The foundation of the diet for horses with laminitis and insulin resistance should be good-quality hay. Ideally it is hay that is low in sugar and low in energy. If the hay comes from an early cut or is more nutritious, it is worth soaking it before feeding. That lowers the level of water-soluble sugars. Such a simple step often makes an enormous difference. In feeding horses with metabolic disorders, fibre comes first, not energy. Cereal-based concentrates are best removed altogether. Instead of oats, or a ready-made muesli with added barley and maize, choose feeds with no added cereals or molasses, based on high-fibre ingredients such as lucerne, dried grass or rice bran.
When you reduce the amount of concentrate, you still need to supply vitamins and minerals. It is best to choose supplements made without sugar and molasses. That way you can meet the need for vitamins and minerals without raising the calorie content of the diet. It is also worth ensuring constant access to clean water and salt, which supports a healthy metabolism.
Many owners do not realise that even grass can be a risk. Although it is natural and healthy for most horses, it can be very dangerous for those with insulin resistance or a history of laminitis. In spring and autumn it contains the most sugar, which can cause sharp swings in insulin and a return of the problems. If the horse is to go out to pasture, the best times are early morning or late evening, when the sugar content of the grass is lower.
Movement is an equally important part of treatment and should not be forgotten. Regular activity, even light work, improves how sensitive the tissues are to insulin, supports circulation and helps to keep body weight where it should be. Even quiet walking in hand or work on the lunge can bring noticeable results, provided it is introduced steadily.
When feeding horses with laminitis and insulin resistance, you particularly need to remember what to avoid. As already mentioned, feeds with molasses and sweet additions should disappear from the diet, as should cereals such as oats, maize and barley. Treats also call for caution. Apples or carrots in large amounts can do more harm than good. Long grazing on lush grass is risky too, especially when the plants are high in sugar.
To sum up, horses with laminitis and insulin resistance need a diet that is low in sugar, based on fibre, and free of cereals and sweet additions. Their feeding should be calm, predictable and consistent. For these horses, less really does mean more – a simple diet, suitable exercise and regular checks of body weight are the best way to maintain health and prevent the problems from returning. 💚