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Übergewicht bei Pferden Übergewicht bei Pferden Übergewicht bei Pferden

Obesity in horses

React quickly: effective measures against obesity in horses

 Übergewicht bei Pferden

Overweight in horses: Causes, risks and support with AnoKath Liquid

Overweight in horses is more than just a cosmetic issue. Excess body fat puts a strain on metabolism, joints, and circulation. It increases the risk of serious problems such as laminitis, EMS (Equine Metabolic Syndrome), and reduced performance. The good news is that with consistent feeding and exercise management, excess weight can usually be reduced effectively. AnoKath Liquid can also be incorporated as a supportive component into a holistic routine.

How can I recognize if a horse is overweight?

A horse is overweight when it develops visible and palpable fat deposits. Typical areas are:

  • Comb grease on the neck (cresty neck)
  • Fat deposits on shoulder, croup, base of tail
  • "Round" ribs: Ribs are barely palpable
  • poor fitness despite sufficient exercise

Regular monitoring via Body Condition Scoring (BCS) and tape measure weight estimation is practical – this allows you to see progress objectively.
Acid-base balance in horses
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Säure-Basen-Ausgleich für Pferde – Anwendung im Futter
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Acid-base balance in horses

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Causes: Why do horses become overweight?

Obesity usually results from a sustained energy surplus: more energy from food than is expended through exercise. Common causes include:

  • Too energy-rich hay or pasture grass (sugar/fructan)
  • excessive amounts of concentrated feed, treats, supplementary feed
  • Too little exercise, training stimuli that are too short.
  • Metabolic problems (e.g. EMS, PPID/Cushing's)
  • seasonal factors (spring grazing, reduced work in winter)

Important: Especially “easy keepers” breeds (ponies, hardy breeds, leisure horses) gain weight quickly, even though the amount of feed seems “normal”.

Risks: What can obesity trigger in horses?

Obesity is a relevant risk factor for:

  • Laminitis (especially in combination with high sugar/fructan)
  • EMS (insulin resistance, lipid metabolism disorder)
  • Joint and tendon stress
  • Circulatory/respiratory strain, loss of fitness
  • Performance decline and longer recovery times
  • In mares: fertility problems

If you notice fat deposits, hard fat pads, or recurring signs of laminitis on your horse, a veterinary examination (including insulin/glucose testing) is advisable.

Basic strategy: How to lose weight safely

1) Structure feeding instead of “giving less”

The goal is not starvation, but feeding according to need:

  • Check the quantity of hay and distribute it evenly throughout the day.
  • Ideally, the hay should have a rich structure and not be too energy-dense (hay analysis is ideal).
  • Controlling grazing times (especially spring/autumn)
  • Critically examine concentrated feed: often it is not necessary.
  • Maintain mineral feed according to requirements

2) Increase movement – ​​but appropriately

Weight loss works best through regular, moderate exercise:

  • long, brisk walking phases (basic endurance)
  • Interval training (adapted to fitness and health)
  • Groundwork, riding out, pole work
  • Daily exercise is more important than infrequent "very hard" exercise.

In case of suspected laminitis or lameness: coordinate the training plan with a veterinarian/trainer.

3) Support the gut and metabolism

Many horses benefit from routine, which keeps digestion and metabolism stable in everyday life: sufficient roughage structure, low-stress feeding, consistent times, sufficient water.

AnoKath Liquid for overweight individuals: What role can it play?

AnoKath Liquid is not a "weight loss product" and does not replace proper nutrition or exercise. However, it can be used as a supportive component in an overall routine – especially if you value a holistic approach to well-being, digestion, and metabolism.

Typical applications in the context of obesity:

  • as part of a stable daily routine around feeding and management
  • It's helpful if you're also working on gut balance and general well-being.
  • useful in combination with consistent hygiene and water quality (e.g. clean drinking water)

The key is to set your expectations: Sustainable weight loss comes from calorie balance and exercise. AnoKath Liquid can support you in this, but it cannot replace it.

Common mistakes when "having a horse lose weight"

  • Too rapid a reduction (stress, digestive problems)
  • Cut hay drastically without a structural plan
  • Only omit pasture, but keep concentrated feed/treats.
  • Insufficient exercise (1-2 times/week is usually not enough)
  • Metabolic check is omitted (EMS/PPID remains undetected)

FAQs

Overweight in horses – reduce safely and support metabolism in everyday life

How can I tell if my horse is overweight?

Excess weight isn't just visible "in the belly." Typical signs include:

  • Fat deposits on mane crest , shoulder, rib area, tail base
  • Ribs are difficult to feel, the silhouette appears "round" rather than muscular.
  • faster sweating, reduced fitness
  • Some horses develop "hard" fat ridges or noticeable padding, even though the horse does little work.

AnoKath advantage: When tackling excess weight, consistency is crucial. AnoKath Liquid can support you as a routine component while you structure your feeding and exercise routine effectively.

Why is obesity in horses more than just a cosmetic issue?

Excess weight puts a strain on the body: metabolism, joints, and overall resilience. Many pet owners therefore address weight management early on, before further problems arise.
AnoKath advantage: AnoKath Liquid can be easily integrated as a supplementary routine if you want to support your horse holistically in everyday life – especially during phases in which you are changing feeding and training.

What are the most common causes of obesity?

It is usually a combination of:

  • feed that is too high in energy (pasture, concentrated feed, "too many extras")
  • too little exercise or unsuitable training
  • uncontrolled feeding in open stables/herd management
  • strong fluctuations (lots of grazing in summer, little exercise in winter)

AnoKath advantage: In addition to the food, a stable routine helps. AnoKath Liquid can support you in consistently maintaining this routine in your daily life, instead of just going on a "short-term diet".

How can I reduce excess weight in a horse in a healthy way?

A practical approach:

  • Use hay as a base , but control the quantity and quality sensibly (no "oversupply")
  • Slow adjustment instead of radical cuts
  • Consistently increase exercise (walks, lunging, moderate training)
  • Regular check-ups: circumference, fat deposits, fitness

AnoKath advantage: AnoKath Liquid can be used as a complementary supplement to support metabolism and general well-being as part of your routine – without having to adjust dozens of things at once.

What are some common mistakes when trying to lose weight?

The most common ones:

  • Too rapid, extreme reduction in feed intake (stress, restlessness, poor implementation)
  • Just "feed less", but no exercise/routine
  • Constantly changing measures, no clear policy
  • Underestimate the value of grazing/treats ("little things add up")

AnoKath advantage: With AnoKath Liquid you can implement a clear, easily communicable concept: routine, consistency, accompanying support – instead of constant experimentation.

How can I meaningfully integrate AnoKath Liquid into a weight loss plan?

A practical system:

  • Structure feeding (hay management, reduce extras, consciously control grazing times)
  • Schedule exercise in advance (realistic, regular sessions)
  • Document progress (fat deposits, circumference, fitness)
  • Use AnoKath Liquid regularly as a supportive routine component to accompany the organism during the transition phase.

AnoKath advantage: You position AnoKath Liquid as a practical support for weight management: not as a promise of healing, but as part of a clear plan that horse owners can consistently implement.