Options for feeding horses that are overweight and/or have EMS:
| Condition | Goal | Forage | Feed Options | Notes |
| Obesity BCS >/= 7 Insulin status = norma ... | Weight loss BCS = 5-6 | Restrict Pasture 1.0 to 1.2% BW grass ha ... | WellSolve W/C ® | Monitor with weight tape and BCS, go slo ... |
| Obesity BCS >/= 7 Insulin status = norma ... | Weight loss BCS = 5-6 | Restrict Pasture 1.0 to 1.2% BW grass ha ... | Enrich Plus ® | Monitor with weight tape and BCS, go slo ... |
| Obesity BCS >/= 7 Insulin status = ... | Weight loss, mitigate glucose/insulin re ... | Eliminate Pasture 1.2% BW grass hay, sma ... | Free Balance ® 12:12 Vitamin and Mineral ... | Feed as many small meals, slow rate of i ... |
| Obesity BCS >/= 7 Insulin status = ... | Weight loss, mitigate glucose/insulin re ... | Eliminate Pasture 1.2% BW grass hay, sma ... | Enrich Plus ® | Feed as many small meals, slow rate of i ... |
What is the best diet for EMS horses?
Feeding EMS horses a balanced, low-NSC diet is key to their successful management. Insuring that all nutrient needs are met and means all the horse’s metabolic pathways have what they need to efficiently and optimally function.
How do you manage EMS in horses?
Managing the horse's diet is critical to EMS management. Here are some ways to fuel your horse's weight loss in a healthy fashion: Feed your horse a lower calorie diet, but, don't overly restrict the horse's diet to the point where he gets overly bored. Feed your horse "late maturity" hay. Avoid sweet feed, grain and treats.
What do you feed a horse under saddle?
The desire to have horses perform under saddle elevates their requirement for energy and necessitates the use of higher carbohydrate feeds. Specifically, performance horses are often fed cereal grains with high NSC (sugar and starch) content.
What is the best forage for EMS horses?
Because the foundation of any horse’s diet should consist of forage (i.e., hay, legumes, beet pulp, etc.), it’s important for the EMS horse to consume forage that has a low NSC level. The only way to know for sure is to test the hay at a lab, which is a relatively inexpensive (about $30 depending on the lab).
What do you feed a horse with equine metabolic syndrome?
Avoid high-potassium feeds such as alfalfa hay, brome hay, canola oil, soybean meal or oil, and molasses. Feed timothy or Bermuda grass hay, beet pulp, or grains such as oats, corn, wheat and barley. Pasture is usually OK.
How do I help my horse with EMS?
Because most horses with EMS are overweight, the mainstay of treatment involves management changes that promote weight loss. These include reducing overall calorie intake, dietary sugar restriction, and increased exercise. Typically, grain and pasture grazing are eliminated during the initial weight loss phase.
Is cinnamon good for horses with EMS?
One of interest is the use of cinnamon to aid in the treatment of EMS. Cinnamon has been shown to exert some beneficial effects on humans with type 2 or adult-onset diabetes, and it is unlikely to have any negative or harmful side effects on your horse.
Can a horse with EMS have beet pulp?
Thin horses with EMS should receive increased calories in the form of roughage, fat, and possibly protein supplementation. Molasses-free beet pulp, vegetable oils, and low-carbohydrate, moderate protein, higher fat supplements can be used until a desired BCS is reached.
Can EMS horses eat grass?
Grass is high in sugar content, and thus potentially dangerous for horses with EMS. Grass tends to have the most sugars in spring and fall and tends to accumulate sugar throughout the day on sunny days.
Can a horse recover from EMS?
Unfortunately, an EMS horse can never be fully cured, but the disorder can be managed through proper nutrition and exercise. “The key is to recognize the risk, mitigate the risk and prevent them from developing laminitis,” Dr. Frank says. As is often the case, the best treatment is prevention.
How can I reduce my Cresty neck?
Addressing underlying metabolic issues, increasing exercise and feeding a lower-calorie diet will support weight loss and help you get rid of your horse's cresty neck. Once your horse has reached a moderate body condition score of 4-5, excess fat along the neck should be eliminated or significantly reduced.
Does magnesium help laminitis?
Magnesium helps cells respond to insulin. Supplementation with this mineral might improve insulin sensitivity, particularly in overweight horses. It helps prevent laminitis in horses especially in those that are more prone to laminitis in the spring.
What are the symptoms of magnesium deficiency in horses?
Magnesium plays an important role in nerve and muscle function. Horses deficient in this vital mineral often show signs of nervousness, wariness, excitability, jumpiness, tight sore backs (not related to saddle fit), muscle tremors, and hypersensitive skin – our products can help.
Is EMS and Cushings the same?
In general, Cushings affects older horses, whereas EMS first develops in young and middle-aged animals. Although they are two separate conditions, they can overlap. All breeds are susceptible but ponies are most at risk.
How does EMS cause laminitis?
The reason why EMS causes laminitis is currently the focus of much research. In humans, high insulin levels have been associated with blood vessel narrowing and damage, and a heightened inflammatory state, which may be the cause of laminitis in ponies with EMS.
What should I feed my infrared horse?
Horses with IR are more likely to have a laminitic outbreak when grazing on pasture during these times. Select hay with a low level of soluble carbohydrates for the IR horse. Small grain hays such as oat and ryegrass have much greater sugar content than other grass hays like timothy and orchard grass.
What is the lack of information available for feeding horses suffering from EMS?
There is a lack of information available for feeding and management strategies for horses suffering from Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS), such as obesity, laminitis or insulin resistance. There is even less information available for feeding horses that were previously affected and are now returning back to work.
Where do carbohydrates come from in equine feed?
Plant carbohydrates in equine feeds can be divided into: structural carbohydrates (SC), which largely make up the fibrous portion of the diet and originate from the plant cell wall , and the nonstructural carbohydrates (NSC) – sugar and starch (NSC), which originate from inside the plant cells. Together, the NSC and SC constitute ...
What is a low carb horse?
The unique Low Carb – Low GI profile however is suitable for any equine requiring a low sugar and starch diet. While low carbohydrate feeds (low GI), such as vegetable oils, beet pulp and lucerne chaff, provide an alternative energy source for horses sensitive to starch with a history of digestive and metabolic disorders.
Why is sugar and starch important for horses?
Sugar and starch provide fuel for performance that is quicker and metabolically more efficient than structural carbohydrates. Sugar and starch are rapidly broken down in the horses’ small intestine while structural carbohydrates must be fermented by bacteria in the horses’ large intestine. For this reason, this quick and efficient fuel, such as ...
What is the NSC in horses?
Together, the NSC and SC constitute the main energy-yielding portions of the horse’ s diet. The desire to have horses perform under saddle elevates their requirement for energy and necessitates the use of higher carbohydrate feeds. Specifically, performance horses are often fed cereal grains with high NSC (sugar and starch) content.
What happens when a horse is resistant to insulin?
When a horse becomes resistant to insulin, they must produce more insulin to clear the blood of glucose. Horses with IR have chronically high levels of insulin and often have high levels of blood glucose which can have damaging consequences for circulation and is thought to potentially facilitate laminitis.
Is roughage good for horses?
For hard working horses with high DE requirements, the provision of roughage is often restricted in favour of grain concentrates to ensure adequate energy. However, there is considerable evidence associating low roughage diets with digestive disturbances (e.g. hindgut acidosis, colic, gastric ulcers) and behavioural problems.
What is the best supplement for horses with EMS?
Obesity is characterized by oxidative stress, and an antioxidant supplement is recommended. Non-obese horses with EMS need energy for work, so the aim is to supply increased energy intake with low glucose and insulin responses after feeding.
Is hay good for horses?
Alfalfa (luc erne) hay or chaff may be fed to these horses, as the higher energy content is valuable and its NSC content is often lower than grass hay. Protein content of the diet has not been shown to influence insulin dynamics.
Can horses with EMS be obese?
Most, but not all, horses with EMS are obese, and those that are not obese must be managed differently. High fat diets have the potential to worsen or create insulin resistance, as shown in a study at Kentucky Equine Research.For obese horses with EMS, intake of nonstructural carbohydrates (NSC) should be controlled, ...
Can fish oil be used on horses?
Small doses of fish oil could be beneficial for obese horses with EMS as it will not contribute many calories and could be fed to the non-obese horse to counter the negative impact of higher amounts of regular vegetable oil on glucose tolerance.
Understanding Different Carbohydrates
The horse’s body uses types of carbohydrate, and the key is to understand the difference. There’s starch, or sugars such as glucose, and other sugars that break down into glucose in the small intestine; but there are also complex carbohydrates such as hemicellulose, cellulose, pectins, and lignin.
Finding the Right Forage
Because the foundation of any horse’s diet should consist of forage (i.e., hay, legumes, beet pulp, etc.), it’s important for the EMS horse to consume forage that has a low NSC level. The only way to know for sure is to test the hay at a lab, which is a relatively inexpensive (about $30 depending on the lab).
Make Sure EMS Horses Get the Nutrients They Need
Often, my clients with EMS horses reduce the amount of forage they provide to avoid obesity in their animals. Unfortunately, this can result in diets deficient in trace mineral and vitamins. It’s important, therefore, to supplement for these missing pieces.
Omega-3, Magnesium, and Psyllium Supplementation
Horses with EMS might also benefit from omega-3 fatty acids and magnesium supplementation. Some research suggesting that, at least in the short term, omega-3 fatty acids could help improve insulin sensitivity.
Take-Home Message
Feeding EMS horses a balanced, low-NSC diet is key to their successful management. Insuring that all nutrient needs are met and means all the horse’s metabolic pathways have what they need to efficiently and optimally function.
What is the best way to lose weight on a horse?
The hallmarks of an effective weight-loss program are calorie control and/or reduction, reducing glucose and insulin response to consuming a meal, and if possible, exercise. Work with your veterinarian or nutrition specialist to determine the weight-loss regimen appropriate for your horse.
What is the best BCS for a horse?
Ideally, horses should stabilize at a BCS between 4 and 5 , with more sensitive, chronically laminitic horses maintained toward a 4. Some ponies are practically impossible to get to a 5 or less, with a BCS of 6 acceptable, especially if they started at an 8. Once horses reach a healthier BCS, the ration can be altered for weight maintenance.
What to do with restricted amount of forage?
The restricted amount of forage in the diet, along with the nutrient deficiencies of most forages, should prompt use of a mineral supplement, ration balancer or low sugar/starch feed. The essential nutrients from these supplements will provide much-needed support to the body and help repair tissue.
What should be incorporated into a forage diet?
Due to the restricted amount of forage in the diet, along with most forages’ inherent nutrient deficiencies, a mineral supplement, ration balancer or low sugar/starch feed should be incorporated to balance the total ration.
What is the most important factor in a horse's prevention plan?
It is important that the EMS horse’s basic nutrient requirements are met, including protein, vitamins and minerals. However, the most important factor of a prevention plan is avoiding obesity. The insulin resistance and inflammation that stems from being grossly overweight can be difficult to overcome once the cascade has begun. Identifying at-risk horses early, implementing sound nutrition and management programs, and monitoring them closely can improve their health and quality of life.
Can horses eat grass?
The fructan sugar found in grasses has been suggested as a contributing cause of pasture-associated laminitis, and research has shown that horses can consume substantial amounts of fructan grass via daily grazing. However, it is important not to overlook the overall sugar (sucrose + glucose) and starch content found in grasses and the resulting higher insulin levels found in grazing horses versus horses eating hay.
Can horses have laminitis?
In many cases, horses suffer acute and recurrent laminitis as a result of EMS. Early diagnosis and treatment, as well as ongoing oversight are key to successfully managing the condition. However, nutritional therapies for EMS can also be a helpful management tool and should be started before further complications arise.
How to help a horse lose weight?
Here are some ways to fuel your horse's weight loss in a healthy fashion: Feed your horse a lower calorie diet, but, don't overly restrict the horse's diet to the point where he gets overly bor ed. Feed your horse "late maturity" hay. Avoid sweet feed, grain and treats.
What is the best treatment for laminitis in horses?
Some veterinarians prescribe medications such as levothyroxine sodium for horses who have been severely impacted by EMS and where strict dietary control does not sufficiently control subsequent laminitis episodes. Medical therapy should be used in conjunction with other dietary and exercise management strategies.
How is EMS diagnosed?
EMS is usually diagnosed based on blood tests, hoof radiography to check for laminitis and clinical review. However, the presence of laminitis, insulin resistance and obesity, individually or in combination, are often strong indications of Equine Metabolic Syndrome.
How to treat laminitis in horses?
Limiting the severity and frequency of laminitis episodes is most successful when EMS is detected and treated as soon as possible. Multiple bouts of laminitis can cause the hoof laminae to be so structurally damaged that the horse's prognosis becomes increasingly negative . Managing the horse's diet is critical to EMS management. Here are some ways to fuel your horse's weight loss in a healthy fashion: 1 Feed your horse a lower calorie diet, but, don't overly restrict the horse's diet to the point where he gets overly bored. 2 Feed your horse "late maturity" hay. 3 Avoid sweet feed, grain and treats. 4 Don't allow obese horses to be pastured, as uncontrolled calorie intake must be avoided. 5 A pound per day of ration balancer can help to insure the horse's nutritional needs are met.
What is the first sign of EMS?
Laminitis episodes are usually the first indication of EMS. Insulin resistance, which is where the horse has high blood insulation concentrations and a decreased tissue response, are usually the 3rd leg of an EMS diagnosis. Your veterinarian should take care to rule out other endocrine issues, such as Cushing's disease.
When do horses get laminitis?
Certain equine breeds, such as: Paso Finos, Arabians, Morgans and a number of pony breeds appear to be predisposed to the condition. It is typically observed in horses and ponies between the ages of 5 and 15 years of age. New cases of laminitis in horses and ponies diagnosed with EMS tend to occur in the spring.
Is EMS a problem for horses?
This condition is becoming increasingly common in the U.S., as horse owners fail to take the steps necessary to restrict their horses feed intake and overall weight. However, EMS is manageable and your horse can still enjoy a productive and healthy life.
What breeds of horses are affected by EMS?
Any breed can be affected by EMS; however, those most predisposed include: Warmbloods, Arabian horses, Welsh, Dartmoor and Shetland ponies. It is important to note that EMS and Cushing’s Disease (Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction, PPID) are two different diseases; however, they are sometimes confused.
How to reduce horse weight?
If you want to reduce your horse’s weight, eliminate access to pasture until the ideal body condition has been achieved, but ensure that you are feeding a mineral balancer to meet the correct nutrient requirements for your animal. Any weight loss programme must be gradually.
How to tell if you have EMS?
What are the signs of EMS? 1 Obesity: Monitor for regional fat deposits, particularly in the nuchal ligament, found in the dorsal neck region. This is also described as a ‘cresty neck’. Other areas to look for fat deposits include around the eyes, the tail head, and the prepuce or mammary glands. Alternatively, obesity may be generalised. It is important to note that EMS cannot be ruled out in horses or ponies with a healthy BCS. 2 Laminitis: Subclinical laminitis is indicated by a pottery, short-strided gait. Growth rings in the feet that are wider at the heels. In acute laminitis the pony or horse will be reluctant to walk, and have increased digital pulses and warm feet, more commonly in the front feet.
Can horses have zero grazing?
Many horses with EMS and laminitis are managed with zero grazing, as they are highly sensitive to the levels of sugar and carbohydrates in grass; even an hour of turnout can cause foot soreness. An all weather turn-out area is a good solution, allowing horses and ponies to spend risk-free time outside.
Can PPID and EMS be the same?
Keep in mind that EMS typically occurs in younger horses and ponies, whilst PPID typically occurs in those that are older. Rarely, EMS and PPID will both be present at the same time.
