Getting a horse fat is something that takes time, but when done correctly it guarantees you a healthy and happy horse.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Part 1: Make sure the horse is healthy
Step 1. Check that there are no other problems
Two of the biggest causes of weight loss in horses are internal parasites (worms) and poor dental conditions.
Step 2. Check your teeth
Call the vet who will determine if your horse's weight loss is due to improper food chewing.
- As we age, teeth can develop cusps, growths, or depressions in both arches. This could lead the horse to chew badly with the result of losing many of the nutrients that would remain intact with the right set of teeth.
- Horse teeth continue to grow into their mid-twenties, so it's best to have them examined and cared for annually if necessary.
Step 3. Make sure your horse has been wormed properly
Check this article about it.
Step 4. Take a full blood test
It is a huge expense, but it is better to do it to find out, for example, any mineral deficiencies and to understand how to cure it. Additionally, the blood test can tell you if all of the horse's internal organs are functioning properly.
Method 2 of 3: Part 2: Calculate Type and Amount of Food
Step 1. Score the horse for nutrition
Your vet will be able to help you. The score ranges from 0 to 9, where 9 indicates a state of extreme obesity. The ideal score is 6.
- The leaner the horse (score below 4), the more food it will need.
- An extremely underweight horse will need to eat a diet rich in protein and fat (such as brown rice) to gain weight.
Step 2. A medium-sized horse will usually require 1.8-2% of body weight to feed, including supplements
- For example, an average horse in good condition needs 8-10 kg of food per day.
- So if you're looking to get him fat, consider increasing your intake by 2.3-2.5%.
Step 3. Make sure your horse has enough fodder
Fodder is one of the cornerstones of the equine diet. Without it, he may not be getting enough fiber, which could lead to him losing weight.
Method 3 of 3: Part 3: Buying the Food
Step 1. Go to where you always buy horse food
They will know the benefits of the various foods they have in stock. By describing the condition of your horse, they will be able to advise you which ones to buy.
Step 2. Accept the advice of other breeders
Many of them know what they are talking about and can offer you useful tips and tricks to improve your horse's nutrition.
Step 3. Buy high quality food
They might cost you more, but they work better and are better, so you won't be using them for too long either way.
Step 4. Add oils to foods
This way the horse will gain weight and digest better.
Advice
- Remember not to give them too many grains - even a skinny horse can be sick.
- When considering deworming, it is a good idea to have your vet perform a fecal analysis first. In this way you will understand which worms the horse has and whether or not it should be wormed.
