Introduction
Laminitis. The very word strikes fear into the heart of horse owners. This painful and debilitating condition, affecting the sensitive laminae within the hoof, is a leading cause of lameness in horses worldwide. While various factors can contribute to the development of laminitis, diet plays a pivotal role in both its management and prevention. Understanding the intricate link between what your horse eats and the health of their hooves is paramount. This article delves into the specific dietary needs of the laminitic horse, providing a comprehensive guide to feeding strategies, appropriate food choices, and essential supplements to help your horse thrive.
Understanding the Link Between Diet and Laminitis
The cornerstone of managing a laminitic horse lies in understanding how diet impacts the disease process. Excess weight and imbalanced diet are often the underlying cause. Laminitis is fundamentally the failure of the bond between the hoof wall and the underlying bone due to inflammation of the laminae within the hoof. This damage is often triggered by metabolic issues, which in turn are directly affected by the horse’s diet.
The Role of Insulin Resistance
One of the most significant dietary links to laminitis involves insulin resistance, also known as insulin dysregulation. This condition, often associated with Equine Metabolic Syndrome and Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction, occurs when the horse’s body becomes less responsive to insulin, a hormone responsible for regulating blood sugar levels. In affected horses, insulin levels remain chronically elevated. This hyperinsulinemia triggers a cascade of events that can damage the laminae in the hoof, leading to laminitis.
Sugar and Starch Overload
Another critical factor is the overconsumption of sugar and starch. When a horse consumes excessive amounts of these non-structural carbohydrates, particularly in a single feeding, it overwhelms the digestive system. The undigested sugars and starches reach the hindgut, where they are rapidly fermented by bacteria. This fermentation process can lead to an imbalance in the gut microbiome, releasing toxins that trigger inflammation throughout the body, including in the sensitive tissues of the hoof. Furthermore, this process generates lactic acid which further lowers the pH balance in the hind gut.
Other Dietary Factors
Beyond sugar and starch, other dietary factors can also contribute to laminitis risk. Fructans, a type of sugar found in pasture grasses, can be particularly problematic, especially during periods of rapid grass growth in spring and fall. Obese horses are also at increased risk of developing laminitis, likely due to the inflammatory effects of excess body fat and the associated insulin resistance.
Foods to Avoid
Therefore, careful selection of feeds is crucial to the well-being of laminitic horses. There are several categories of food that should be avoided or significantly limited.
High Sugar and Starch Feeds
High-sugar and high-starch feeds are a major concern. Grains such as oats, corn, and barley, while common ingredients in many horse feeds, are generally unsuitable for laminitic horses due to their high starch content. Molasses, often added to feeds to improve palatability, is another source of unwanted sugar. Similarly, avoid “sweet feeds” and many processed feeds, as they can contain hidden sugars and starches that can exacerbate laminitis. Even certain fruits and vegetables, such as apples and carrots, should be offered only in very small quantities due to their sugar content.
Lush Pasture Grass
Lush pasture grass poses a significant risk, particularly during spring and fall when fructan levels are highest. Managing pasture access is essential. Strategies such as strip grazing (allowing access to small areas of pasture at a time), using grazing muzzles to restrict intake, and limiting grazing time to early morning hours (when sugar levels in the grass tend to be lower) can help minimize the risk. It is also important to note that stressed grasses, such as those in an overgrazed pasture or after a frost, can have very high levels of fructans.
Haylage and Silage
Haylage and silage are generally not recommended for laminitic horses. While they can be nutritious forage sources, they may contain higher sugar content than hay and may be susceptible to undesirable fermentation processes.
Appropriate Feed Choices
Choosing the right feeds is paramount to properly manage laminitis. Low-sugar and low-starch hay forms the basis of the laminitic horse’s diet.
Low Sugar and Starch Hay
Testing hay for non-structural carbohydrates is essential. Aim for hay with an NSC level of under 10-12%. If you can’t get your hay tested, soaking hay for at least 30 minutes, and ideally longer, can help reduce its sugar content. However, soaking hay also leaches out some of the beneficial nutrients, so it’s important to balance this with proper supplementation. Soaked hay should be fed immediately after soaking.
Alternative Forage Sources
Hay cubes and hay pellets that are low in sugar are safe alternative forage sources. If your horse has difficulty chewing hay or if you need to control intake more precisely, low-NSC hay cubes or pellets can be a good choice. Unmolassed beet pulp is another useful source of fiber for laminitic horses. It is low in sugar and starch and provides a good source of digestible fiber.
Concentrated Feeds
If concentrated feeds are needed to meet your horse’s nutritional requirements, choose commercial low-starch and low-sugar feeds specifically formulated for laminitic horses. These feeds are designed to provide essential nutrients without contributing to insulin resistance or triggering laminitis. Look for feeds with high fiber content and low NSC levels. Concentrated feeds should be used in limited amounts only, primarily to balance the diet and address any nutritional deficiencies.
Safe Treats
Safe treats can be offered in moderation. Small amounts of certain vegetables, such as celery or cucumber, can be given as occasional treats.
Essential Supplements
In addition to carefully selecting feeds, incorporating certain supplements into the laminitic horse’s diet can provide additional support.
Vitamins and Minerals
Vitamins and minerals are essential for overall health and can help compensate for any nutrient deficiencies in the forage. A balanced vitamin and mineral supplement is crucial. Specific nutrients that may be beneficial include magnesium, zinc, and copper, all of which play a role in insulin sensitivity and hoof health.
Hoof Supplements
Hoof supplements, containing ingredients such as biotin, can help support healthy hoof growth and strength.
Antioxidants
Antioxidants, such as vitamin E and selenium, can help combat oxidative stress and inflammation, which can contribute to laminitis.
Gut Health Support
Finally, supporting gut health with probiotics and prebiotics can help maintain a healthy hindgut microbiome and reduce the risk of toxin production.
Feeding Management Strategies
Feeding management strategies are also crucial.
Slow Feeders
Slow feeders can help prolong eating time and prevent boredom, reducing the risk of overconsumption. Using hay nets or slow-feed bowls can encourage horses to eat more slowly and steadily.
Multiple Small Meals
Multiple small meals are preferable to large, infrequent ones. This helps prevent blood sugar spikes and reduces the workload on the digestive system.
Weight Management
Weight management is vital. Maintaining a healthy weight is essential for preventing and managing laminitis. Regularly assess your horse’s body condition using a body condition scoring system and adjust their diet accordingly. Exercise, if appropriate and under veterinary guidance, can also help with weight management.
Hydration
Ensure that your horse always has access to fresh, clean water. Proper hydration is essential for overall health and can help support digestive function.
Pasture Management
Pasture management is critical for those with pasture access. Rotate pastures to prevent overgrazing and consider strip grazing or using a dry lot to limit grass intake.
Working with Professionals
Working closely with your veterinarian and an equine nutritionist is the best way to ensure optimal success.
Veterinary Diagnosis and Monitoring
Your veterinarian can provide a definitive diagnosis of laminitis and monitor your horse’s condition. Regular check-ups and blood tests to monitor insulin levels are essential.
Customized Dietary Plans
An equine nutritionist can help you develop a customized dietary plan tailored to your horse’s individual needs, taking into account their breed, age, weight, activity level, and any underlying health conditions. A one-size-fits-all approach does not work for laminitic horses, as each horse’s needs are different.
Case Studies
There are numerous examples of horses with laminitis that have been successfully managed through a carefully tailored diet and lifestyle. One such case is that of a pony diagnosed with Equine Metabolic Syndrome and recurrent laminitis. By switching to a low-NSC hay, incorporating a mineral balancer, and implementing strict pasture management, the pony’s insulin sensitivity improved, and the laminitis episodes became less frequent and less severe.
Another case saw a warmblood gelding struggling with chronic laminitis. Through a comprehensive diet and regular exercise plan, he achieved a healthier body weight and experienced improved hoof health. These case examples highlight the positive impact of holistic dietary strategies.
Conclusion
In conclusion, managing a laminitic horse requires a multi-faceted approach, with diet playing a central role. Choosing appropriate feeds, limiting sugar and starch intake, providing essential supplements, and implementing sound feeding management strategies are all crucial for supporting hoof health and preventing future laminitis episodes. By being proactive in your horse’s care and working closely with your veterinarian and an equine nutritionist, you can help your horse live a comfortable and productive life. Diet is not a cure, but is a critical component in preventing, treating and maintaining a healthy weight in the laminitic horse. Remember to always consult with a professional for specific advice.
