Hi Dr.Getty,
I have a friend who's farrier told her her mare (who I trained for her) has the beginning of laminitis. I've been telling her for a long time, that she'd better watch what she's feeding her. While I had her here she was eating SafeChoice and when she went home she stayed on it for a short time. They have a ranch in west Texas and the horse goes back & forth from all the grass and molassas blocks (they have goats) she wants, to a little grass, hay and oats. She comes back from the ranch big & fat. All that molassas ..... No surprise there. Anyway, I told her to switch back to SafeChoice but she is concerned about the 14% protein. LiteBalance has 12%... is that a low carb (starch)food? Are oats ok?
Thanks for your help, I'm sure Dixie (the mare)will appreciate it! People don't seem to understand how serious laminitis is!
Lynette
Lynette

Where are you from? Texas

Hi Lynette,

Oh my!!! Sugar and starches need to be strictly avoided, so that includes molasses (like you mentioned) and oats -- no oats, none, nada, zip!

Protein has nothing to do with laminitis. The key is to have quality protein so a commercial ration, such as Safe Choice and others, generally has essential amino acids added (lysine and methionine) to boost the quality of the protein found in plant feedstuffs.

SafeChoice may be a good idea, but unfortunately, its ingredients depend on the manufacturing plant; there's little consistency across products. I've seen some products that have corn in them. And, this is not what you want in a low starch feed. So, check the ingredients label for corn, oats, or barley.

Hope this is helpful!

Best regards,

Dr. Getty

Where are you from? Bayfield, CO