In this video, Dr. Yvette Nout-Lomas of Colorado State University helps us understand how to help a horse gain weight.

(Editor’s note: The content of this video is the expert’s approach to the topic. Please consult with your practitioner if you have questions.)

Click on the above player to watch the video.

Why Weight is Important

Underweight horses are not able to perform at their maximum level, noted Nout-Lomas. They also can be at risk of developing GI-tract issues. They could have metabolic disease, heavy parasite burdens, or infections.

Underweight horses can be at risk of developing behavioral issues if they are “hungry all the time,” said Nout-Lomas.

An ideal weight generally is a 4-5 on the body condition scale. You can weigh horses on a scale to get an actual weight. Keep in mind that using a weight tape doesn’t give you an exact weight, but it can be used to get close enough for deworming or medication determinations. Weight tapes are useful to see if horses are gaining or losing weight.

However, a weight does not tell you if that is what a particular horse should weigh. For that, you should depend on the body condition score. Nout-Lomas walks you through how to examine a horse for a body condition score in the video.

Why Underweight

Many times horses are underweight because of the amount of calories taken in verses the calories they are expending. That can contribute to that?

The horse might:

  • not being fed enough.
  • not have access to food.
  • be too lame or sore to make it to where the food is being provided.
  • have dental disease and is not able to chew its food properly.
  • have GI disease, perhaps related to parasites.
  • might have a disease.

Conditions that Require More Calories

There are certain conditions that probably will require horses to have more calories. Those include:

  • heavy exercise
  • freezing or very cold conditions
  • aging horses
  • breeding animals and lactating mares
  • breed differences affect nutrient absorption and use

How to Help Horses Weight Gain

Nout-Lomas said forage is one of the first things to examine if you are looking to help your horse gain weight. You can increase the amount or the quality of the forage to help your horse gain weight. You can add a fat source to your horse’s feed, or add or increase the amount of concentrate the horse receives.

She reminded horse owners that it can be “dangerous” to give too much grain concentrate.

After implementing slow changes in diet, you should see changes in your horse’s weight in two to four weeks, said Nout-Lomas.

Final Words

“It really is impossible to feed all horses the same diet and expect the same results,” said Nout-Lomas.

Make sure to keep your veterinarian “in the loop” as you are attempting to have your horse gain weight. If you have any questions or concerns, contact your veterinarian or an equine nutritionist.

Further Reading