SPILLERS® help reduce the risk of laminitis

Climate change means that in the coming years, laminitis really could be the single biggest risk to your horse’s health. Milder winters are allowing the grass to grow all year round and recent research suggests that the nutrient value of winter grass is now very similar to spring/summer grass. SPILLERS® the UK’s tried and trusted feed manufacturer is providing important practical advice to horse and pony owners on how nutrition can help manage and reduce the risk of this painfully debilitating condition.

Horses, ponies and donkeys can all suffer from laminitis but native ponies, cobs, good doers and overweight animals are often more susceptible. The most common cause is an overload of rapidly fermentable carbohydrate from either sugars and fructan found in grass or starch found in cereals and plants. Also recent research has revealed that the long-term feeding of sugar and starch-based feeds may result in insulin resistance, which can play a major role in the development of the condition.

SPILLERS® head nutritionist Clare Barfoot says: “Diet should be central to any active management system that aims to keep horses and ponies out of the laminitis ‘danger zone’ as around 50% of current cases are likely to be prevented through appropriate nutrition. Research also suggests that high intakes of antioxidants may support the lamellae tissues following oxidative damage resulting from laminitis, so feeds containing a good level of vitamin E and selenium may be useful.”

Clare recommends the following guidelines to help reduce the risk of laminitis:

Restrict your horse’s time at pasture when the grass is actively growing particularly during the spring and autumn.
Never starve a laminitic as this can lead to further serious metabolic conditions.
Weigh your horse or pony regularly to maintain a moderate body condition.
Avoid cereals and high cereal concentrates such as coarse mixes.
Choose a high fibre diet, with added vitamins, minerals and antioxidants such as the Laminitis Trust approved SPILLERS HAPPY HOOF®, is ideal and can be used as a complete feed or a replacement for compound feed.

SPILLERS HAPPY HOOF® can be used as a complete feed and is designed to extend eating time. It has low levels of starch and sugar (especially fructose) and is proven to produce a low glycaemic response. The addition of magnesium helps to maintain a healthy metabolism. It contains a palatable blend of dried alfalfa, straw and grass with mint, garlic and soya oil and is formulated with added Biotin, Calcium, Zinc and Copper to support healthy hoof growth. SPILLERS HAPPY HOOF® is also enriched with a high specification of vitamins and minerals, including the key antioxidants vitamin E and Selenium, which may support the lamellae tissue.

For further information
For some practical tips from Clare Barfoot on how to keep your horse or pony safe from laminitis all year round visit the SPILLERS® website at
www.spillers-feeds.com . For friendly advice about feeding horses and ponies prone to laminitis contact the SPILLERS® Care-line on 01908 226626 or careline@spillers-feeds.com