What to Feed a Horse to Gain Weight – A Complete Guide for Healthy Weight Gain

Keeping a horse at a healthy weight isn’t always easy. Some horses naturally drop condition, whether they’re older, recovering from illness, working hard, or just a little fussy with their food.

Helping them gain weight takes more than just feeding extra; it’s about giving the right mix of calories, quality fibre, protein, and supportive nutrients.

In this guide, we’ll break down what to feed underweight horses, how to do it safely, and which trusted products from Tierfutterpro can help you get the results you’re looking for.

Signs Your Horse Needs to Gain Weight

Before you start adjusting your horse’s diet, make sure weight gain is necessary. Signs include:

• Clearly visible ribs
• Prominent spine and hip bones
• Poor topline and muscle tone
• Dull coat and reduced energy
• Difficulty maintaining condition at work

Note: You should be able to feel, but not see, your horse’s ribs. A healthy weight includes a smooth topline and defined muscles.

Weight Gain Feeding Basics You Need to Follow

1. Feed Little and Often

Horses are natural grazers. Spread meals throughout the day to avoid digestive upset.

2. Maximise Forage Intake

Good-quality hay or haylage is the foundation. Horses should have constant access to forage.

Forage Type	Description	Role in Weight Gain
Haylage	Higher moisture and energy than hay	Great for picky eaters
Alfalfa	High in protein and calcium	Builds muscle and condition
Soaked Beet Pulp	Easy-to-digest fibre source	Adds calories without bulk

 

What to Feed a Horse to Gain Weight

When helping your horse gain healthy weight, focus on feeds that are nutrient-dense, easy to digest, and support muscle, not just fat. 

Choose options high in digestible fibre and calories but low in starch and sugar to protect gut health and behaviour. Skip the quick fixes and go for slow-release energy and quality ingredients that fuel from the inside out.

Top Feed Ingredients for Healthy Weight Gain

• Oil (e.g., linseed or rapeseed)
  These calorie-rich oils are excellent for boosting energy without adding bulk to your horse’s feed. Linseed oil is especially beneficial thanks to its omega-3 content, which promotes a shiny coat and supports anti-inflammatory processes. Just 100 ml of oil can provide the same energy as over 300 g of cereal—without the sugar spike.
• Alfalfa (Lucerne)
  A powerhouse forage that delivers both quality protein and digestible fibre. Alfalfa helps build muscle tone and maintain topline, especially useful for underweight horses who lack condition. It’s also naturally higher in calcium, which supports bone strength.
• Sugar Beet Pulp (Soaked)
  A safe and effective way to add fermentable fibre to your horse’s diet. Once soaked, beet pulp provides slow-release energy and is highly digestible—ideal for older horses or those with dental issues. It’s also a great base for mixing in oils, supplements, or mashes.
• Grain-Free Conditioning Mashes or Cubes
  These feeds are designed to add calories without excessive starch. Look for products that include a blend of fibres, oils, and key nutrients. Conditioning feeds are especially helpful for horses that need extra energy without the risk of becoming fizzy or hot.

Weight-gain rules of thumb

1. Fibre first—Feed at least 1.5 kg of hay (dry matter) per 100 kg of body weight daily to support digestion, maintain gut health, and provide essential calories.
2. Little & often—3–4 concentrated meals prevent hindgut overload.
3. Add fat, not starch—oils/linseed pack 2× the calories of grain.
4. Support the gut—probiotics & soaked mashes keep the hindgut thriving.
5. Measure progress—body‑condition score + weight tape every 2 weeks.

Tierfutterpro weight-gain picks

Product	Why it’s great
GOLDPFERD Powermüsli P13	Hafer‑free, high‑oil muesli with steam‑flaked grains—calories without excitability.
Versele Laga Luzern Pellets (Alfalfa)	Pure lucerne pellets—quality protein and calcium for muscle & topline.
Eurital Leinsamen gold	Whole linseed for cool calories plus shiny coat omega‑3s.
Eurital Maisflocken 5k	Steam-flaked maize delivers extra energy that’s gentler than raw grain.
Cavalor Probreed Mix	Extra amino acids & pre‑/probiotics—handy for seniors, rehab or broodmares needing weight.

Conclusion – Focus on Fibre, Fat and Digestive Health

To support healthy weight gain in horses, prioritise high-quality forage, fibre-based energy sources, and healthy fats like linseed or rapeseed oil, alongside gut-supportive mashes and supplements.

Avoid high-starch feeds that may harm digestion and temperament. By taking a balanced, patient approach with the right products from Tierfutterpro, you can help your horse regain condition safely and sustainably.