What to Feed Older Horses to Gain Weight

Understanding the Weight Challenge in Older Horses

When horses age, their metabolism slows, their ability to absorb nutrients decreases, and dental problems become more common. That’s why figuring out what to feed older horses to gain weight requires a focused approach tailored to their unique needs.

Weight loss in senior horses may be due to a combination of dental issues, underlying illness, or simply inefficient digestion. Early detection of the cause is critical before changing the feeding routine.

Once health issues are ruled out or managed, addressing what to feed older horses to gain weight means increasing both calories and nutrient absorption. Kentucky Equine Research says, “Senior horses that have difficulty maintaining weight often have dental problems.”

Senior horses often benefit from multiple small meals, soaked feeds, and a focus on forage quality.

Weight gain should be slow and steady, supported by high-quality ingredients that don't overload their aging systems.

Importance of Digestible Fiber Sources - What to Feed Older Horses to Gain Weight

One of the first strategies in what to feed older horses to gain weight is to prioritize easily digestible fiber sources like beet pulp, soy hulls, and hay cubes.

These fibers are more fermentable in the hindgut and provide a safer calorie source than simply increasing grain.

Aging horses often lose the ability to chew long-stem hay effectively. In this case, switching to soaked hay cubes or chopped hay is essential.

When determining what to feed older horses to gain weight, replacing dusty hay with soaked forage mash can significantly boost intake and digestion.

Fiber also maintains gut health, which is vital for proper absorption of nutrients and weight restoration.

Using Alfalfa for Caloric Density

Alfalfa is a key ingredient when determining what to feed older horses to gain weight, thanks to its high protein and calcium content.

Unlike grass hay, alfalfa provides more calories per pound and is easier to chew when processed into cubes or pellets.

Senior horses often prefer the taste of alfalfa, which encourages them to eat more—a critical step in reversing weight loss.

Feeding alfalfa cubes soaked in warm water can also help with hydration, which supports digestion and nutrient absorption.

When asking what to feed older horses to gain weight, always consider alfalfa as a foundational feed ingredient.

Selecting the Right Senior Feed

Commercially formulated senior feeds are designed specifically for horses over 15 and should be a cornerstone of what to feed older horses to gain weight.

These feeds contain higher levels of fat, fiber, and easily digestible ingredients like rice bran or beet pulp.

Look for complete feeds labeled “senior” that include added vitamins and minerals tailored to aging equine needs.

Since older horses often lose teeth or struggle to chew, senior feed can be fed as a mash to increase consumption.

When choosing what to feed older horses to gain weight, quality senior feed simplifies the process and ensures balance.

Utilizing High-Fat Supplements

Fat is an excellent calorie source and is safer than adding large quantities of starch. That's why adding fat is crucial in what to feed older horses to gain weight.

Top-dress options include rice bran, flaxseed, vegetable oil, or commercial fat supplements with omega-3 fatty acids.

Start with small quantities (like ¼ cup per day) and increase gradually to avoid digestive upset.

Fats support skin and coat condition as well—an added benefit for seniors often dealing with dull hair.

Supplemental fat is a cornerstone of any strategy involving what to feed older horses to gain weight due to its calorie efficiency.

Soaking Feeds to Encourage Consumption

Hydration and texture play a big role in feed palatability for seniors. That's why soaking feed is essential when planning what to feed older horses to gain weight.

Soaked hay cubes, pellets, and senior feed form a soft mash that’s easier to chew and swallow.

Soaking feed also encourages water intake, which improves gut motility and digestion—both critical for weight gain.

Feed should be soaked for 10–30 minutes depending on the type, and served warm in colder months to promote appetite.

Soaking feed is a simple but powerful method in optimizing what to feed older horses to gain weight with safety and comfort.

Feeding Multiple Meals Per Day

Older horses benefit from smaller, more frequent meals due to reduced gut capacity and metabolic efficiency.

When deciding what to feed older horses to gain weight, aim for 3–4 meals per day rather than one or two large ones.

Breaking up the ration allows for better digestion, more consistent energy levels, and less strain on the hindgut.

Frequent feeding mimics natural grazing patterns, which supports weight gain and reduces ulcer risk.

If you're exploring what to feed older horses to gain weight, consider adjusting your feeding schedule as well as feed content.

Monitoring Body Condition Score (BCS)

While you focus on what to feed older horses to gain weight, it’s equally important to track progress using Body Condition Scoring.

BCS is a visual and tactile method for assessing fat coverage and overall physical condition on a scale from 1 to 9.

A score of 4–6 is ideal, and anything under 4 may indicate the horse needs a dietary change or vet evaluation.

Regularly assessing BCS ensures that your plan for what to feed older horses to gain weight is actually producing results.

Without a system of measurement, it's hard to know whether your feeding adjustments are working or need improvement.

Managing Stress and Environment

Stress can be a hidden cause of weight loss in senior horses. That's why any strategy for what to feed older horses to gain weight must also address their mental well-being.

Environmental stressors like herd dynamics, harsh weather, or loud barns can decrease appetite and digestion.

Provide older horses with a calm, consistent space and minimize exposure to aggressive herd members during feeding.

Warm, dry shelter and regular turnout routines can help reduce stress levels.

When stress is managed, your feeding efforts will yield better results in your mission to understand what to feed older horses to gain weight.

Dental Health Checkups

Poor teeth equal poor digestion. Any discussion of what to feed older horses to gain weight should include regular dental exams.

Senior horses often suffer from uneven wear, missing teeth, or sharp points that make chewing difficult or painful.

If chewing hay or pellets becomes uncomfortable, your horse may reduce intake or spit out feed in “quids.”

Dental floating, soft feed alternatives, and mash diets become essential for these horses.

Routine dental care enhances your plan for what to feed older horses to gain weight, making digestion more efficient.

Adjusting Feed with the Seasons

Cold weather increases calorie demands, and hot weather can suppress appetite. This seasonal fluctuation plays a role in what to feed older horses to gain weight.

In winter, horses use more energy to maintain body temperature, so adding extra calories becomes crucial.

During summer, providing cool, soaked feeds with high moisture helps maintain hydration and intake.

Electrolytes can also be beneficial in hot months, helping with recovery and hydration.

Seasonal shifts require you to be flexible and intentional with what to feed older horses to gain weight year-round.

Balancing Vitamins and Minerals

Even the best feed plan can fall short if vitamins and minerals are lacking. That’s why nutrient balance is part of what to feed older horses to gain weight.

Senior horses benefit from added vitamin E, B-complex, and minerals like selenium, zinc, and magnesium.

These help support muscle maintenance, immune health, and metabolic function—key areas in weight recovery.

Look for feeds that offer a complete nutritional profile or add a supplement designed for seniors.

Supplementing wisely is a smart move in any strategy around what to feed older horses to gain weight.

Avoiding Excess Starch and Sugar

While increasing calories is important, relying on high-starch grains can lead to colic or laminitis—especially in older horses.

Instead of corn or oats, prioritize low-starch senior feed, fat sources, and fermentable fibers.

Understanding what to feed older horses to gain weight means avoiding nutritional shortcuts that might harm their long-term health.

If your horse has metabolic conditions like Cushing’s or IR, low NSC (non-structural carbohydrate) content is especially critical.

A balanced, slow-burn calorie source is the safest option for what to feed older horses to gain weight effectively.

Partnering with Your Vet and Nutritionist

Don’t go it alone. When developing a plan for what to feed older horses to gain weight, consult your vet and equine nutritionist.

They can help you interpret bloodwork, identify underlying issues, and tailor a feeding program to your horse’s needs.

Working with professionals ensures you’re not missing any hidden factors—like ulcers or malabsorption—that may hinder weight gain.

They can also recommend specific feeds or brands with proven results for older horses.

With expert input, your strategy for what to feed older horses to gain weight becomes safer, smarter, and more successful.

Tracking and Patience: The Final Ingredients

Weight gain in older horses is not instant—it requires consistency, monitoring, and patience.

Track feed intake, weigh feed portions, and log weekly progress. This documentation helps you fine-tune what’s working.

If results are slow, tweak your approach gradually rather than making drastic changes.

When in doubt, return to the basics: high-quality forage, proper hydration, dental care, and low-stress environments.

Consistency and care are the secret weapons in figuring out what to feed older horses to gain weight with confidence.

Give Your Senior Horse the Weight and Wellness They Deserve

Helping a senior horse thrive starts with knowing exactly what to feed older horses to gain weight. From soaked alfalfa cubes to low-starch senior feeds and healthy fat supplements, the right choices can restore condition, energy, and comfort.

With routine dental care, expert guidance, and a calm feeding environment, weight gain becomes possible—even for aging equines.

And if you’re looking for a trusted local source for high-quality hay cubes, alfalfa, and senior feed, shop with the team at Rockin Rafter Ranch where your horse’s health is their top priority.

Contact us today with any questions, we can’t wait to help!