Does your horse look a bit too skinny, no matter what you feed them? Many horse owners face this challenge. Keeping weight on a hard keeper can feel like a constant battle. You worry if your horse has enough energy or if they are truly healthy.
Choosing the best weight gain feed adds another layer of confusion. Bags line the shelves, each promising amazing results. How do you know which ingredients truly work and which ones are just marketing fluff? You want your horse to gain healthy weight, not just get fat quickly.
This post cuts through the noise. We will explain exactly what makes a good weight gain feed. You will learn what to look for on the label and how to match the feed to your horse’s specific needs. By the end, you will feel confident picking the right fuel for your equine friend.
Top Weight Gain Horse Feed Recommendations
- HIGH FAT AND CALORIE LEVELS: Manna Pro Senior Weight Accelerator is specially formulated with high fat and calorie content to help senior horses gain and maintain a healthy body condition, supporting energy needs and overall vitality in older horses.
- OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS FOR SKIN & COAT: Senior Horse Supplement contains flaxseed-derived Omega-3s to support skin hydration, reduce dryness, and promote a glossy coat. Helps aging horses maintain healthy skin, improved coat condition, and vitality.
- FORMULATED FOR SENIOR HORSES: Tailored nutrition for aging horses with probiotics for digestion, biotin for hoof strength, & controlled starch levels to support metabolic health—delivering balanced energy, immunity, & joint mobility in one great formula.
- ESSENTIAL VITAMINS & ANTIOXIDANTS: Packed with vital vitamins, antioxidants that support a healthy immune system & help protect senior horses from oxidative stress, promoting overall wellness, vitality & resilience to keep them feeling their best.
- HIGHLY PALATABLE & EASY TO FEED: Specially designed for senior horses, this soft, easy-to-chew pellet ensures consistent intake. Fortified with amino acids and antioxidants to support aging joints, muscle maintenance, and overall vitality in older horses.
- HIGH IN FAT: Contains 99% fat, which is an excellent source of calories and contains more than two times the energy of carbohydrates
- COOL ENERGY: High calorie density of Cool Calories 100 provides cool, focused energy for performance horses
- WEIGHT AND BODY CONDITION: Concentrated source of calories supports healthy weight gain and body condition for underweight horses and hard-keepers and reduces the need to feed more grain
- FATTY ACIDS: Contains fatty acids to support desirable skin and glossy coat condition
- HIGHLY PALATABLE: Easy to feed and highly palatable
- 3-IN-1 FORMULA FOR TOTAL SUPPORT: Combines full-fat extruded soybeans, probiotics, and Horse Guard’s vitamin-mineral package into one powerful horse weight gain supplement for healthy weight, coat, and digestion.
- VISIBLE RESULTS FOR HARD KEEPERS: Ideal for senior, rescue, or underweight horses; promotes safe, healthy weight gain while improving energy and topline. The go-to weight builder for horses needing extra care.
- BETTER COAT, BETTER CONFIDENCE: Extruded soy improves coat shine and skin health. Helps your horse look and feel better from the inside out with a high-quality horse feed supplement that makes results visible.
- DIGESTIVE SUPPORT & IMMUNE DEFENSE: Prebiotics and probiotics boost gut health and nutrient absorption, while 1,500 IU of Vitamin E per dose supports a strong immune system – ideal for stressed, recovering, or sensitive horses.
- EASY DOSING, 20 SERVINGS PER BAG: Each 10 lb bag contains approx. 20 servings for a 1,000 lb horse. Scoop included. Trusted since 1978, Horse Guard delivers premium equine supplements with science-backed nutrition.
- EQUINE SENIOR FEED - Premium horse feed designed for active older horses, providing the nutrition needed to maintain vitality and performance.
- SENIOR WEIGHT ACCELERATOR FOR HORSES - High-fat content from soy oil, rice bran, and flaxseed supports weight gain and overall energy.
- SENIOR HORSE FEED - Features seaweed-derived calcium for enhanced gastric buffering, reducing the risk of ulcers. in mature horses.
- WEIGHT GAIN FOR SENIOR HORSES - Added whey protein ensures an expanded amino acid profile, supporting muscle health and recovery.
- EASY TO CONSUME - Can be mixed with water to form a mash, making it ideal for horses with chewing and swallowing difficulties.
- 3-IN-1 FORMULA FOR TOTAL SUPPORT: Combines full-fat extruded soybeans, probiotics, and Horse Guard’s vitamin-mineral package into one powerful horse weight gain supplement for healthy weight, coat, and digestion.
- VISIBLE RESULTS FOR HARD KEEPERS: Ideal for senior, rescue, or underweight horses; promotes safe, healthy weight gain while improving energy and topline. The go-to weight builder for horses needing extra care.
- BETTER COAT, BETTER CONFIDENCE: Extruded soy improves coat shine and skin health. Helps your horse look and feel better from the inside out with a high-quality horse feed supplement that makes results visible.
- DIGESTIVE SUPPORT & IMMUNE DEFENSE: Prebiotics and probiotics boost gut health and nutrient absorption, while 1,500 IU of Vitamin E per dose supports a strong immune system – ideal for stressed, recovering, or sensitive horses.
- EASY DOSING, 80 SERVINGS PER BAG: Each 40 lb bag contains approx. 80 servings for a 1,000 lb horse. Scoop included. Trusted since 1978, Horse Guard delivers premium equine supplements with science-backed nutrition.
- 3-IN-1 FORMULA FOR TOTAL SUPPORT: Combines full-fat extruded soybeans, probiotics, and Horse Guard’s vitamin-mineral package into one powerful horse weight gain supplement for healthy weight, coat, and digestion.
- VISIBLE RESULTS FOR HARD KEEPERS: Ideal for senior, rescue, or underweight horses; promotes safe, healthy weight gain while improving energy and topline. The go-to weight builder for horses needing extra care.
- BETTER COAT, BETTER CONFIDENCE: Extruded soy improves coat shine and skin health. Helps your horse look and feel better from the inside out with a high-quality horse feed supplement that makes results visible.
- DIGESTIVE SUPPORT & IMMUNE DEFENSE: Prebiotics and probiotics boost gut health and nutrient absorption, while 1,500 IU of Vitamin E per dose supports a strong immune system – ideal for stressed, recovering, or sensitive horses.
- EASY DOSING, 48 SERVINGS PER BAG: Each 24 lb bag contains approx. 48 servings for a 1,000 lb horse. Scoop included. Trusted since 1978, Horse Guard delivers premium equine supplements with science-backed nutrition.
- MULTI-SPECIES PERFORMANCE FORMULA: Manna Pro Calf-Manna is designed to support a wide range of animals including cattle, goats, swine, poultry, rabbits, horses, and deer with essential nutrients and energy.
- SUPPORTS GROWTH & WEIGHT GAIN: High-quality protein, vitamins, and energy-dense ingredients help improve animal development, appetite, and performance in both young and mature animals.
- IDEAL FOR LIVESTOCK & BACKYARD ANIMALS: Whether feeding beef cattle, dairy cows, chickens, goats, rabbits, or swine, Calf-Manna boosts nutritional intake and encourages steady growth.
- ENHANCES FEED EFFICIENCY & DIGESTION: Improves how well animals utilize their regular feed, making it a smart choice for boosting recovery and maintaining health during stress or transition.
- HIGHLY PALATABLE & EASY TO FEED: Calf-Manna’s delicious formula keeps animals coming back for more—perfect for chickens, goats, cattle, and other multi-species livestock.
- READY TO SERVE: This horse feed is a quick soaking, no added molasses beet pulp feed that provides a cool, slow-release energy source for horses. It is manufactured by British Horse Feeds and it undergoes a unique cooking process to produce flakes that soak in just 10 minutes, unlike other beet pulp for horses which can take up to 24 hours.
- IDEAL FEED: This feed for horses is 95% sugar-free and very low in starch, made with only best quality beet pulp shreds for horses, making it a safe and healthy option for horses prone to laminitis or those that need to limit their intake of sugars and starches. It's an ideal horse food for horses that can become fizzy or tie-up, as well as those with cushing's syndrome.
- WELL HYDRATED: This one of the british foods for horses that can be soaked to a sloppy mash consistency to help with hydration and ease of chewing. It's also great for keeping horses well hydrated, as it expands to hold 5 times its weight in water when soaked. This makes it best beet pulp shreds for horses, especially for horses that may not drink enough water on their own.
- BEST SUPPLEMENT: Speedi Beet is highly palatable, digestible, and versatile horse grain. It can be fed in small amounts as a carrier for horse supplements or medications, or in larger quantities as a horse weight gain supplement. It's suitable for all types of horses and ponies, from good-doers to poor-doers, and can be fed alongside compound feeds and balancers.
- GUT HEALTH: This horse calming supplement is packed with soluble fiber, mostly pectin's, which is more easily digested than the fiber in forage. This makes these horse essentials an excellent source of non-heating, slow-release energy that supports healthy intestinal function. The pectin also has a prebiotic effect, supporting the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut.
The Ultimate Buying Guide for Weight Gain Horse Feed
Helping your horse gain healthy weight can be a rewarding process. Choosing the right feed makes a big difference. This guide helps you select the best weight gain horse feed for your equine friend.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop for weight gain feed, look for specific features. These tell you if the feed will help your horse reach a healthy weight safely.
High Energy Density
Weight gain feeds must pack a lot of calories into a small serving. Look for feeds that list higher percentages of fat and digestible fiber. These provide the necessary energy boost without overfeeding grains.
Balanced Protein Levels
Protein builds muscle, not just fat. Ensure the feed has quality protein sources. Too much protein can cause health issues, so aim for a balanced amount that supports lean muscle development.
Added Vitamins and Minerals
As your horse gains weight, its nutritional needs increase. Good weight gain feeds include supplements like Vitamin E, Selenium, and essential minerals. These support overall health while the horse gains condition.
Important Ingredients and Materials
The ingredients list tells the real story of the feed quality. Certain materials work better for safe weight gain.
Sources of Healthy Fats
Fats are the best way to add safe calories. Look for ingredients like:
- Soybean oil
- Flaxseed (Linseed)
- Rice Bran (stabilized)
These fats provide concentrated energy that supports a shiny coat and good body condition.
Digestible Fiber Sources
Fiber keeps the horse’s digestive system working right. Good weight gain feeds often use:
- Beet Pulp (shredded or pelleted)
- Alfalfa Meal
These ingredients offer slow-releasing energy that keeps the horse full and healthy.
Avoiding Low-Quality Fillers
Some cheaper feeds use low-quality fillers. Avoid feeds with excessive amounts of corn or molasses. Too much sugar can lead to digestive upset or laminitis, especially in easy keepers.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Feed Quality
Feed quality depends on how it is made and what it contains.
Quality Improvement Factors
High-quality feeds often use extrusion or pelleting processes that improve nutrient availability. Feeds with consistent particle size digest better. Furthermore, feeds that use chelated minerals offer better absorption by the horse.
Quality Reduction Factors
Poor storage reduces quality. If the feed smells musty or you see mold, do not buy it. High levels of added sugars or artificial preservatives lower the overall health value. Always check the guaranteed analysis for high starch or sugar percentages.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use the feed matters as much as what you buy.
Ideal Use Cases
Weight gain feed works best for specific horses. These include:
- Older horses who struggle to maintain weight.
- Hard keepers who naturally burn calories quickly.
- Horses recovering from illness or injury who need extra calories for healing.
Feeding Tips for Success
Always introduce new feed slowly. Mix the new weight gain feed with the old feed over seven to ten days. Feed small, frequent meals rather than one large meal. This helps the horse digest the high-calorie content properly. Monitor your horse’s body condition score weekly to adjust the amount fed.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Weight Gain Horse Feed
Q: What is the main difference between regular feed and weight gain feed?
A: Weight gain feed has more fat and calories per cup than standard maintenance feed. It helps horses gain weight without feeding huge amounts of grain.
Q: How quickly should I expect to see weight gain?
A: Healthy weight gain is slow. You should see noticeable improvement in coat shine and body condition within 4 to 6 weeks when feeding correctly.
Q: Can I just feed my horse more of its regular hay?
A: Hay is great, but if your horse needs concentrated calories, hay alone might not be enough without causing them to feel too full. Concentrates offer higher energy density.
Q: Is weight gain feed safe for easy keepers?
A: Generally, no. Easy keepers should not eat weight gain feed unless directed by a veterinarian. They tend to store weight too easily.
Q: Do I need to soak weight gain pellets before feeding?
A: Check the label. Some feeds are designed to be soaked, especially if they contain high levels of beet pulp, to aid digestion.
Q: What ingredients should I avoid in weight gain feeds?
A: Try to avoid feeds with more than 15% starch or high amounts of added molasses, as these can stress a horse’s hindgut.
Q: How much weight gain feed should I feed per day?
A: This depends on the horse’s current weight and the feed’s calorie count. Start with the minimum recommended serving on the bag and adjust based on your veterinarian’s advice.
Q: Does this feed make horses hyperactive?
A: High-fat feeds usually do not cause the energy spikes that high-sugar or high-starch feeds do. Fat provides steady energy.
Q: Should I add supplements if I use weight gain feed?
A: High-quality weight gain feeds are usually fortified. Talk to your vet to see if your horse needs extra electrolytes or specialized joint support.
Q: What does “guaranteed analysis” tell me?
A: The guaranteed analysis lists the minimum percentages of crude protein and fat, and the maximum percentages of crude fiber and moisture in the feed.