Working and Sport Animals

Horse Laminitis Nutrition and Prevention

Laminitis is a painful hoof condition in horses strongly linked to diet, and its prevention through nutritional management is a key welfare priority.

Key Facts

Laminitis affects the sensitive laminae connecting the hoof wall to the pedal bone
High-sugar grass and grain overload are leading dietary triggers
Horses with equine metabolic syndrome or Cushings are especially susceptible
Severe cases can cause the pedal bone to rotate or sink within the hoof capsule
Prevention through grazing restriction, low-sugar forage and exercise is highly effective

Welfare Considerations

Laminitis causes acute, severe pain and can become chronic and debilitating. Affected horses often adopt a characteristic leaning-back stance to offload pressure from their toes. Even mild repeated episodes cause cumulative hoof damage. Many horses are euthanised due to uncontrolled chronic laminitis. Nutritional management — restricting rich pasture, soaking hay, avoiding starchy feeds — is the most powerful preventive tool available to owners.

What You Can Do

Restrict grazing on rich spring and autumn pasture for at-risk horses
Test hay for sugar content and soak before feeding if necessary
Work with your vet to manage equine metabolic syndrome and Cushings
Learn to recognise early laminitis signs: heat in feet, reluctant movement, bounding digital pulse