Essential Tips to Prevent Laminitis in Horses

Laminitis is a painful and potentially chronic condition that affects many horses. This severe and painful condition occurs when the soft tissue (laminae) connecting the coffin bone to the hoof wall becomes inflamed and damaged. This causes extreme foot pain that often leads to lameness and the coffin bone sinking or rotating. Preventing laminitis requires careful management of your horse’s diet and overall care. This post shares practical tips to help you reduce the risk of laminitis and keep your horse healthy and comfortable.

Limit Sugar and Starch in the Diet

One of the main triggers for laminitis is a diet high in sugars and starches. When horses consume too much non-structural carbohydrates (NSCs), such as those found in grains and lush pasture, it can disrupt hindgut bacteria and lead to inflammation in the hooves.

• Avoid feeding large amounts of grain or sweet feeds.

• Choose low-sugar hay varieties, such as mature grass hay instead of alfalfa or early-cut hay.

• Test hay for sugar content if possible, especially if your horse has a history of laminitis.

• Introduce any dietary changes gradually over 7 to 10 days to avoid digestive upset.

  
  

Feed Low-Calorie Hay

Think of your horse's hay like a salad. You want to feed them a salad rather than a piece of cake. Feeding low-calorie hay helps maintain a healthy weight and reduces the risk of laminitis, especially in horses prone to obesity or metabolic issues. In contrast, alfalfa hay, which is higher in protein and calories is more like a piece of cake for your horse, contributing weight gain, which we don't want in laminitic horses.

• Opt for mature grass hay with lower energy content.

• Avoid rich, leafy hay that is high in calories.

• Measure hay portions to prevent overfeeding.

• Consider soaking hay to reduce sugar content further, but consult an equine nutritionist before making this a regular practice.

• Examples of low-calorie hay: timothy, orchardgrass, teff, bermudagrass

  
  

Controlled Grazing

Allowing your horse to graze on pasture can be a major source of excess sugars, particularly in spring and early summer when grass is lush.

• Limit your horse’s time on pasture each day during high-risk seasons.

• Use a grazing muzzle to reduce grass intake while allowing your horse to socialize and move.

• Rotate pastures to avoid overgrazing and encourage growth of less sugary grasses.

• Monitor your horse’s body condition regularly to adjust grazing time accordingly.

• Consider using a dry lot in conjunction with a routine of allowing your horse to graze with a muzzle.

  
  

Avoid Feeding Grain

Grain feeds are often high in starch and sugars, which can increase your horse's risk of laminitis.

• Replace grain with a ration balancer or vitamin/mineral supplement that provides essential nutrients without the added calories.

• If your horse requires extra energy, consider low-starch, high-fat feeds designed for metabolic horses.

• Always consult your veterinarian or equine nutritionist before changing feed types.

  
  

  

Add Supplements for Support

Adding certain supplements may help support hoof health and metabolic balance, though they should never replace good management practices.

• Consider supplements containing biotin, methionine, and zinc to promote strong hoof growth.

• Magnesium and chromium supplements may help regulate blood sugar levels in horses prone to laminitis.

• Always choose high-quality products and follow dosage instructions carefully.

• Discuss supplement use with your vet or equine nutritionist to ensure safety and effectiveness.

  
  

Manage Your Horse’s Weight

Excess weight increases the strain on hooves and is a major risk factor for laminitis.

• Use a weight tape or body condition scoring to track your horse’s condition monthly.

• Adjust feed and grazing time to maintain an ideal weight.

• Incorporate regular exercise suited to your horse’s fitness and health status.

• Work with your vet or equine nutritionist to develop a weight management plan if needed.

  
  

Schedule Regular Farrier Visits

Proper hoof care is essential in preventing laminitis and managing its effects.

• Schedule farrier visits every 4-6 weeks to maintain balanced hooves.

• A skilled farrier can trim hooves to reduce pressure on sensitive areas.

• Discuss your horse’s laminitis risk with the farrier so they can tailor their approach.

• Watch for early signs of laminitis such as heat in the hooves, increased digital pulse, or reluctance to move.

• Consider using shoes that provide extra support for laminitic horses.

  
  

Add a Ration Balancer and Mineral Supplement

Ration balancers provide essential vitamins and minerals without extra calories, supporting overall health and hoof quality. For example, I give my at-risk mare the Life Data Forage Balancer to ensure her nutrient needs are met without excess calories. Read more about ration balancers here.

• Use a ration balancer designed for horses on low-calorie diets.

• Ensure your horse receives adequate levels of calcium, phosphorus, copper, zinc, and selenium.

• Mineral imbalances can contribute to poor hoof health and metabolic issues.

• Provide a free-choice loose mineral salt such as Redmond Daily Red.

• Check labels carefully and avoid over-supplementing.

  
  

Preventing laminitis requires a combination of careful diet management, regular hoof care, and attention to your horse’s overall health. By limiting sugars and starches, controlling grazing, avoiding grain, and supporting your horse with appropriate supplements and farrier care, you can reduce the risk of this painful condition. Keep a close eye on your horse’s weight and body condition, and work with your veterinarian to tailor a plan that fits your horse’s needs.