The type of hay a laminitic horse eats can make a huge difference in their long term health and wellbeing. Laminitis is a painful and potentially debilitating condition that affects the feet of horses and ponies, and it can be caused by a variety of factors including overfeeding, underfeeding, and the consumption of certain types of hay. It is important to understand what hay is best for laminitic horses in order to help prevent laminitis and keep your horse healthy and comfortable.
What is Laminitis?
Laminitis is a painful and potentially debilitating condition that affects the feet of horses and ponies. It is caused by a disruption of the laminae, which are small, delicate structures that connect the coffin bone to the hoof wall. When the laminae become damaged, the coffin bone can become detached from the hoof wall, causing pain and lameness. Laminitis can be caused by a variety of factors, including overfeeding, underfeeding, and the consumption of certain types of hay.
Types of Hay for Laminitic Horses
There are several different types of hay available for horses, each with its own benefits and drawbacks. It is important to understand the nutritional value of each type of hay so that you can choose the best hay for your laminitic horse.
Timothy Hay
Timothy hay is a type of grass hay that is high in fiber and low in sugar and starch. It is a good choice for laminitic horses because it is easy to digest and does not contain the sugars and starches that can trigger laminitis. Timothy hay is also high in calcium, which helps to keep bones strong and healthy.
Orchard Grass or Oat Hay
Orchard grass and oat hay are both high in fiber and low in sugar and starch, making them good choices for laminitic horses. They are also high in protein, which can help to provide the horse with the energy it needs for daily activities.
Alfalfa Hay
Alfalfa hay is a legume hay that is high in protein and calcium. Alfalfa hay is a good choice for laminitic horses because it is easy to digest and provides the horse with essential nutrients that it needs to stay healthy. However, it is important to note that alfalfa hay is also high in sugar and starch, so it should only be fed in small amounts to laminitic horses.
Meadow Hay
Meadow hay is a type of grass hay that is high in fiber and low in sugar and starch. Meadow hay is a good choice for laminitic horses because it is easy to digest and provides the horse with the nutrients it needs to stay healthy.
Conclusion
It is important to understand what hay is best for laminitic horses in order to help prevent laminitis and keep your horse healthy and comfortable. The best types of hay for laminitic horses include timothy hay, orchard grass or oat hay, alfalfa hay, and meadow hay. Each type of hay has its own benefits and drawbacks, so it is important to choose the hay that best meets your horse’s needs.