pellets or cubes. Rice bran and flax are also popular additions to the diets of underweight horses.

Why is my horse underweight?

Food alone may not be the entire issue—bad teeth can make it painful for the horse to chew, cause the horse to swallow poorly masticated food, or make it chew very slowly. Internal parasites may also be stealing nutrition from your horse as well as damaging the digestive tract.

Can parasites steal nutrition from horses?

Internal parasites may also be stealing nutrition from your horse as well as damaging the digestive tract. If your horse is underweight make sure it has had a recent fecal examination for parasites and had its teeth checked by a veterinarian before simply adding more feed to its diet.

Is alfalfa hay good for horses?

Alfalfa and other legume hays are higher in protein and some minerals such as calcium. Giving these types of hays to an underweight horse may be needed. Go slowly when introducing any new feed to your horse even if it is "only hay.".

Can horse oil cause diarrhea?

Go carefully when adding these oils to your horse’s diet; too much oil in the diet can cause diarrhea. 3 . Whenever you are changing the number of concentrates, do it gradually to decrease the possibility of problems like founder or colic.

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 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.

How much grain should I feed my horse?

Care should be taken not to feed any more than 2 kg of grain in a single meal.

How much grain should a horse eat?

When large amounts of grain are fed it should be divided equally over 3 or more meals throughout the day. Make sure the horse is always getting at least 1.5 to 2% of their body weight in the form of fibre and a good rule of thumb is to try and stick to a roughage to grain ratio of around 70:30.

What is the purpose of fat in horse feed?

Fats: Fats and oils are commonly used in horse feeds to increase the calorie content of the feed or to replace the calories supplied by grains. Fat supplementation has many benefits including, providing calories for weight gain and providing essential fatty acids to improve skin and coat condition. Feeding fat has also been reported ...

Why add fat to a horse's diet?

Adding fat to a horse's diet permits safe weight gain while reducing the chance of colic or founder. Digestion of fat also yields less internal body heat when compared to other diets. Thin horses will gain weight and do so without having to eat as much grain if the diet is fortified with additional fat. Download your Free Fact Sheet on "The 3 Step ...

Why does my horse lose weight?

Damage to the intestinal lining can diminish production of enzymes needed to prepare food particles for absorption. Stress can also contribute to weight loss. If your horse is a chronic stall walker, weaver or fence runner, he is burning calories needlessly, all day long.

Why is proper dentition important for horses?

Proper dentition is essential to a horse because of the nature of its diet. Horses evolved eating coarse roughage and plant materials that require thorough grinding by the molars to break down the particle size of the food. Poor worming regimes can also cause weight loss regardless of what and how much you are feeding.

What is the most important energy source for horses?

Fibre: Of the three major energy sources (fibre, carbohydrates and fat) for the horse, fibre is the most important. Fibre is the major component of pasture and hay. Some horses can maintain their weight on fibre sources alone. For the poor doer, however, fibre alone will not maintain weight, but there are fibre sources with higher energy content ...