Objective: To evaluate the effects of phototherapy in the healing of burns in nourished and undernourished rats. Methods: We used 24 Wistar rats at dietary control, twelve were selected randomly with normal protein diet associated with low quality protein (gelatin) confirmed by weight loss, clinical signs and serum albumin. The animals nourished (N) and undernourished (D) were divided into groups (n = 6) treated with laser diode off (Sham) and connected (Laser), being designated GNS; LNG; GDS and GDL. A burn was performed in 2x2 cm back and irradiated (laser diode, 2 J, 660 nm, 100 mW), three times a week for 21 days. The program ImageJ ® was used to analyze the images of burns to calculate the index of healing in the 2nd, 7th, 14th and 21st days. Results: The undernourished rats showed body weight loss after malnutrition, but there was no difference in the level of albumin between groups. The phototherapy proved significant difference at day 21, showing the laser effects on the healing of 3rd degree burns in rats undernourished. Conclusion: There was no evidence of malnutrition in the healing of burns, but with biostimulator effects of diode laser on wound healing.