Laminitis can be triggered by a variety of metabolic or physical causes. Although most commonly associated with little fat ponies, any horse or pony can suffer with it. In this blog, we focus on feeding and weight management concerns surrounding laminitis.
Prevention
As with many equine issues, prevention is better than cure. Overweight horses can be more at risk to laminitis. It is worth learning how to body condition score your horse and it’s sometimes useful to use a weight tape or take photos and keep a record of measurements. It helps if your horse is not already overweight before they get turned out onto spring grass, and in this sense managing weight is an all year round task. Exercise is a crucial component as it allows you to control bodyweight more effectively than feed restriction alone, and is also great for your horse’s fitness and wellbeing.
Grazing
It is important to manage a grass kept horse’s pasture effectively. If they are prone to laminitis or at risk, then it is wise not to turn out when frosty or on very stressed or bare paddocks. This is because grass has a high sugar content in these situations. Grass is ‘safest’ at night when sugar levels are in decline. Consider strip grazing, using a grazing muzzle or cross grazing with sheep, to keep pasture low and manageable. Another alternative is to keep a laminitic horse in during the morning and out at night, which can work well in warmer weather too. Some owners find a laminitic phone app really helpful. It’s worth checking out so you are ahead of the game!
What about hay?
Horses that are partly stabled, or on an all-weather turnout may need some form of hay provision. Hay can be supplied in a small holed or specialist slow feeder so that a smaller amount lasts longer and keeps a horse occupied. It is important to factor in the energy levels found in your hay as some can be more calorific than others. A preferable hay is one made from mature flowering grasses, for example meadow hay. Some owners soak hay, which can help to remove the sugars. In this process, valuable nutrients can be also be lost, so horses may need a top up with a balancer to ensure their nutritional needs are met.
Other feeds and supplements
It is likely that a laminitic horse will not need extra feed, but in some cases, they may need a vitamin and mineral balancer to support their wellbeing. Overweight horses do not need extra calories in their diets, so it is important to choose feed with a high digestible energy content. Avoid feeds that are high in sugar and starch, and instead opt for high fibre alternatives such as low calorie straw chaff or a proprietary laminitic low – calorie feed. Molassed feeds are also unsuitable as are sugary vegetables such as apples and carrots. For horses requiring more energy, look towards feeding oils, which are low in sugar. There are also various specific supplements aimed at laminitic horses that help to support the areas compromised during laminitis.
As with all wellbeing and horse health issues, it is important that you discuss your plans with a qualified professional, such as your vet. For feed advice, it’s worth speaking to a nutritionist, to make sure all your horse’s needs are being met,