There are several circumstances that may require we feed a horse for weight gain. They may be suffering from an underlying disease, recovering from illness, rescued from a neglectful situation or simply have been receiving poor nutrition. Some common diseases include:
- Poor dentition
- Parasitism
- Liver or Kidney Disease
- Ulcers
- Infection
- Heart or Lung Disease
- PPID
- Neoplasia
It is essential to have your horse examined by your veterinarian in order to determine the cause for weight loss or lack of weight gain, as well as to develop a healthy weight gain plan. Excessive nutrients and calories can also trigger subsequent diseases such as laminitis, colic and colitis. A hay analysis, with a weight gain plan, customized with your veterinarian, will help your horse gain weight in a safe manner.
See our Feeds for Weight Gain pamphlet and our Hay Analysis section for further details. And check out our How to Body Condition Score a Horse video to assist you.