How to Put Weight on a Horse Quickly

Depending on age, production levels and types of activity, horses require varying amounts of protein, fiber, energy, minerals and vitamins found in hay, pasture, and grains to remain at a healthy weight. Horses in hard work --- racing, eventing and endurance --- need more carbohydrates and less protein than animals involved in the light work of trail riding, English pleasure and light dressage, according to the University of Minnesota Extension Service. When a horse loses body condition because of overwork, poor feeding practices or ill health, returning the animal to its optimal weight and performance ability becomes an owner's top priority.

Things You'll Need

  • Alfalfa hay
  • Whole grain corn
  • Free-choice water
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Instructions

    • 1

      Feed your horse 2 lbs. of hay every two hours, gradually increasing the amount over a period of several meals until you are feeding approximately half the amount needed for energy maintenance. For example, a 1,000-lb. horse needs 15-20 lbs. of hay daily for a healthy optimal weight, so you would increase mealtime amounts of hay incrementally up to 10 lbs.

    • 2

      Continue on this diet for two days, offering hay free choice on the third day if your horse shows no signs of gastrointestinal upset.

    • 3

      Offer free-choice hay for 14 days watching for signs of colic and laminitis. Dr. Carolyn Stull of the UC-Davis Center for Equine Health recommends feeding alfalfa hay for its high percentage of protein, low percentage of carbohydrates and its addition of necessary phosphorus and magnesium.

    • 4

      Start your horse on feed concentrates after 14 days of free-choice hay by introducing three to four daily feedings of 1- to 1½-lbs. of grain. The Ohio State University Extension Service suggests feeding whole corn because of its high protein content and known ability to put weight on horses

    • 5

      Increase the grain ration to 2 lbs. at the morning and evening feedings and 1 lb. at noon after seven days if your horse continues to gain weight and remains stable.

    • 6

      Change the grain ration to three to nine lbs. per day spread over three feedings depending on the condition of your horse after 30 days. As body weight improves over time, many animals easily tolerate zero to 16 lbs. of grain fed in two allotments each day without any adverse reactions.

    • 7

      Ensure that your horse has access to free-choice water at all times.