How to Add Corn Oil to Horse Feed for Weight Gain

Adding corn oil to a horse's daily feed rations not only helps the animal to gain weight, but also improves the condition and shine of its mane, tail and coat. Any brand of corn oil will do when added in increments, not to exceed 1 cup per feeding. Monitor your horse's health and look for improvement over time. When the horse has achieved the desired weight gain, gradually reduce the corn oil supplement to 1 to 2 fluid ounces per feeding. Always consult a veterinarian before embarking on any significant dietary change for an animal.

Things You'll Need

  • Corn oil
  • Tablespoon measure
  • 1/4 cup measure
  • 1/2 cup measure
  • 1 cup measure
  • Feed bucket
  • Feed ration
  • Horse weight measuring tape
Show More

Instructions

  1. Before You Begin

    • 1

      Measure your horse's starting weight using the horse weight measuring tape. Place the tape around the horse's belly so it passes over his girth. Record the starting weight, along with the day's date.

    • 2

      Buy a large container of corn oil because you will be using it twice a day in increasing amounts. Purchase a backup container or two to keep at the barn for when you run out, to avoid a gap in diet supplementation.

    • 3
      Measuring tools ensure accuracy in the amount of oil added at each meal.

      Gather your measuring tools and organize them in your container so you can provide an accurate dose of corn oil at each feeding.

    Adding Corn Oil to Feed

    • 4
      Corn oil adds weight without increasing your horse's energy level.

      Put the horse's grain into the feed bucket and pour 1 ounce of corn oil over the grain. Let it soak in for 30 seconds before allowing your horse to eat. Continue feeding your horse 1 ounce of corn oil per feeding for three days.

    • 5

      Increase your horse's corn oil supplement to 2 ounces per feeding, using the 1/4-cup measure. Continue adding 2 ounces per feeding for the next three days.

    • 6

      Increase the corn oil supplement to 4 ounces (1/2 cup) for the next week.

    • 7

      Increase to 3/4 cup of corn oil per feeding for the next week.

    • 8

      Add 1 cup of corn oil per feeding. Feed this amount until the desired weight gain is achieved.

    • 9

      Begin to take biweekly weight measurements of your horse, and record the weights. Continue adding the corn oil to the horse's feed until the animal has gained the weight that you and your equine veterinarian decided upon.