07/25/2025
🛑 Most Common Reasons for Weight Loss in Horses 🐴
Maintaining your horse’s weight is a simple equation:
Calories in - Calories burned or not absorbed = Body condition.
If your horse is losing weight, here are the top 3 reasons why:
🔸 Not Enough Feed/Poor Quality Feed
If your horse isn’t consuming more calories than they burn, they will lose weight.
Every horse has a unique metabolism—some need more calories to maintain weight, while others stay healthy with less.
🔸 Parasitism
Parasites can prevent nutrient absorption, leading to weight loss.
Some horses can handle a higher parasite load, while others may struggle.
🔸 Dental Problems
Horses need to chew roughage (hay, grass) thoroughly for proper digestion.
Uneven tooth wear can cause pain, preventing proper chewing and nutrient absorption.
Regular dental exams and floating can help maintain healthy teeth and weight.
Other health issues can cause weight loss, but these three are the most common and often have easy solutions. Consulting with your vet about diet, deworming, and dental care can solve 90% of weight loss cases. ✅
Check out our website for more services on how to keep your horse healthy and in shape!
www.sandhillsequine.com
