Feeding Horses with Laminitis by a Vet – 2025 Pasture-Associated Laminitis Nutrition Guide 🐴🌱🥕
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Feeding Horses with Laminitis by a Vet – 2025 Pasture-Associated Laminitis Nutrition Guide 🐴🌱🥕
By Dr Duncan Houston, BVSc
What Is Pasture-Associated Laminitis?
Laminitis is an inflammatory condition of the hoof tissues that can cause severe pain, rotation of the coffin bone, and even founder. While many think laminitis is caused by grain overload, in 2025, research confirms that most laminitis cases occur in horses grazing lush pasture due to high levels of non-structural carbohydrates (NSCs). 🧬
Which Horses Are at Risk? 🚨
- Easy keepers – horses that gain weight easily
- Overweight horses or ponies – especially with cresty necks or fat pads
- Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS) – similar to insulin resistance in humans
- Cushing’s Disease (PPID) – affects older horses with hormone imbalance
Why Grass Causes Laminitis 🌾
Grasses, especially in spring and autumn, can contain high sugar and starch levels. These NSCs are rapidly digested, leading to blood sugar and insulin spikes. Elevated insulin levels trigger a cascade that disrupts blood flow to the hoof, leading to inflammation and laminitis.
Common Pasture-Associated Laminitis Triggers
- Overgrazing pastures stressed by drought or frost
- Turnout in lush, fertilized fields
- Time of day – late afternoon grass contains more sugar than morning grass
Why Time-Restricted Grazing Isn’t Enough ⏱️
It’s tempting to manage risk by allowing pasture access only for a few hours per day. However, studies show that horses binge-eat when turned out after restriction—consuming more NSCs in less time. The only effective time-limiting strategy is allowing grazing for a few minutes in the early morning when sugar content is lowest. 🌅
Best Practices for Feeding Laminitis-Prone Horses 🐎💡
1. Use a Dry Lot
- Keep horses off high-carb pastures
- Offer soaked hay (to reduce sugar) or tested low-NSC hay
2. Feed Smaller Meals More Often 🍽️
- Avoid large grain meals or sweet feeds
- Smaller, frequent meals stabilize insulin response
- Studies show 3–4 meals/day is safer for metabolic horses
3. Monitor Body Condition Score (BCS) 📏
- Keep BCS between 4–5 out of 9 for most breeds
- Use a weight tape and photos monthly
4. Avoid Turnout During Peak Sugar Hours 🚫
- Safe grazing window: 4:00 AM to 9:00 AM
- NSC levels peak in the late afternoon due to photosynthesis
5. Consider Grazing Muzzles 😷
- Can reduce grass intake by up to 80%
- Still allow turnout and movement
Understanding Equine Insulin Resistance 🧪
EMS horses have insulin resistance, meaning their bodies require more insulin to regulate blood sugar. Elevated insulin triggers laminar separation in the hoof. Diagnostic tests like an oral sugar test or fasting insulin level can help confirm EMS or Cushing’s. Talk to your vet about screening at-risk horses.
Feeding Guidelines for At-Risk Horses
- Base diet on forage – low-NSC hay is best
- Avoid grain, sweet feed, molasses, and high-carb treats
- Consider supplements with:
- Chromium – supports insulin sensitivity
- Magnesium – supports metabolic function
- Biotin – hoof health
Case Study: Fat Pony with Laminitis
- 12-year-old pony with a cresty neck and recent hoof pain
- Laminitis diagnosed based on hoof rings and pulse
- Removed from pasture, started on soaked hay and B1/magnesium
- Weight dropped 75 lbs in 3 months
- Returned to pasture in grazing muzzle for 1 hour/day in early morning
FAQs About Laminitis Prevention 🧠
Q: Can I turn my laminitis-prone horse out at night?
A: Maybe. Grass NSCs drop overnight but begin rising after sunrise. Early morning (4–8 AM) is safest for short grazing sessions.
Q: Is hay safe for laminitic horses?
A: Most hay is safe if NSC is below 10%. Soaking hay can help reduce sugar by up to 30%.
Q: Should I use a dry lot full time?
A: For high-risk horses, yes—especially during spring, fall, or after rainfall when grass is lush.
Conclusion
In 2025, pasture-associated laminitis remains a leading cause of lameness and hoof disease. Horses with metabolic syndrome or Cushing’s disease are especially vulnerable. Prevention hinges on proper grazing management, diet timing, meal size, and regular vet care. With careful monitoring and smart nutrition, your horse can live a comfortable, sound life even after a laminitis diagnosis. 🐎🦶🌾
Need a customized laminitis prevention plan for your horse? Visit AskAVet.com or download our app 📱 to consult with Dr Duncan Houston and start optimizing your horse’s feeding schedule today!
