1. Inadequate nutrition
   One of the most obvious causes of a skinny horse is inadequate or improper nutrition. Horses need a balanced diet, which is based on their energy needs, age, breed, and activity level. A lack of quality hay, grass or complementary feed can lead to weight loss.
2. Poor dental health
   Dental problems are common in older horses and can make it difficult to chew food properly. If food is digested insufficiently, nutrients are less well absorbed, which can result in weight loss. Roughage pellets or powder mixed with water can be a solution to still get enough roughage into their bodies. Examples: Coolstance Copra, Metazoa Haycobs, Metazoa HP23 Musclefit and Vitalbix Nutrimash. Ideally, these roughage substitutes should be supplemented with a healthy source of fat. A balancer is an essential refill. A balancer with added fat and protein is ideal and extremely tasty is Vitalbix Breed & Grow. It can be wetted so that it is easier to chew and digest.
3. Worms or parasites
   Internal parasites, such as worms, can interfere with nutrient absorption and cause serious health problems. Regular worm control is essential, but with a heavy worm infestation, horses can lose weight quickly. The horse’s intestinal environment can be made unpleasant to parasites by feeding pure esparcette.
4. Chronic diseases
   Diseases such as chronic progressive lymphedema (CPL), kidney failure, liver disease, PPID and gastric ulcers can have a significant impact on a horse’s nutritional status. Often, a horse with an underlying condition will slowly lose weight, even if there are no clearly visible symptoms. In the case of gastric ulcers, in addition to the continuous supply of roughage, a supportive supplement to stabilize the acidity of the stomach can be a welcome support, such as Ulcabuf. The intestinal flora can get a huge health boost by adding pure Yeasacc.
5. Stress and environmental factors
   Horses are sensitive to stress, for example due to changed living conditions, bad weather conditions or ranking problems in the herd. Long-term stress can lead to weight loss, as it reduces appetite or increases energy needs.
6. Lack of fiber and forage
   Horses are grazers and need constant access to forage such as hay or grass, and edible shrubs and tree branches can be offered for variety. A deficiency in fiber-rich foods can negatively affect gut health , leading to malnutrition and weight loss.

Two important scientific studies have taken a deeper look at the causes and treatment of weight loss in horses. These studies offer valuable insights for horse owners and veterinarians.

1. Study of dental health and food intake.

A study conducted by Ralston et al. (2001) focused on the relationship between dental health and nutritional intake in older horses. This study found that older horses with poor teeth could absorb significantly less nutrients, even when given adequate food. The researchers found that horses that had problems chewing food, such as poorly maintained teeth or dental problems, often experienced weight loss because they digested less efficiently.

The study concluded that an annual dental checkup is essential for all horses, and especially for older horses. Regular filing of teeth and possibly adjusting the diet, for example by offering more soft foods such as soaked grass pellets, can help to prevent weight loss.

Source: Ralston, S. L., Breuer, L. H., Holland, J. L. (2001). “Effect of Dental Abnormalities on Nutritional Status in Senior Horses.” Journal of Equine Veterinary Science, 21(6), 292-297.

2. Study on the impact of gastric ulcers on weight and health

Another study conducted by Andrews et al. (1999) examined the impact of gastric ulcers on equine health. The study found that stomach ulcers are not only painful, but can also lead to loss of appetite and weight loss. In this study, horses with stomach ulcers were treated with omeprazole, a drug that reduces the acidity of the stomach. After treatment, most horses showed significant improvement in both their overall health and weight gain.

The study emphasized the importance of diagnosing and treating gastric ulcers in a timely manner, especially in sport horses and horses that experience a lot of stress. Preventative measures, such as providing continuous access to hay and avoiding long periods without feed, can help reduce the risk of stomach ulcers.

Source: Andrews, F. M., Sifferman, R. L., Bernard, W., et al. (1999). “Efficacy of Omeprazole for the Treatment of Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome (EGUS).” Equine Veterinary Journal, 31(S29), 81-86.