Ask the Nutritionist: Dr. Getty's Forum for Equine Nutrition
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All the best,
Dr. Getty
Hi Michelle,
Thank you for writing. Actually, the key to handling laminitis is not so much the amount of feed to offer, but rather, the type of feed.
You'll want to eliminate all cereal grains from her diet. So, this means no sweet feeds, feeds made from oats, barley, corn, wheat, etc.
You ought to also have your hay tested for the level of non-structural carbohydrates (NSC). Ideally, it should be below 13%.
Finally, you may wish to consider adding Quiessence to her diet. This is a magnesium/chromium supplement along with B vitamins that reduces the level of circulating insulin in her bloodstream. This will help her lose weight safely, thereby reducing her risk of laminitis.
I hope this is helpful. Please keep me posted on her progress.
All the best,
Dr. Getty
Where are you from? Bayfield, Colorado