There isn't a single "best" fattening feed for all horses, as the most effective choice depends on an individual horse's specific needs, overall health, and dietary requirements. However, several feed options are highly favored for their safety and effectiveness in promoting healthy weight gain. The optimal feeding program is often a blend of these options, carefully balanced to meet the horse's unique metabolic demands.
Understanding Weight Gain in Horses
Weight gain in horses is achieved by providing a diet that supplies more calories than the horse expends. It's crucial that these calories come from nutrient-dense sources that are easily digestible and do not overload the horse's digestive system, which could lead to health issues. Effective weight gain strategies focus on increasing caloric intake while ensuring the diet remains balanced in protein, vitamins, and minerals.
Top Favored Fattening Feeds for Horses
The most favored options for promoting healthy weight gain in horses are chosen for their high caloric density, digestibility, and safety profile. These include a variety of feeds that offer different nutritional benefits:
1. Beet Pulp
Beet pulp is a highly digestible fiber source that provides a significant amount of "slow-release" energy. It's a byproduct of sugar beet processing, with most of the sugar removed, leaving behind a rich source of fermentable fiber.
- Benefits: Excellent for adding bulk and calories, promotes gut health, and can be soaked to increase water intake.
- Usage: Typically soaked before feeding to expand and reduce the risk of choke.
2. Legume Forages (e.g., Alfalfa Hay)
Legume forages like alfalfa are richer in protein and calories than most grass hays. They are highly palatable and can significantly boost a horse's energy intake.
- Benefits: High in digestible energy, protein, and calcium, supporting muscle development and overall condition.
- Usage: Can be fed as a primary forage or supplemented with grass hay, depending on the horse's needs.
3. Brans (e.g., Rice Bran)
Rice bran is a popular choice due to its high fat content and good balance of essential fatty acids. It's a byproduct of rice milling.
- Benefits: Provides concentrated calories from fat, which is a safe and efficient energy source, and is highly palatable.
- Usage: Should be fed in its stabilized form to prevent rancidity and ensure appropriate calcium-to-phosphorus ratios.
4. Oils
Adding dietary oils, such as corn oil, flaxseed oil, or specialized equine oils, is an excellent way to boost calorie intake without adding large volumes of feed. Oils are pure fat and are highly digestible.
- Benefits: Provide a concentrated source of cool energy, support coat health, and are easy to incorporate into existing diets.
- Usage: Introduce gradually in small amounts and increase slowly to avoid digestive upset. Start with a few ounces and build up to a cup or more daily, if needed.
5. Dry Fat Supplements
These supplements are formulated powders or pellets that contain high levels of fat, often combined with other beneficial nutrients. They offer a convenient way to add calories without using liquid oils.
- Benefits: Highly concentrated, easy to store and feed, and often fortified with vitamins and minerals to ensure a balanced diet.
- Usage: Follow manufacturer guidelines for dosage, typically mixed into the horse's regular feed.
6. Flaxseed (Linseed)
Flaxseed is valued for its high content of omega-3 fatty acids, which not only provide calories but also promote healthy skin and a shiny coat. It can be fed whole, ground, or as an oil.
- Benefits: Rich in healthy fats and fiber, supports overall health and provides a good source of energy.
- Usage: Often fed ground to ensure optimal nutrient absorption.
7. Hay Cubes and Pellets
These are processed forms of forage (alfalfa, timothy, or mixed) that are compressed into cubes or pellets. They are highly digestible and can be an excellent way to increase forage intake, especially for horses with dental issues.
- Benefits: Consistent quality, easy to store, can be soaked for senior horses or those with dental problems, and provide concentrated forage calories.
- Usage: Can replace a portion of hay or be added to the diet for extra calories and fiber.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Fattening Feed
Choosing the right feed requires a holistic approach, considering several factors:
- Horse's Current Condition: Assess the horse's Body Condition Score (BCS) to determine the degree of weight gain needed.
- Age and Health: Senior horses or those with specific health conditions (e.g., insulin resistance, PSSM) may require specialized diets.
- Dental Health: Horses with poor teeth may struggle with long-stemmed hay and benefit from soaked feeds like beet pulp or hay cubes.
- Digestive Sensitivity: Introduce new feeds gradually to avoid digestive upset.
- Activity Level: Working horses require more calories than idle horses.
Practical Tips for Promoting Weight Gain
Beyond selecting the right feeds, optimizing the feeding program and overall management can significantly contribute to healthy weight gain:
- Increase Forage Intake: The foundation of any horse's diet should be high-quality forage (hay or pasture). Ensure free-choice access or feed multiple times a day.
- Feed Small, Frequent Meals: Horses have small stomachs. Multiple small meals throughout the day are better for digestion and nutrient absorption than one or two large meals.
- Gradual Changes: Introduce any new feed or increase amounts slowly over 7-10 days to allow the horse's digestive system to adjust.
- Ensure Adequate Water: Hydration is crucial for digestion and overall health. Provide constant access to clean, fresh water.
- Dental Care: Regular dental check-ups (at least annually) ensure the horse can properly chew and digest its feed.
- Parasite Control: A deworming program tailored to your horse's needs will prevent internal parasites from robbing nutrients.
- Veterinary Consultation: Always consult with an equine veterinarian to rule out underlying medical conditions causing weight loss.
The Role of an Equine Nutritionist
While the above options are highly effective, the "best" feeding program is one that is perfectly balanced for your horse. Working with a qualified equine nutritionist is highly recommended. A nutritionist can assess your horse's individual needs, formulate a tailored diet, and ensure all nutrient requirements are met, preventing deficiencies or excesses that could impact health. They can help you decide on the right feeding program for your horse and ensure the diet is properly balanced for optimal weight gain and overall well-being.
| Feed Type | Primary Benefit for Weight Gain | Key Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Beet Pulp | High digestible fiber, "slow-release" energy | Highly fermentable, low sugar (when unmolassed) |
| Legume Forages | High protein, digestible energy | Nutrient-dense, palatable, supports muscle |
| Brans (e.g., Rice Bran) | Concentrated fat calories | High energy, palatable, often fortified |
| Oils | Pure, concentrated fat calories | "Cool" energy source, supports coat health |
| Dry Fat Supplements | Convenient, high fat concentration | Easy to feed, often fortified with other nutrients |
| Flaxseed | Omega-3 fatty acids, calories | Supports skin/coat, healthy fats |
| Hay Cubes & Pellets | Concentrated forage, easy to chew | Consistent quality, good for senior horses/dentals |
The journey to healthy weight gain for a horse is a commitment to providing a nutrient-rich, balanced, and individually tailored diet.
