- Reduce weight. Whether your horse has been diagnosed with EMS or is simply obese to begin with, the first step is to reduce body weight.
- Eliminate or greatly reduce pasture. One of the biggest offenders in an obese horse’s diet is pasture. ...
- Feed hay and incorporate appropriate feeds. Metabolic horses not on pasture need to meet their roughage requirement through hay. ...
- Incorporate supplements with care. 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 ...
- Feeding metabolic horses at maintenance and above. Once weight loss has begun, it is important to monitor your horse closely via BCS and weight tape, and make adjustments as necessary ...
- Work to prevent EMS. It is important that the EMS horse’s basic nutrient requirements are met, including protein, vitamins and minerals.
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 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 insulin resistance?
These can be added to the diet of forage and a balancer pellet. Alfalfa (lucerne) 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.
What is the best supplement for horses with EMS?
Is hay good for horses?
Can horses with EMS be obese?
Can fish oil be used on horses?
See more
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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.
Whats the best feed for a horse with EMS?
Feed vitamins, minerals and antioxidants: Horses and ponies with EMS do not need large amounts of a concentrate feed but they still require a fully balanced diet to support health and well-being. Feeding a low intake, low calorie, protein, vitamin and mineral balancer is ideal.
How can 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 horses with EMS have haylage?
Haylage should be avoided, as should 'over-rugging'. -For confirmed cases of insulin resistance and particularly for horses with acute laminitis where rapid weight loss and correction of insulin resistance is required, medication may be discussed.
Can EMS horses have carrots?
One of the first things you are likely to be told, as the owner of a laminitic or EMS horse, is "no treats, no carrots, no apples..". A grape or prune is sometimes suggested as suitable for hiding pergolide tablets, but owners may be warned not to use a slice of carrot or apple for the same purpose.
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.
Can a horse with EMS be ridden?
However, exercise can be limited in horses with EMS if they have acute or chronic active laminitis. Ideally, as soon as the horse is comfortable and with veterinary advice, a controlled exercise programme may begin.
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.
Can EMS in horses be cured?
Many horses respond well to management through diet and exercise. Horses that are “easy-keepers” or have persistently high insulin levels can be more challenging to manage and may require medical treatments. Although proper treatment can reduce clinical signs, there is no “cure” for EMS.
What do you feed a laminitic horse for energy?
A high fibre, low starch and low sugar diet is essential for laminitics, so avoid feeds that contain cereals or molasses.
What do you feed an insulin resistant horse?
Alfalfa can be an excellent addition to most horses' diets, even for those that are insulin resistant (IR). I often recommend feeding it because it boosts the overall protein quality of a grass-hay diet and, in general, enhances the horse's muscle tone, immune system and overall health.
What do you feed a diabetic horse?
Affected horses will get along best on a ration with low starch content and good-quality fermentable fiber. Free-choice grazing and grass hay can be supplemented with molasses-free beet pulp, and vegetable oil can be added to the diet unless the horse's triglyceride level is elevated.
Feeding horse with EMS | Horse and Hound Forum
If his laminitis has stabilised, I would be inclined to go with the 1.5% diet, as 1% is, I believe, only used where fat natives are hugely resistant to weight loss - usually 1.5% works and gives a gradual decrease.
Four Research-Based Tips for Feeding Horses with EMS
Two main goals of feeding horses with equine metabolic syndrome (EMS) are weight management and lowering the amount of nonstructural carbohydrates—easily digestible sugars—to minimize the body’s insulin response to meals. “Horses with EMS typically are overweight, resistant to the normal effects of insulin to control blood sugar levels, and at risk of developing laminitis,” explained ...
How to Feed Horses With Metabolic Challenges
Originally published in the September 2015 issue of Veterinary Practice News Most horses’ nutritional requirements are satisfied by having enough good hay to fulfill their caloric needs, water and a salt block (probably). But it is increasingly recognized that certain equine metabolic conditions can benefit from special diets targeted toward specific aspects of the condition.
Feeding Metabolic Horses – The Horse
What, when, and how to feed horses with EMS, ID, and PPID. E very owner’s goal is to provide good care for their horse. But when your horse has a metabolic issue such as equine metabolic ...
Feeding horses with EMS & Cushing's Disease - Equilibrium Products Limited
Dietary management for EMS or Cushing’s Disease. For a pony or horse suspected of having Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS) or diagnosed with Cushings Syndrome, diet and exercise management is essential.
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.
Feeding and Management Strategies
There are many scientific studies describing feeding and management strategies for horses suffering from metabolic syndrome, such as obesity, laminitis or insulin resistance.
Feeding frequency
Ideally, feeding strategies for horses kept under intensive conditions would mimic the pattern of a grazing animal. For stabled horses, foraging (grazing) behavior should be encouraged by increasing the availability of hay (or even a variety of different forages) and pasture.
Grain concentrate considerations
Size of grain-concentrate meals: The feeding of large meals rich in starch and sugar can overwhelm the digestive capacity of the small intestine and upset the microbial population of the hindgut. No more than 2 kg of grain or sweet feed mix should be fed in a single meal (500 kg horse).
Probiotic Supplements
There is considerable interest in the use of feed additives such as live yeast culture, and bacterial species as a strategy to minimize the negative effects of cereal-based diets. Yeast cultures might be beneficial for stabilization of the hindgut environment, when high cereal diets are fed.
Exercise
Dietary therapy alone may not be sufficient to reverse insulin resistance. Research has shown that both obese and lean horses had improved insulin sensitivity after seven days of moderate exercise training. Exercising your horse is beneficial; however you should first consult your veterinarian to develop an appropriate exercise regime.
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 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.
