Laminitis is caused by too much protein
This is one of the oldest myths in horse feeding: the belief that too much protein in the diet leads to laminitis. In reality, it is cukry proste i skrobia that are the main culprits, especially when there is a sudden excess of them in the diet (for example fresh grass, or too large a quantity of cereals). Overloading the digestive system with starch can disturb the gut microflora, lead to the production of endotoxins and, as a result, to inflammation of the laminae. Protein can put a strain on the body, but it is not a direct cause of laminitis. This is an important distinction, and it helps you put a diet together more safely, especially in spring and for horses that tend towards insulin resistance.
Oats cause excitability
It is true that oats contain readily available carbohydrates (starch), which can cause a rapid rise in energy. The problem, however, is not oats themselves, but the amount and a lack of balance in the diet. In a well-balanced feeding plan, oats can be a valuable ingredient, especially for sport horses.
Carrots and apples contain too much sugar
This belief causes a lot of worry, especially among owners of horses with insulin resistance or a history of laminitis. It is true that an excess of simple sugars is a risk factor, but a small amount of carrots or apples (2-3 a day) is not a danger to a healthy horse. A carrot is about 90% water, and sugar makes up only 3% of its weight. That is not much, especially compared with hay (10 kg of hay can contain as much as 1 kg of sugar), and even more so compared with young spring grass, from which a horse can take in as much as 2 kg of sugar a day. What matters is moderation and an awareness of the total sugar in the diet, not cutting out safe, natural treats.
The horse knows how much salt it needs
Although horses have a natural need to lick salt, they cannot always meet their real requirement, especially in hot weather, during work or under stress. A salt lick on its own is not enough to replace lost electrolytes. The horse may not lick it at all, or may do so too rarely. In addition, the horse also loses other minerals in sweat: potassium and magnesium. That is why it is worth keeping an eye on the amount of salt and other minerals in the diet and, if needed, giving them as precisely measured electrolytes in the feed or the water.
The more supplements, the better
Many horse owners want to do the best they can for their horse’s health, so they reach for yet another supplement: “for muscle”, “for the coat”, “for immunity”, “for stress”. Unfortunately, too many additions can do more harm than good. Not all ingredients complement one another: some interact, disturbing the absorption of others or building up in the body. Too many vitamins and trace elements can put a strain on the liver, the kidneys and the digestive system and, over time, cause metabolic disturbances. Supplements should be chosen individually, based on the horse’s real needs, test results or the advice of a veterinary surgeon.
Podsumowując…In horse feeding, as in every field, it is worth being guided by knowledge and observation, not by patterns repeated for years. Not every piece of advice from the internet or the stable yard has a scientific basis, and the consequences of feeding mistakes can be serious. If you are unsure, consult an equine nutritionist or a veterinary surgeon. They will help separate fact from myth and choose feeding that actually works.