Horses, like all animals, require proper nutrition, care, and management to maintain a healthy weight. Whether your horse is underweight due to illness, aging, increased workload, or poor diet, natural weight gain should be approached thoughtfully to ensure long-term health. Natural methods to help horses gain weight safely and sustainably.
Table of Contents
1. Assessing Your Horse’s Condition
Before making dietary changes, evaluate your horse’s current condition to determine the cause of weight loss or difficulty gaining weight.
Body Condition Scoring (BCS)
The Henneke Body Condition Scale (1-9) helps assess fat coverage:
- 1 (Poor): Extremely emaciated
- 5 (Moderate): Ideal weight
- 9 (Extremely Fat): Excess fat deposits
Aim for a BCS of 5-6 for most horses. If your horse scores below 4, weight gain strategies are necessary.
Common Causes of Weight Loss
- Poor Diet (Insufficient calories or nutrients)
- Dental Problems (Difficulty chewing)
- Parasites (Internal worms reducing nutrient absorption)
- Metabolic Disorders (PPID/Cushing’s, insulin resistance)
- Stress or Illness (Digestive issues, infections)
- High Workload (Increased energy demands)
Consult a veterinarian to rule out health issues before adjusting the diet.
2. Optimizing the Diet for Weight Gain
A balanced diet with sufficient calories, protein, fats, and fiber is essential for healthy weight gain.
High-Quality Forage (The Foundation of Weight Gain)
Forage (hay or pasture) should make up 60-70% of a horse’s diet.
- Legume Hay (Alfalfa/Lucerne): Higher in protein (15-20%) and calories than grass hay.
- Grass Hay (Timothy, Orchard, Bermuda): Good for maintenance but may need supplementation.
- Pasture Grazing: Fresh grass provides digestible energy; ensure access to quality pasture.
Tip: Soaking hay can help older horses with dental issues chew more easily.
Increasing Caloric Intake
If forage alone isn’t enough, add calorie-dense feeds:
- Beet Pulp: Highly digestible fiber, safe for most horses. Soak before feeding.
- Rice Bran: High in fat (20%) and calories; supports weight gain without excess starch.
- Flaxseed (Linseed): Rich in omega-3s and healthy fats; grind for better digestion.
- Vegetable Oil (Coconut, Canola, Flaxseed): Add ½ to 1 cup daily for extra calories (start slowly).
Protein for Muscle Development
Underweight horses often need more protein for muscle repair.
- Soybean Meal: High in lysine, an essential amino acid.
- Alfalfa Pellets/Cubes: Convenient protein source.
- Whey Protein (Limited Use): Can be added in small amounts for muscle recovery.
Grain-Based Feeds (Use with Caution)
While grains (oats, corn, barley) provide quick energy, excessive amounts can cause digestive issues.
- Oats: Easily digestible but lower in calories.
- Corn: High in starch; feed in moderation to avoid insulin spikes.
- Commercial Weight Gain Feeds: Formulated for safe, gradual weight gain.
Avoid: Sudden grain increases, which can lead to colic or laminitis.
3. Feeding Strategies for Maximum Weight Gain
Small, Frequent Meals
Horses digest small amounts more efficiently. Instead of two large meals, feed 3-4 smaller meals daily.
Slow Feeders for Continuous Grazing
- Hay Nets with Small Holes: Encourage slower eating and better digestion.
- Free-Choice Forage (If Possible): Mimics natural grazing behavior.
Digestive Supplements for Better Nutrient Absorption
- Probiotics & Prebiotics: Support gut health (e.g., Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast).
- Electrolytes (If Needed): Ensure hydration, especially for hard-working horses.
4. Natural Supplements to Support Weight Gain
Certain herbs and supplements can enhance digestion and metabolism.
Herbal Additives
- Marshmallow Root: Soothes the digestive tract.
- Fenugreek: Appetite stimulant.
- Brewer’s Yeast: Rich in B vitamins for metabolism.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
- Flaxseed Oil: Supports coat health and weight gain.
- Chia Seeds: High in protein and healthy fats.
Vitamin & Mineral Balancers
Ensure your horse gets enough:
- Vitamin E & Selenium: For muscle function.
- Copper & Zinc: For coat and hoof health.
5. Addressing Health & Management Factors
Dental Care
- Annual Dental Checks: Ensure teeth are not preventing proper chewing.
- Floating (Filing Sharp Points): Helps older horses grind food efficiently.
Parasite Control
- Regular Deworming: Follow fecal egg count tests for targeted treatment.
- Manure Management: Rotate pastures to reduce worm load.
Stress Reduction
- Stable Companionship: Horses are social; isolation can cause stress.
- Consistent Routine: Minimize sudden changes in feeding or exercise.
Exercise for Muscle Tone
- Light Work: Encourages muscle development without excessive calorie burn.
- Turnout Time: Free movement supports digestion and metabolism.
6. Monitoring Progress & Adjusting the Plan
Watch for Digestive Upset: Diarrhea or colic may indicate dietary issues.
Weekly Weigh-Ins: Use a weight tape to track progress.
Adjust Feed Gradually: Increase portions slowly over weeks.
Here are ten frequently asked questions on how to increase weight gain in horses naturally, with detailed, practical answers.
1. My horse is a “hard keeper.” Where should I start?
Answer: Always start with a veterinary check. Rule out underlying issues like dental problems (hooks, sharp points), parasites (a fecal egg count is crucial), or metabolic disorders like ulcers. No amount of feed will help if there’s a medical reason for the weight loss. Once cleared, focus on the foundation: high-quality forage.
2. What is the most important factor for natural weight gain?
Answer: High-Quality Forage. Horses are hindgut fermenters designed to live on forage. The cornerstone of any weight-gain program is providing free-choice, high-quality grass hay or legume hay like Alfalfa (Lucerne). Alfalfa is higher in calories and protein than grass hay, making it an excellent choice for weight gain.
3. I’m already feeding a lot of grain, but my horse isn’t gaining. Why?
Answer: Large grain meals can be counterproductive. They can overwhelm the digestive system, leading to issues like hindgut acidosis, which impairs nutrient absorption and can cause behavioral problems. It’s better to replace some grain calories with fat and digestible fiber sources, which are safer and more efficient for weight gain.
4. What are the best natural fat sources to add to my horse’s diet?
Answer:
- Vegetable Oil: (e.g., corn, soybean, or canola oil) is a pure, calorie-dense option. Start with ¼ cup and slowly work up to 1-2 cups per day, split between meals.
- Rice Bran: A highly palatable source of fat and fiber. Look for stabilized rice bran to prevent rancidity.
- Flaxseed: Provides both fat (omega-3 fatty acids) and protein. Ground or micronized flax is best for digestibility.
- Copra Meal: (Dried coconut meal) is a low-starch, high-fat, and high-fiber feed that is excellent for horses prone to metabolic issues.
5. Are there specific feeds I should look for?
Answer: Yes, look for feeds labeled as “Senior,” “Performance,” or “Weight Gain” formulas. These are typically higher in fat (10%+), digestible fiber (from beet pulp, soy hulls), and protein, while being lower in starch than traditional sweet feeds.
6. How important is feeding beet pulp?
Answer: Very important. Beet pulp is a super-fiber—it’s highly digestible and provides more calories than most hays, similar to the energy level of oats, but without the starch. It’s an excellent, safe way to add “good” calories. Always soak it before feeding to prevent choke.
7. Should I increase the number of feedings?
Answer: Absolutely. Instead of two large meals, try feeding three or even four smaller meals per day. This keeps the digestive system consistently working, reduces stress on the gut, and improves overall nutrient absorption. It also mimics a horse’s natural grazing behavior.
8. Can probiotics or digestive aids help?
Answer: Yes, especially for hard keepers. A healthy gut is essential for absorbing nutrients. Probiotics (direct-fed microbials) and prebiotics (like yeast) can support the microbial population in the hindgut, improving the digestion of forage and helping your horse get more energy from his feed.
9. My horse eats well but seems “wormy.” What should I do?
Answer: This is a classic sign of a high parasite burden. Work with your vet to implement a strategic deworming program based on fecal egg counts. This ensures you are using the right dewormer at the right time. Also, practice good manure management in pastures.
10. Besides diet, what else can affect my horse’s weight?
Answer:
- Dental Health: Sharp points and dental issues prevent proper chewing. Have your horse’s teeth checked and floated by an equine dentist or vet at least once a year.
- Stress: A stressful environment (herd dynamics, lack of turnout, travel) can burn calories and decrease appetite. Ensure your horse has a low-stress life with plenty of turnout and companionship.
- Weather: Cold, wet, or windy weather requires a significant amount of calories just to maintain body heat. Increase hay intake dramatically during winter, as the fermentation of hay in the gut produces internal heat.