What is the best feed for a horse with laminitis?

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The best feed for a horse with laminitis is one that’s extremely low in starch and sugar (non-structural carbohydrates or NSC), focusing instead on providing essential nutrients and calories through fiber and fat to minimize insulin spikes and support hoof health. Careful management and veterinary consultation are essential for a successful dietary strategy.

Understanding Laminitis and its Dietary Triggers

Laminitis is a painful and debilitating condition affecting the sensitive laminae within the horse’s hoof. These laminae attach the hoof wall to the pedal bone. When inflamed, this attachment weakens, potentially leading to rotation or sinking of the pedal bone within the hoof. Dietary factors, particularly diets high in non-structural carbohydrates (NSC) such as starch and sugar, are frequently implicated in the onset or exacerbation of laminitis. When a horse consumes a large amount of NSC, it can lead to:

Increased blood glucose levels.
An exaggerated insulin response.
Disruption of the gut microbiome.
Inflammation and damage to the laminae.

Therefore, managing a horse with laminitis requires a carefully controlled diet that minimizes NSC intake and promotes overall metabolic health.

The Cornerstone: Low NSC Forage

The foundation of any laminitis-safe diet is low-NSC forage, meaning hay. Not all hay is created equal, and testing your hay is crucial.

Hay Testing: Submit a sample of your hay to a laboratory for nutrient analysis. This test will reveal the NSC content, as well as other important nutrients like protein, fiber, and minerals.
NSC Target: Aim for hay with an NSC content of less than 10%, ideally closer to 8% or lower.
Soaking Hay: Soaking hay in water can help reduce its sugar content. Soak the hay for at least 30 minutes (longer in warmer weather) before feeding. Discard the soak water, as it contains the leached sugars.
Small Frequent Meals: Provide small, frequent meals of forage throughout the day, mimicking the horse’s natural grazing behavior. This helps to maintain a more stable blood sugar level.

Concentrates: When and How to Supplement

While forage should be the primary source of calories, some horses may require supplemental feeds, particularly if they have increased energy needs or are recovering from illness. Choosing the right concentrate is paramount.

Commercial Feeds: Select commercial feeds specifically formulated for laminitis-prone horses. These feeds are typically low in NSC and high in fiber and fat. Look for feeds with an NSC content of less than 12%.
Alternative Energy Sources: Consider using alternative energy sources such as beet pulp (soaked), rice bran (stabilized), or flaxseed meal, which are lower in NSC than traditional grains like oats, corn, or barley.
Limited Quantities: Offer concentrates in small amounts, divided into multiple feedings throughout the day. Overfeeding can increase the risk of laminitis.
Avoid Molasses: Molasses is a sugar-rich ingredient commonly found in horse feeds. Avoid feeds containing molasses, as it can contribute to elevated blood sugar levels.

Nutritional Supplements for Hoof Health

Specific nutrients can support hoof health and promote recovery from laminitis.

Biotin: Biotin is a B-vitamin that is essential for hoof growth and integrity. Supplementation with biotin can improve hoof quality and strength.
Zinc and Copper: These minerals are involved in keratin production, the main structural protein of the hoof. Ensure your horse receives adequate zinc and copper in their diet.
Methionine: Methionine is an amino acid that is important for protein synthesis and hoof health. Supplementation with methionine can improve hoof quality.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties and can help to reduce inflammation in the laminae. Flaxseed oil or fish oil are good sources of omega-3 fatty acids.

Water and Salt: Essential for Overall Health

Fresh, Clean Water: Always provide access to fresh, clean water. Hydration is essential for overall health and hoof integrity.
Salt: Provide free-choice access to salt. Salt is important for electrolyte balance and nerve function.

Potential Mistakes in Feeding Laminitic Horses

Several common mistakes can undermine dietary management and worsen laminitis.

Overfeeding: Providing too much feed, regardless of its composition, can lead to weight gain and increased insulin resistance, exacerbating laminitis.
Ignoring Hay Quality: Assuming that all hay is low in NSC without testing it can be a costly mistake.
Sudden Dietary Changes: Abruptly changing a horse’s diet can disrupt the gut microbiome and increase the risk of laminitis. Introduce new feeds gradually over several days or weeks.
Treats and Grazing: Giving sugary treats or allowing unrestricted access to lush pasture can trigger laminitis episodes.
Ignoring Mineral Deficiencies: Failing to address mineral deficiencies can compromise hoof health and slow recovery from laminitis.

Example Feeding Plan

This is a general example; individual needs vary, and veterinary consultation is crucial. A 1,000 lb horse with laminitis could be fed:

Feed	Amount	Frequency	Notes
:————————————	:—————-	:——–	:——————————————————————————
Low-NSC Hay (tested, <10% NSC)	15-20 lbs	Divided	Soaked if necessary to further reduce NSC.
Low-NSC Commercial Feed	1-2 lbs	Divided	Based on manufacturer’s recommendations and horse’s body condition.
Flaxseed Meal	1/2 cup	Once	Source of Omega-3 fatty acids.
Hoof Supplement (biotin, Zn, Cu, Met)	As directed	Once	Follow label instructions.
Salt Block	Free choice
Fresh Water	Free choice

Monitoring Progress

Regularly monitor your horse’s condition and work closely with your veterinarian and farrier. Key indicators include:

Hoof Growth: Monitor hoof growth and assess hoof quality.
Pain Levels: Observe your horse for signs of pain, such as lameness or reluctance to move.
Body Condition Score: Maintain a healthy body condition score (4-6 on a scale of 1-9).
Blood Glucose/Insulin Levels: Your veterinarian may recommend periodic blood tests to monitor glucose and insulin levels.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the initial signs of laminitis I should look for?

The initial signs of laminitis can be subtle and include increased digital pulses in the hoof, heat in the hoof, reluctance to turn, and a characteristic “sawhorse” stance with the front feet stretched out in front. Early detection is critical for successful treatment.

How important is it to have my hay analyzed for NSC content?

It is extremely important to have your hay analyzed for NSC content. Hay can vary widely in its sugar and starch content, and relying on visual assessment alone is not sufficient. A hay analysis provides accurate information that allows you to make informed decisions about your horse’s diet.

Can my horse graze on pasture if they have laminitis?

Generally, grazing on pasture is not recommended for horses with laminitis, especially lush pastures that are high in sugars. If grazing is allowed, it should be severely restricted and carefully monitored, often using a grazing muzzle. Grazing is most risky during times of high sugar production in the grass (e.g., sunny days, after a frost).

Are there specific times of the year when laminitis is more common?

Yes, laminitis is more common during the spring and fall, when grass undergoes rapid growth spurts and sugar content in the grass can be high. Careful management is particularly important during these times.

Is soaked hay less nutritious than unsoaked hay?

Soaking hay does reduce its nutritional value to some extent, as some vitamins and minerals are leached out along with the sugars. However, the reduction in sugar content is often more beneficial for laminitic horses than the loss of nutrients. Consider supplementing with a vitamin and mineral supplement to compensate for any losses.

Can supplements alone prevent laminitis?

No, supplements alone cannot prevent laminitis. While certain nutrients can support hoof health and overall metabolic function, they are not a substitute for a properly managed diet and lifestyle.

How often should I be consulting with my veterinarian and farrier when managing a laminitic horse?

You should consult with your veterinarian and farrier regularly when managing a laminitic horse. The frequency of these consultations will depend on the severity of the condition and the horse’s response to treatment. At a minimum, expect routine checks every 6-8 weeks.

Are certain breeds of horses more prone to laminitis?

Yes, certain breeds of horses are more prone to laminitis, including ponies, Morgans, Arabians, and gaited breeds. These breeds often have a greater propensity for insulin resistance, which increases their risk of developing laminitis.

Can stress contribute to laminitis?

Yes, stress can contribute to laminitis. Stress can trigger hormonal changes that can increase blood glucose levels and inflammation, potentially leading to laminitis. Minimize stress in your horse’s environment by providing a consistent routine, adequate turnout, and social interaction with other horses.

Is exercise beneficial for horses with laminitis?

Controlled exercise can be beneficial for horses with laminitis, but it should only be done under the guidance of a veterinarian and farrier. Exercise can improve circulation, promote hoof growth, and help to manage weight. However, excessive or strenuous exercise can exacerbate laminitis.

What is the role of the gut microbiome in laminitis?

The gut microbiome plays a significant role in laminitis. When a horse consumes a diet high in NSC, it can disrupt the balance of bacteria in the gut, leading to inflammation and the production of toxins that can contribute to laminitis. Probiotics and prebiotics can help to support a healthy gut microbiome.

What is the relationship between Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS) and laminitis?

Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS) is a common condition in horses that is closely linked to laminitis. EMS is characterized by insulin resistance, obesity (or regional adiposity), and a predisposition to laminitis. Managing EMS through diet and exercise is critical for preventing and treating laminitis.