High Energy feed without fattening.

So my wee horse is now, pretty fat lol so I've had to take him off the hard feed and he seems to be getting pretty lazy, if I give him hard feed he perks up but the hard feed I have is meant to fatten them up as well. Does anyone know of a feed that gives energy without fattening?

Rolled oats.

good idea! I never thought of that :/

Hi,

By definition, energy unused = fat. Therefore if your horse is fat already, he doesn't need any more calories. While grains & sugary feed may give him a bit of a 'sugar rush' this is short lived and will be contributing to his weight problem. As with us, as we get fat, we get unfit, lazier. The answer may therefore be a matter of sticking to his diet & getting him thinner & fitter.
Other than that it could be a nutritional deficiency, could be he's tender on his feet or such.

I think 'energy' has two entirely different meanings in this case. 'Energy' as referred to by nutritionists refers to calories. 'Energy' as referred to when people are are discussing how a horse feels and acts has an entirely different meaning. This kind of energy means that a horse is 'high', 'feels good' and wants to kick up his heels as opposed to sleepy, lethargic and 'dull'.

If he is dull and lethargic, I would take a CBC (Complete Blood Count). They are cheap and show you if a horse is anemic. A Hemoglobin of less than 12 or 13 could be considered slightly anemic. Lower than that, I would look for ulcers or some other reason for a very low Hemoglobin. When I used to fit a lot of race horses and barrel horses, I aimed for a Hemoglobin of 15 to 16.

Give him a protein supplement along with a Vitamin Supplement that furnishes a high level of Iron and B Vitamins. These are the 'blood builders'. Red Cell is a good one.

Just remember the old race trainer's saying "We feed 'em to make 'em crazy and then cuss them because they are."

Make him work. If he's fat already he doesn't need grain (oats including). My qh is lazy at times. I just don't put up with it.