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Good feed for a thin older horse?
Equine Nutrition

Good feed for a thin older horse?

My 26-year-old share horse has lost condition now after the winter and shedding his coat. He is on ad-lib hay and lives out in loose housing. Is there a good concentrate I can give him so he puts weight back on?
Answers from HayHay's experts

Hello! Even with ad-lib forage, the nutritional value of the hay may not be enough to maintain condition.

Lucerne (chaff or pellets, and soak the pellets first) makes a good addition.

Keep in mind that a horse we read as underweight (a body condition score below 5), where the ribs show for example, is not necessarily unwell. Few people react to a horse carrying the equivalent excess weight (a body condition score of 6 or more), even though that does carry a real risk of disease and overload injuries.

If the horse has suddenly lost a lot of weight with no obvious explanation, always consult a vet, as the cause may be the teeth or an underlying illness.

Joanna Sätter
Joanna Sätter
Equine Specialist
Last reviewed:
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