Feeding horses at high risk of Laminitis
Advice from The Scientific Committee of the Laminitis Trust.
Further information on laminitis is available at www.laminitis.org
Be safe and sure, weigh all feedstuffs.
Fat animals are at high risk of laminitis and to achieve a gradual weight reduction to Condition Score 3 may require half of the below quantities to be fed. Stabling or use of a grazing muzzle is also necessary. Only Laminitis Trust Approved feeds, limited long forage or grazing are recommended to complete the diet. A nutritional supplement may be used, consult your veterinary surgeon.
Examples of a suitable diet
TOTAL FEED PER DAY
ZERO GRAZING |
| |
300kg
body weight
pony |
500kg
body weight
horse |
Speedi-Beet
(dry weight)* |
0.75kg |
1.5kg |
| Dried alfalfa |
1.0kg |
2.5kg |
Oat straw/
alfalfa mix |
2.0kg |
- |
| Good quality hay |
5.5kg |
7.0kg |
|
4 HOURS GRAZING
ON UNFERTILISED PASTURE |
| |
300kg
body weight
pony |
500kg
body weight
horse |
Speedi-Beet
(dry weight)* |
0.75kg |
1.5kg |
| Dried alfalfa |
- |
1.0kg |
Oat straw/
alfalfa mix |
1.0kg |
1.0kg |
| Good quality hay |
3.5kg |
5.0kg |
|
* Cold water soaking 10 mins. Hot water soaking 5 mins.