Let us start with the causes, because laminitis does not come from an unsuitable diet alone. Inflammation of the hooves is encouraged, for example, by overloading the limbs after an injury or by working on ground that is too hard. The disease can also be caused by the improper use of steroid medicines, too little movement, a difficult foaling, or even poisoning after eating toxic plants such as yew. When laminitis appears, a vet needs to be called quickly, because inflammation in the hoof progresses fast and irreversibly changes the laminae. Untreated laminitis leads to necrosis of the hoof tissues, not to mention the pain the horse experiences.
Although, as you can see, there are many causes of laminitis, that does not change the fact that incorrect feeding is the most common of them. A diet with too high a share of non-structural carbohydrates, such as starch, simple sugars or fructans, lowers the pH of the large intestine. An acidic environment disturbs the composition and function of the microflora, which leads to the release of toxins that travel in the blood to the hoof and trigger inflammation. That is why, to prevent laminitis, excessively large amounts of cereals, which are rich in starch, should be avoided in the horse’s diet. This applies especially to horses in the risk group, that is those with metabolic disease (EMS, insulin resistance), with a diagnosed pituitary dysfunction (PPID, formerly Cushing’s syndrome), or horses that are obese.
What else can be done to limit carbohydrates in the diet of horses at risk of laminitis? It is not only cereals that should be avoided, but also feed products that contain molasses. If a horse’s energy intake falls, extra calories can come from vegetable oils, rice bran or sugar beet pulp. It is also very good practice to limit time at pasture and to choose the right times of day for grazing. Grass can contain large amounts of fructans, especially after frost. Primitive breeds are particularly at risk of so-called pasture-associated laminitis: ponies, Koniks, Huculs, Haflingers and Tinkers. The type of hay also deserves attention. Ideally it should not contain legumes. Hay can be soaked before feeding, because this reduces the fructan content. Also pay attention to hay quality. Mould, mycotoxins and other contamination put a strain on the metabolism!
To sum up, if you own a horse at risk of laminitis, look carefully at its diet, because incorrect feeding is considered the main cause of the disease. It is important that your horse’s diet matches its physical activity, so that surplus energy is avoided. To put a complete diet together you can always ask a nutritionist, and, to be sure, discuss it with your vet as well. Especially if your horse has already had laminitis. There are plenty of ready-made compound feeds on the market. Remember to choose those low in starch and sugar and high in crude fibre. And above all, avoid feeding cereals!