The Foundation: Maximizing High-Quality Forage
Weight gain in horses relies on a consistent calorie surplus, with forage forming the bulk of a horse's diet. For hard keepers, the first step should always be to maximize high-quality forage intake, providing free-choice access whenever possible. Feeding less mature, leafy hay is key, as it contains more digestible energy than coarse, stalky, late-cut hay. Hay testing is the most accurate way to determine the specific caloric and nutritional content of your forage.
Alfalfa Hay: The Top Choice for Calories
Alfalfa hay, a legume, is widely regarded as one of the best forages for weight gain due to its high nutritional density.
- High in Energy and Protein: Alfalfa has a significantly higher calorie and protein content compared to most grass hays. The high-quality protein is vital for building and repairing muscle, especially important for horses needing to improve their topline. The highly digestible fiber also provides a good source of energy through hindgut fermentation.
- Low in Non-Structural Carbohydrates (NSC): Contrary to a common misconception, alfalfa is typically lower in sugar and starch than many grass hays, making it a safe choice for many horses, including those with metabolic concerns (though monitoring is advised).
- Natural Acid Buffer: The high calcium content of alfalfa acts as a natural buffer for stomach acid, which can be beneficial for horses prone to gastric ulcers.
Despite its benefits, alfalfa should be fed in moderation, especially as the sole forage source, as its high calcium levels require careful diet balancing.
Quality Grass Hays and Blends
While grass hay is lower in calories than alfalfa, high-quality, early-cut grass hay can still be a valuable component for weight gain.
- Early-Cut Timothy Hay: High-quality, leafy timothy hay, particularly from a second or third cutting, is palatable and can offer higher calories than mature grass hay. It is often blended with alfalfa to balance the diet while still boosting energy intake.
- Orchard Grass: Another palatable and digestible grass hay, orchard grass, is a suitable option for providing a balanced calorie source, particularly for horses in moderate work.
- Alfalfa/Grass Blends: Feeding a blend of alfalfa and grass hay is an effective strategy to increase overall calorie intake while providing a more balanced calcium-to-phosphorus ratio than pure alfalfa. A 50/50 mix is a common starting point.
Other Hay Forms for Specific Needs
For horses with poor dental health or for those that eat too quickly, alternative hay formats can help maximize calorie intake safely.
- Hay Cubes and Pellets: Alfalfa or timothy hay cubes and pellets can be soaked into a mash, making them easy to chew for senior horses or those with dental problems. This can ensure they consume adequate forage and calories, but it's important to introduce them slowly. Soaking also increases hydration.
Hay Comparison for Weight Gain
This table outlines the key differences between common hay types used for promoting weight gain in horses.
| Feature | Alfalfa Hay | Timothy Hay (Early Cut) | Mature Grass Hay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy Density | High | Moderate-High | Low |
| Protein | High (18-24%) | Moderate (8-14%) | Low (6-10%) |
| Digestibility | High | High (if early cut) | Low |
| Palatability | Very High | High | Moderate-Low |
| Best For | Hard keepers, lactating mares, growing horses, horses with ulcers | Horses needing a balanced diet, blends, horses with moderate energy needs | Easy keepers or maintenance; unsuitable for weight gain |
| Considerations | Requires balancing of calcium-phosphorus ratio; monitor for metabolic issues | Consistent quality, less calcium impact than alfalfa | Low nutritional value; not suitable for promoting weight gain effectively |
Strategies for Implementing a Weight Gain Hay Program
- Rule out underlying issues: Consult a veterinarian to eliminate dental problems, parasites, or other health issues before changing the diet. Dental checks are crucial, especially for older horses.
- Start with forage first: Before adding expensive concentrates, ensure the horse is getting ample, high-quality hay. Aim for at least 2% of the horse's body weight in dry matter intake per day.
- Use a hay blend: Mixing alfalfa with high-quality grass hay offers a powerful combination of increased calories and balanced nutrients, which can be more economical and safer than feeding straight alfalfa.
- Add supplements safely: If hay alone isn't enough, slowly incorporate high-fat, high-fiber supplements like beet pulp or stabilized rice bran, rather than high-starch grains.
- Monitor progress regularly: Use a weight tape or body condition score (BCS) chart monthly to track progress. Remember that healthy weight gain is gradual, not rapid.
Conclusion
When a horse needs to gain weight, prioritizing high-quality forage is the most important step. Alfalfa hay, known for its high energy and protein, is an excellent choice, often used in conjunction with leafy, early-cut grass hay to create a balanced, calorie-dense diet. Ensuring free-choice access, addressing health issues with a vet, and considering alternative hay forms like soaked cubes for horses with poor teeth are all crucial components. A gradual, well-monitored dietary change focused on quality hay and fiber is the safest and most effective path to a healthier body condition. For more information on feed specifics, reputable equine nutrition resources like Mad Barn provide guidance.
