What To Feed a Horse To Fatten Them Up: A Comprehensive Guide
What can you feed a horse to fatten them up? Successfully increasing a horse’s weight involves providing a diet rich in calories, focusing on high-fiber, digestible energy sources such as specialized feeds, oils, and beet pulp, alongside consistent monitoring and veterinary consultation.
Understanding Equine Weight Gain
Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial for a horse’s overall well-being and performance. A horse that is underweight may be prone to illness, fatigue, and poor athletic performance. Assessing a horse’s Body Condition Score (BCS) is the first step in determining if weight gain is needed. BCS uses a scale of 1-9, with 1 being emaciated and 9 being obese. A healthy range is typically between 4 and 6. What can you feed a horse to fatten them up? Depends on several factors including the horse’s current BCS, age, activity level, and overall health.
The Importance of Forage
Forage, primarily hay and pasture, should be the foundation of any horse’s diet, even when the goal is weight gain. High-quality forage provides essential fiber, which is crucial for gut health and digestion. Aim for a minimum of 1.5-2% of the horse’s body weight in forage per day.
Energy-Dense Feeds
When forage alone isn’t enough to achieve weight gain, adding energy-dense feeds is necessary. Here are some popular options:
- Grains: Oats, corn, and barley are common grains used to increase calorie intake. However, they are relatively high in starch, which can potentially lead to digestive issues if fed in large quantities. Consider stabilized rice bran as a more digestible grain alternative.
- Beet Pulp: Shredded beet pulp is a highly digestible fiber source that also provides a good amount of calories. It’s often soaked in water before feeding, which can also improve hydration.
- Fat Supplements: Adding oil to the diet is an excellent way to increase calorie intake without significantly increasing the volume of feed. Vegetable oils (soybean, corn) and rice bran oil are commonly used.
- Commercial Weight Gain Supplements: Many commercial feeds are specifically formulated for weight gain. These often contain a blend of ingredients designed to provide a balanced source of energy, protein, and essential nutrients.
Protein Considerations
While increasing caloric intake is paramount, adequate protein is also important for muscle development and overall health. High-quality protein sources include:
- Alfalfa Hay: Alfalfa is a legume hay that is higher in protein and calcium than grass hay. It is often used to improve condition in underweight horses.
- Soybean Meal: Soybean meal is a concentrated source of protein that can be added to the diet.
- Commercial Feeds: Most commercial weight gain feeds contain adequate levels of protein.
Feeding Strategies for Weight Gain
Successfully fattening up a horse requires a thoughtful and gradual approach. Here are some key strategies:
- Start Slow: Introduce new feeds gradually to allow the horse’s digestive system to adjust.
- Small, Frequent Meals: Dividing the daily ration into multiple smaller meals can improve digestion and nutrient absorption.
- Monitor Body Condition: Regularly assess the horse’s BCS to track progress and adjust the diet accordingly.
- Consult with a Veterinarian or Equine Nutritionist: They can help you develop a customized feeding plan based on your horse’s individual needs.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overfeeding Grain: Feeding too much grain can lead to colic, laminitis, and other digestive issues.
- Neglecting Forage: Forage should always be the foundation of the diet, even when the goal is weight gain.
- Ignoring Dental Issues: Poor dental health can make it difficult for horses to chew and digest food, hindering weight gain. Schedule regular dental exams.
- Not Addressing Underlying Health Problems: Weight loss can be a symptom of an underlying health problem, such as parasites or ulcers. Rule out any medical conditions before attempting to increase weight.
- Sudden Changes in Diet: Abrupt changes in feed can disrupt the gut microbiome and lead to digestive upset.
- Insufficient Water Intake: Adequate hydration is essential for digestion and overall health. Ensure access to fresh, clean water at all times.
Body Condition Score Chart Example
| BCS | Description |
|---|---|
| —– | ———————————————————————————————————————————————- |
| 1 | Poor: Extremely emaciated; ribs, vertebrae, pelvis easily visible; bone structure prominent. |
| 3 | Thin: Ribs easily palpable; vertebrae prominent; tailhead prominent. |
| 5 | Moderate: Ribs palpable with slight fat covering; vertebrae rounded; tailhead not prominent. |
| 7 | Fleshy: Ribs palpable with difficulty; fat covering ribs; fat deposited along vertebrae; tailhead fat beginning to feel spongy. |
| 9 | Extremely Fat: Bulging fat; patchy fat over ribs; obvious fat along vertebrae; prominent fat around tailhead. |
Supplementation Recommendations
| Supplement | Benefit | Dosage |
|---|---|---|
| ———————- | ———————————————————————————————- | ———————————————————— |
| Stabilized Rice Bran | High in fat and fiber; digestible and palatable. | As directed on the product label. |
| Omega-3 Fatty Acids | Support overall health, reduce inflammation, and improve skin and coat condition. | As directed on the product label. |
| Probiotics | Support gut health and improve digestion. | As directed on the product label. |
| Vitamin E | Antioxidant; supports immune function and muscle health. | As directed by veterinarian or nutritionist. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the first thing I should do if my horse is underweight?
The first and most important step is to consult with your veterinarian. They can rule out any underlying medical conditions that may be contributing to the weight loss, such as parasites, dental problems, or ulcers. Addressing these issues is crucial before attempting to increase weight through dietary changes.
How quickly should I expect to see results when trying to fatten up my horse?
Weight gain is a gradual process, and it can take several weeks or even months to see noticeable results. Patience and consistency are key. Monitor your horse’s body condition score regularly and make adjustments to the diet as needed. Don’t expect overnight miracles.
Can I just feed my horse more of their regular feed to help them gain weight?
Simply increasing the amount of the horse’s regular feed may not be the most effective or healthiest approach. It’s often better to supplement with energy-dense feeds like beet pulp, oil, or a commercial weight gain supplement. This allows you to increase calorie intake without significantly increasing the volume of feed, which can overwhelm the digestive system.
Is it safe to feed my horse corn to help them gain weight?
Corn can be a relatively inexpensive source of calories, but it’s also high in starch, which can be difficult for some horses to digest. Feeding corn in moderation is generally safe, but it’s important to monitor your horse for signs of digestive upset. Consider cracked or rolled corn, which is easier to digest than whole corn.
What role does hay play in weight gain?
Hay is the foundation of a healthy diet and provides essential fiber. If your horse is underweight, ensure they are receiving high-quality hay in sufficient quantities (at least 1.5-2% of their body weight per day). You may also consider switching to a higher-calorie hay, such as alfalfa.
What are the best oil supplements for weight gain in horses?
Several oils can be used to increase calorie intake, including soybean oil, corn oil, and rice bran oil. Rice bran oil is often preferred due to its higher concentration of gamma oryzanol, which may have additional health benefits. Always introduce oil gradually to avoid digestive upset.
How important is dental care when trying to fatten up a horse?
Dental care is crucial for horses of all ages, but it’s especially important when trying to increase weight. Horses with dental problems may have difficulty chewing and digesting food, which can hinder weight gain. Schedule regular dental exams and address any issues promptly.
Are there any specific supplements I should consider?
Yes, several supplements can support weight gain. Probiotics can improve gut health and digestion. Omega-3 fatty acids can reduce inflammation and improve skin and coat condition. Vitamin E is an antioxidant that supports immune function and muscle health.
How often should I weigh my horse?
Regular weighing can help you track your horse’s progress and adjust the diet accordingly. Weighing every 2-4 weeks is generally sufficient. You can use a weighbridge or a weight tape to estimate your horse’s weight.
How does age affect the approach to fattening up a horse?
Older horses may have decreased digestive efficiency and require a more palatable and easily digestible diet. Senior feeds are often formulated to meet the specific needs of older horses and can be a good option. Young horses require a diet balanced to support growth, so consult with a vet for the best option.
What can you feed a horse to fatten them up that has poor teeth?
For horses with poor teeth, soaked beet pulp is ideal as it is very soft and easy to chew and swallow. High-quality hay can be offered in a chopped form, or pelleted hay can be soaked. Consider extruded feeds too, as these are easier to digest.
Can stress affect my horse’s ability to gain weight?
Yes, stress can significantly impact a horse’s ability to gain weight. Stress can suppress appetite, disrupt digestion, and increase energy expenditure. Identify and address any stressors in your horse’s environment, such as social conflicts, lack of turnout, or inconsistent routines. Minimizing stress is crucial for successful weight gain.