What Can I Feed a Laminitis-Prone Horse? A Practical NZ Guide

Understanding Laminitis and Diet

Laminitis is a painful condition affecting the sensitive laminar tissue inside a horse's hoof. While veterinary diagnosis and treatment are always the first priority, diet plays a central role in day-to-day management of horses that are prone to it. This guide offers practical, evidence-based feeding information for New Zealand horse owners — it is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice.

Always work with your veterinarian and, where possible, an equine nutritionist, especially when managing a horse with a history of laminitis.

The Core Principle: Low Sugar, Low Starch, High Fibre

The most widely supported dietary approach for laminitis-prone horses is one that limits non-structural carbohydrates (NSC) — the combined total of sugars and starch. High NSC diets can trigger or worsen episodes in susceptible horses, particularly those with Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS) or Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction (PPID, also known as Cushing's disease).

As a general guideline, many equine nutritionists recommend keeping total dietary NSC below 10–12% for horses with confirmed metabolic conditions — though the right target for your individual horse should be set by your vet or nutritionist.

Forage First: Hay and Grazing

Choosing the Right Hay

Forage should form the foundation of any horse's diet, including laminitis-prone horses. Not all hay is equal — sugar and starch content varies significantly depending on grass species, cutting time, season, and weather conditions.

• Opt for mature, stalky hay over young, leafy, or rapidly growing grass hay. Late-cut hay generally contains less NSC than early-cut hay.
• Avoid ryegrass-dominant hay if possible, as perennial ryegrass can accumulate high levels of fructan — a storage carbohydrate that is particularly problematic for laminitis-prone horses.
• Choose grass hay such as teff, oaten hay, or lower-sugar meadow hay in preference to lucerne (alfalfa) in high quantities, unless advised otherwise by your vet. Note: lucerne is low in starch but can be relatively high in protein, and opinions vary on its suitability — seek professional guidance.
• Test your hay if possible. Hay analysis through a forage testing laboratory gives you the actual NSC values for what you're feeding. This is especially valuable for horses with confirmed metabolic conditions.

Soaking Hay to Reduce Sugars

Soaking hay in cold water for 30–60 minutes (or up to 60 minutes in warm weather) can meaningfully reduce its water-soluble carbohydrate content. Research suggests this can reduce WSC by 20–45%, though results vary by hay type.

• Use a hay net submerged in a tub or bucket.
• Drain and feed immediately after soaking — do not leave soaked hay sitting, especially in warm conditions, as it can ferment and cause digestive upset.
• Discard the soaking water away from pasture areas, as it contains the leached sugars.
• Be aware that soaking also leaches some minerals, so nutritional supplementation may be warranted — discuss this with your vet or nutritionist.

Pasture Management: One of the Biggest Risk Factors

New Zealand's lush pastures are a wonderful resource — but they can be a significant risk for laminitis-prone horses. Pasture grasses can accumulate very high levels of fructan and other NSC, particularly:

• During rapid spring and autumn growth flushes
• On sunny, cold mornings (NSC peaks in the afternoon and drops overnight)
• After frost, drought stress, or overgrazing followed by regrowth
• In grass that appears stressed or is growing rapidly

Practical Pasture Strategies

• Limit grazing time during high-risk periods. A grazing muzzle can help reduce intake without complete restriction.
• Avoid lush, fast-growing pasture — ideally graze on pasture that is at least 15–20 cm in length, where the grass is more mature and NSC concentrations are lower in the leaf base.
• Graze in the early morning or evening when NSC levels in grass tend to be lower, or consider a temporary dry lot (yard) during peak risk periods.
• Consider a dry lot (sacrifice yard) with ad lib soaked hay during active laminitis or very high-risk seasons. This removes pasture access entirely while maintaining adequate fibre intake.

Suitable Hard Feeds and Supplements

Many laminitis-prone horses in light to moderate work can meet their energy needs from good-quality hay and pasture management alone. However, horses in regular work, older horses with PPID, or those that struggle to maintain condition may benefit from a specifically formulated hard feed.

When selecting a hard feed for a laminitis-prone horse, look for:

• Low NSC values (sugar + starch combined, ideally below 12% as fed)
• High fibre content to support digestive health
• Good-quality protein for muscle maintenance
• Added vitamins and minerals to compensate for what may be missing from forage-only diets

NRM Low GI Sport 20kg

NRM Low GI Sport is a conditioning and performance feed specifically formulated with a low glycaemic index in mind. It is designed to provide sustained energy through fibre and fat rather than rapidly fermentable starches and sugars — making it a commonly considered option for horses where sugar and starch management is a priority. As with any feed change, introduce it gradually and consult your veterinarian or equine nutritionist to confirm it is appropriate for your horse's individual needs and workload.

Dunstan Betabeet Horse Feed 20kg

Dunstan Betabeet is a highly digestible, fibre-based feed featuring unmolassed sugar beet pulp as a key ingredient. Sugar beet pulp (unmolassed) is a well-regarded fibre source that is low in starch, provides a highly fermentable energy source, and is widely used in equine diets where NSC management is important. Betabeet may be particularly useful for horses needing extra condition without the addition of high-starch cereals. Always check the product label and consult your vet or nutritionist before feeding.

What to Avoid

• High-grain or high-cereal feeds — oats, barley, corn, and wheat are high in starch and not recommended for laminitis-prone horses.
• Molassed feeds — many commercial feeds and chaff products contain added molasses, which significantly increases sugar content. Check labels carefully.
• High-sugar treats — carrots, apples, and manufactured horse treats are best offered sparingly or avoided during high-risk periods.
• Abrupt feed changes — any dietary change should be made gradually over 10–14 days to minimise digestive upset and avoid additional metabolic stress.

Maintaining a Healthy Weight

Obesity is one of the most significant risk factors for laminitis, particularly in horses with EMS. Achieving and maintaining a healthy body condition score (ideally 4–5 out of 9 on the Henneke scale) is a key management goal. If your horse is overweight, your vet can help you design a safe, controlled weight-loss plan that does not compromise essential nutrition.

When to Call Your Veterinarian

Diet management is an important part of reducing laminitis risk, but it is not a replacement for veterinary care. Contact your veterinarian promptly if your horse shows any of the following:

• Warmth or pulsing in the hooves
• Reluctance to move, shifting weight, or a "rocking horse" stance
• Tenderness when walking on hard ground
• Any sudden or unexplained change in behaviour or movement
• Signs of PPID/Cushing's disease (unusual coat shedding, muscle wastage, increased drinking/urination)

Early veterinary intervention gives the best outcomes. If your horse has a confirmed history of laminitis or a metabolic condition, work with your vet to build a full management plan that includes diet, exercise, hoof care, and monitoring.

A Note on This Guide

This article is intended as a general educational resource for New Zealand horse owners. Individual horses vary significantly, and the information here should not be used as a substitute for professional veterinary, farriery, or nutritional advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making significant changes to your horse's diet or management.