FEED ADVICE – HEALTH
Essential Guide to Laminitis in Horses
Contrary to popular belief, laminitis can occur all year-round, not just in the spring. Laminitis is an emergency condition that requires prompt action whenever it is suspected. It is an inflammatory condition of the laminae within the horse’s feet. The laminae are the tissues that attach the pedal bone to the hoof wall inside the hoof capsule. Many people mistakenly believe that laminitis only affects overweight ponies, but horses of all types, ages, and sizes can develop laminitis for various reasons.
Key Highlights
Laminitis is a serious and often painful condition caused by inflammation and damage to the sensitive laminae in the hoof.
It can affect any horse, not just overweight ponies, with early signs including short strides, reluctance to walk on hard ground, and shifting weight.
Common causes include metabolic issues, endotoxemia, and excessive intake of rich grass.
Diagnosis and treatment involve veterinary assessment, possible x-rays, immediate symptom relief, and long-term management through diet and hoof care.
Understanding Laminitis
The horse’s hoof is a complex and highly specialized structure that plays a vital role in the horse’s overall health and performance. It is made up of several components, including the hoof wall, the sole of the hoof, and the coffin bone.
The hoof wall is the hard outer covering of the hoof that provides protection and support. It is made of keratinized cells and forms a protective barrier against external forces and infections. The hoof wall grows continuously from the coronet band at the top of the hoof downward.
The sole of the hoof is the concave area between the hoof wall and the frog. It acts as a shock absorber during locomotion and helps distribute weight evenly across the foot. The sole is also responsible for protecting the sensitive structures inside the hoof, including the coffin bone.
The coffin bone, also known as the distal phalanx or pedal bone, is a triangular bone located within the hoof. It is attached to the hoof wall by the laminae and provides support and structure to the foot. The coffin bone is surrounded by soft tissues, including the laminae, which help to suspend and stabilize the bone within the hoof capsule.
The proper functioning and health of the hoof are essential for a horse’s overall soundness and well-being. Any disruption or damage to the structures within the hoof, such as inflammation of the laminae in laminitis, can have severe consequences and lead to pain, lameness, and even permanent damage.
During an active case of laminitis, the inflammation of the laminae disrupts the normal blood flow to the hoof, leading to further damage and deterioration of the structures inside the hoof. This disruption in blood flow can cause the laminae to weaken and separate, resulting in the rotation or sinking of the pedal bone. The separation and displacement of the pedal bone can cause extreme pain and lameness for the horse.
Laminitis can occur in all four feet, but it is most commonly seen in the front feet. The severity of laminitis can range from mild discomfort to severe lameness. In severe cases, the horse may be unable to bear weight on its hooves and may need to lie down to relieve the pain.
Defining Laminitis: Causes and Trigger Factors
Laminitis can be caused by various factors, and understanding these causes is crucial for prevention and management.
It is important to identify and address the underlying causes and trigger factors of laminitis to prevent its occurrence and manage the condition effectively. Proper management strategies, including dietary adjustments, regular exercise, and veterinary care, can help reduce the risk of laminitis in horses.
Some common causes and trigger factors of laminitis include:
Identifying Early Signs of Laminitis in Horses
Early identification of laminitis is crucial for prompt intervention and treatment. The earlier the condition is recognised, the better the chances of a positive outcome for the horse. Some early signs of laminitis to watch out for include:
Laminitis Progession
The Role of the Pedal Bone in Laminitis Progression
The pedal bone, also known as the distal phalanx, plays a central role in the development and progression of laminitis. In severe cases, inflammation of the sensitive laminae can lead to the rotation or sinking of the pedal bone within the hoof capsule.
Under normal conditions, the pedal bone is suspended within the hoof and securely anchored by the laminae — a complex network of interlocking tissues. However, when these structures become weakened or inflamed due to laminitis, they can no longer provide adequate support. This may allow the pedal bone to rotate or shift downwards, and in extreme cases, it can even penetrate the sole of the hoof.
The movement and misalignment of the pedal bone are extremely painful, often resulting in significant lameness and the risk of further complications such as founder. Prompt, effective management is essential to limit damage to the laminae and stabilise the position of the pedal bone, supporting both treatment and recovery.
Progression to Founder
If laminitis advances unchecked, it can lead to a serious and often devastating condition known as founder. Founder refers to the mechanical failure of the hoof’s internal support system, resulting in the displacement and rotation of the pedal bone away from the hoof wall.
In these cases, the pedal bone rotates and sinks within the hoof capsule, causing intense pain, marked lameness, and long-term structural changes to the foot. This misalignment damages the hoof architecture and leads to further deterioration of the laminae.
Affected horses typically show severe, sometimes non-weight-bearing lameness. In advanced cases, the pain and structural damage may be so severe that euthanasia becomes the most humane outcome.
Early recognition and intervention are critical to prevent laminitis from progressing to founder. With timely and appropriate care, it is possible to minimise long-term damage and improve the horse’s prospects for recovery and quality of life.
Diagnostic Approaches for Laminitis
Accurate diagnosis of laminitis is essential for appropriate treatment and management. There are various diagnostic approaches that veterinarians use to evaluate and diagnose laminitis in horses.
These approaches include:
Clinical examination and history taking: The veterinarian will perform a thorough examination of the horse, looking for signs of lameness, changes in behavior, and physical symptoms. They will also gather information about the horse’s medical history, diet, and management.
Imaging techniques: X-rays are commonly used to assess the condition of the hooves, determine the position of the pedal bone, and identify any structural changes or damage. These imaging techniques can provide valuable information for diagnosis and treatment planning.
By utilizing these diagnostic approaches, veterinarians can accurately diagnose laminitis, determine the severity of the condition, and develop an appropriate treatment and management plan for the affected horse.
Effective Management and Treatment Strategies
Effective management and treatment strategies are crucial for ensuring the best possible outcome for horses with laminitis. Prompt intervention and ongoing care are essential in minimizing pain, reducing inflammation, and promoting healing and recovery. Some key approaches to managing and treating laminitis include:
Immediate care measures to alleviate symptoms, such as box rest and deep bedding.
Providing pain relief and anti-inflammatory medications as prescribed by a veterinarian.
Regular farrier care, including trimming and shoeing techniques tailored to support the affected hooves.
Long-term management plans to promote recovery and rehabilitation, including weight loss, regular exercise, and appropriate diet adjustments.
By implementing these strategies, horse owners and veterinarians can work together to manage laminitis effectively and improve the horse’s quality of life.
Dietary Management: What to Feed and What to Avoid
Dietary management plays a crucial role in preventing and managing laminitis. Careful attention to the horse’s diet can help reduce the risk of laminitis and support overall health. Some key considerations for dietary management include:
Low sugar and starch diet: Restricting dietary intake of non-structural carbohydrates, including sugars and starches, helps minimize glycaemic fluctuations, mitigating insulin resistance, and reducing the risk of laminitic episodes in susceptible individuals.
Balanced Forage: Providing high-quality forage sources, such as mature grass hay or low-NSC hay alternatives, ensures a consistent source of fibre, essential nutrients, and energy without predisposing horses to metabolic disturbances
Soaking hay: soaking hay nets prior to feeding will help remove the sugar and starch prior to feeding it to the horse. It is recommended to use as much water as possible when soaking hay to maximise the removal of sugar. Hay should be soaked for a minimum of 2 hours prior to feeding
Supplements: supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and hoof-supportive nutrients, such as biotin, methionine, and zinc, may promote hoof strength, integrity, and resilience in laminitic horses.
Field Management: Strategic pasture management practices, including rotational grazing, strip grazing, or utilising grazing muzzles, help regulate carbohydrate intake, limit access to lush pasture, and minimise the risk of grass-associated laminitis.
Conclusion
Understanding and addressing laminitis in horses are crucial for their well-being. Early detection, proper management, and preventive measures play key roles in safeguarding horses from this painful condition. By familiarizing yourself with the signs, diagnostic approaches, and effective treatment strategies outlined in this guide, you can effectively care for horses susceptible to laminitis. Regular monitoring, appropriate dietary adjustments, and attentive hoof care are essential components of a comprehensive approach to managing laminitis.
What we recommend for laminitic horses
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Our brand ambassadors share what makes Pure Feed different: it’s simple, time-saving, and gives their horses everything they need in one complete feed. No endless supplements, no complicated routines, just proven results and happier horses.
If you’re ready to simplify your feeding routine, start with a free Pure Feed diet plan today and see the difference for yourself 🩵
You don’t have to take our word for it, just listen to the people who use it every day!
Our brand ambassadors share what makes Pure Feed different: it’s simple, time-saving, and gives their horses everything they need in one complete feed. No endless supplements, no complicated routines, just proven results and happier horses.
If you’re ready to simplify your feeding routine, start with a free Pure Feed diet plan today and see the difference for yourself 🩵
Looking for a cosy winter mash? ❄️
Here’s the difference between Meadow Mash and Refuel so you can pick the perfect warm-up for your horse:
🌱 Meadow Mash - Mint-flavoured, high-fibre hay replacer with pre- & probiotics to support normal gut function. Perfect for frosty fields, box-rest horses, or those needing extra fibre and hydration.
🍒 Refuel - Cherry-flavoured recovery mash with electrolytes, antioxidants & amino acids. Supports muscle recovery, hydration, and overall system balance after work or competition, or if your horse needs an immune system boost!
🐴 Tried either of these? Share on your story and tag us!
Looking for a cosy winter mash? ❄️
Here’s the difference between Meadow Mash and Refuel so you can pick the perfect warm-up for your horse:
🌱 Meadow Mash - Mint-flavoured, high-fibre hay replacer with pre- & probiotics to support normal gut function. Perfect for frosty fields, box-rest horses, or those needing extra fibre and hydration.
🍒 Refuel - Cherry-flavoured recovery mash with electrolytes, antioxidants & amino acids. Supports muscle recovery, hydration, and overall system balance after work or competition, or if your horse needs an immune system boost!
🐴 Tried either of these? Share on your story and tag us!
Seeing as it`s a bit chilly this week, you might reach for the kettle to make your horse a delicious warm mash. But avoid using boiling water!
All our complete feeds contain live yeast, a beneficial microbe that:
🩵 Supports a balanced gut microbiome, keeping helpful bacteria thriving
🩵 Aids the digestion of fibre and nutrients
🩵 Helps maintain overall gut stability
As yeast is a living organism, exposing them to high temperatures (around 100°C) denatures their proteins and disrupts their cell membranes, effectively killing them. Once the yeast is dead, it can no longer support digestion or gut health, so all the benefits in your feed are lost.
✅ Tip: always use warm or cool water to soak your feed. This keeps the live yeast alive, ensuring your horse gets the full digestive and gut-supporting benefits of their Pure Feed!
Seeing as it`s a bit chilly this week, you might reach for the kettle to make your horse a delicious warm mash. But avoid using boiling water!
All our complete feeds contain live yeast, a beneficial microbe that:
🩵 Supports a balanced gut microbiome, keeping helpful bacteria thriving
🩵 Aids the digestion of fibre and nutrients
🩵 Helps maintain overall gut stability
As yeast is a living organism, exposing them to high temperatures (around 100°C) denatures their proteins and disrupts their cell membranes, effectively killing them. Once the yeast is dead, it can no longer support digestion or gut health, so all the benefits in your feed are lost.
✅ Tip: always use warm or cool water to soak your feed. This keeps the live yeast alive, ensuring your horse gets the full digestive and gut-supporting benefits of their Pure Feed!
Well, it finally feels like winter might be on its way! With the cold snap increasing calorie demands, now is the perfect time to make a change with your horse`s diet. Our winter favourites help keep weight on, support topline and shine, and provide balanced nutrition 🩵
Well, it finally feels like winter might be on its way! With the cold snap increasing calorie demands, now is the perfect time to make a change with your horse`s diet. Our winter favourites help keep weight on, support topline and shine, and provide balanced nutrition 🩵
Is your older horse:
🐴 Quidding hay
🐴 Losing muscle or condition
🐴 Struggling to maintain weight
…even though everything else hasn’t changed? These are classic signs it’s time for a veteran feed! Feel like you aren`t sure which of our feeds is the best choice for your horse? Simply fill out our diet plan quiz and we`ll send you free, personalised plan! Use the link in our bio to get started 💙
#equinenutrition #purefeed #thepurefeedcompany #allyoufeedislove
Is your older horse:
🐴 Quidding hay
🐴 Losing muscle or condition
🐴 Struggling to maintain weight
…even though everything else hasn’t changed? These are classic signs it’s time for a veteran feed! Feel like you aren`t sure which of our feeds is the best choice for your horse? Simply fill out our diet plan quiz and we`ll send you free, personalised plan! Use the link in our bio to get started 💙
#equinenutrition #purefeed #thepurefeedcompany #allyoufeedislove
Why does every Pure Feed contains salt?
Salt might sound simple, but it plays a vital role in keeping horses performing and feeling their best. Sodium and chloride, the two minerals that make up salt, are essential electrolytes. They help maintain hydration, muscle function, and nerve signals, and are lost every day through sweat, urine and even breathing.
Every Pure Feed includes salt to replace these daily losses and help support your horse’s natural electrolyte balance. It also helps stimulate thirst, encouraging horses to drink enough to stay hydrated which is especially important after work or during colder months when water intake can drop.
By including salt in every Pure Feed, we make sure your horse’s basic electrolyte needs are met without you needing to add table salt or a separate supplement to the bucket.
It’s one of those simple, clever details that keeps things easy for you and balanced for your horse
Why does every Pure Feed contains salt?
Salt might sound simple, but it plays a vital role in keeping horses performing and feeling their best. Sodium and chloride, the two minerals that make up salt, are essential electrolytes. They help maintain hydration, muscle function, and nerve signals, and are lost every day through sweat, urine and even breathing.
Every Pure Feed includes salt to replace these daily losses and help support your horse’s natural electrolyte balance. It also helps stimulate thirst, encouraging horses to drink enough to stay hydrated which is especially important after work or during colder months when water intake can drop.
By including salt in every Pure Feed, we make sure your horse’s basic electrolyte needs are met without you needing to add table salt or a separate supplement to the bucket.
It’s one of those simple, clever details that keeps things easy for you and balanced for your horse
Why Veteran feeds are different 👴
As horses age, their bodies change, and so do their nutritional needs. That’s why our Veteran range is formulated differently from our standard feeds:
🔬 Fibre: softer chaff in the Mix, and pellets that soak into a mash, making them easier to chew and digest.
🔬 Protein: higher levels to support muscle maintenance, as older horses can lose muscle tone more easily.
🔬 Balancer: extra vitamins and minerals to compensate for reduced digestive efficiency.
Why Veteran feeds are different 👴
As horses age, their bodies change, and so do their nutritional needs. That’s why our Veteran range is formulated differently from our standard feeds:
🔬 Fibre: softer chaff in the Mix, and pellets that soak into a mash, making them easier to chew and digest.
🔬 Protein: higher levels to support muscle maintenance, as older horses can lose muscle tone more easily.
🔬 Balancer: extra vitamins and minerals to compensate for reduced digestive efficiency.
Did you know we make a pelleted feed specifically for older horses? Pure Veteran Pellets make it easy:
🌾 Soft & soakable so easy on worn teeth
⚡ Slow-release energy from fibre & oil
🧪 Built-in vitamin & mineral balancer specifically for older horses
💚 Gut-friendly for maximum nutrient absorption
✅ Complete feed, so no extra supplements needed
Did you know we make a pelleted feed specifically for older horses? Pure Veteran Pellets make it easy:
🌾 Soft & soakable so easy on worn teeth
⚡ Slow-release energy from fibre & oil
🧪 Built-in vitamin & mineral balancer specifically for older horses
💚 Gut-friendly for maximum nutrient absorption
✅ Complete feed, so no extra supplements needed
Ever wondered what the Pure Feed team use with their own horses? Meet Tara, Elise (Head of Nutrition ) Irish Sport Horse.
Since arriving three years ago, Tara has been fed on Pure Balance. She’s a classic good doer with plenty of natural energy, so Pure Balance provides everything she needs without unnecessary calories or any fizz. Elise always jokes that the only part of Tara that’s ID is her ability to gain weight … and the mountain of hair she grows each winter!
Despite being in full work and competing up to BE Novice and BS Foxhunter, Pure Balance supplies all the vitamins and minerals Tara needs. It’s a great reminder that the label on a feed bag is a guide, not a rulebook - the right choice depends on the horse in front of you!
Wondering which Pure Feed is the right choice for your horse? Our free diet plan tool can help! Click the link in our bio to start 🌱
#purefeed #thepurefeedcompany #equinenutrition #allyoufeedislove #dietplan
Ever wondered what the Pure Feed team use with their own horses? Meet Tara, Elise (Head of Nutrition ) Irish Sport Horse.
Since arriving three years ago, Tara has been fed on Pure Balance. She’s a classic good doer with plenty of natural energy, so Pure Balance provides everything she needs without unnecessary calories or any fizz. Elise always jokes that the only part of Tara that’s ID is her ability to gain weight … and the mountain of hair she grows each winter!
Despite being in full work and competing up to BE Novice and BS Foxhunter, Pure Balance supplies all the vitamins and minerals Tara needs. It’s a great reminder that the label on a feed bag is a guide, not a rulebook - the right choice depends on the horse in front of you!
Wondering which Pure Feed is the right choice for your horse? Our free diet plan tool can help! Click the link in our bio to start 🌱
#purefeed #thepurefeedcompany #equinenutrition #allyoufeedislove #dietplan
Do you know how much your horse actually weighs?
There are a few different ways to find out:
• Weighbridge – the most accurate method.
• Weigh tape – handy and affordable, but results can vary.
• Measurements & calculations – a useful estimate if no other tools are available.
👉 Knowing your horse’s weight can help you:
• Feed the correct daily ration
• Dose wormers accurately
• Track changes in condition over time, for example, spotting weight loss before it’s obvious.
However, weight isn’t the whole picture. A horse’s health and performance are better reflected by a combination of weight, body condition scoring, and muscle tone. A fit eventer and a good doer native might weigh the same but look very different!
📏 Do you regularly weigh your horse or use a weigh tape?
#purefeed #thepurefeedcompany #allyoufeedislove #equinenutrition
Do you know how much your horse actually weighs?
There are a few different ways to find out:
• Weighbridge – the most accurate method.
• Weigh tape – handy and affordable, but results can vary.
• Measurements & calculations – a useful estimate if no other tools are available.
👉 Knowing your horse’s weight can help you:
• Feed the correct daily ration
• Dose wormers accurately
• Track changes in condition over time, for example, spotting weight loss before it’s obvious.
However, weight isn’t the whole picture. A horse’s health and performance are better reflected by a combination of weight, body condition scoring, and muscle tone. A fit eventer and a good doer native might weigh the same but look very different!
📏 Do you regularly weigh your horse or use a weigh tape?
#purefeed #thepurefeedcompany #allyoufeedislove #equinenutrition
Just because it’s cold doesn’t mean your horse isn’t sweating!
Recovery mashes aren`t just a summer gimmick; winter training pushes muscles, burns energy, and makes your horse lose vital nutrients, just like in summer. Your horse still loses essential electrolytes in sweat, muscles still burn, and the whole body is working hard.
Pure Refuel is formulated to give your horse the support they need after training hard:
Electrolytes to replace what sweat takes out and keep hydration balanced.
Antioxidants to combat exercise-induced stress and speed recovery.
Key amino acids to maintain muscle, support strength, and keep your horse in peak condition.
Plus Refuel tastes irresitble, soaks in 5 minutes, and is suitable for horses with EMS, ulcers and Cushings! 🍒
#allyoufeedislove #purefeed #thepurefeedcompany #equinenutrition
Just because it’s cold doesn’t mean your horse isn’t sweating!
Recovery mashes aren`t just a summer gimmick; winter training pushes muscles, burns energy, and makes your horse lose vital nutrients, just like in summer. Your horse still loses essential electrolytes in sweat, muscles still burn, and the whole body is working hard.
Pure Refuel is formulated to give your horse the support they need after training hard:
Electrolytes to replace what sweat takes out and keep hydration balanced.
Antioxidants to combat exercise-induced stress and speed recovery.
Key amino acids to maintain muscle, support strength, and keep your horse in peak condition.
Plus Refuel tastes irresitble, soaks in 5 minutes, and is suitable for horses with EMS, ulcers and Cushings! 🍒
#allyoufeedislove #purefeed #thepurefeedcompany #equinenutrition
As horses get older, their digestion slows down. This can mean:
⚠️ Harder to get nutrients from forage
⚠️ Weight loss & reduced topline
⚠️ Deficiencies in key vitamins & minerals
Teeth wear and reduced gut efficiency make it even trickier.
👉 That’s where Pure Veteran Mix comes in:
✅ Highly digestible fibre & oil for slow-release energy
✅ Built-in balancer with essential vitamins & minerals
✅ Gut balancer to optimise digestion
✅ Soft, easy-to-chew pellets for worn teeth
💡 It’s a complete feed, no extra supplements needed. Just feed alongside forage and help your older horse stay strong, shiny, and comfortable into their senior years.
As horses get older, their digestion slows down. This can mean:
⚠️ Harder to get nutrients from forage
⚠️ Weight loss & reduced topline
⚠️ Deficiencies in key vitamins & minerals
Teeth wear and reduced gut efficiency make it even trickier.
👉 That’s where Pure Veteran Mix comes in:
✅ Highly digestible fibre & oil for slow-release energy
✅ Built-in balancer with essential vitamins & minerals
✅ Gut balancer to optimise digestion
✅ Soft, easy-to-chew pellets for worn teeth
💡 It’s a complete feed, no extra supplements needed. Just feed alongside forage and help your older horse stay strong, shiny, and comfortable into their senior years.
Worried about fireworks this autumn? Here are our top tips:
1. Plan Ahead
Check local fireworks schedules and speak with neighbours or your council to know when displays are expected. Planning turnout, stabling, and feeding around these dates can reduce stress.
2. Create a Safe Environment
If possible, move your horse away from fireworks. Check fencing and your fields for hazards. For stabled horses, ensure the stable is secure, ventilated, and free from sharp objects. Leaving boots on overnight can help protect legs.
3. Distraction is Key
Keep horses occupied with ample forage, toys, or treat balls. Pure Meadow Mash or Pure Treats in a treat ball can be fed in larger portions to distract and comfort horses. Soft background sounds, like classical music or nature tracks, can help mask fireworks.
4. Use Calming Products Wisely
Discuss with your vet about calming supplements such as magnesium or herbal remedies. Pheromone sprays can also reduce stress by mimicking natural calming signals.
5. Maintain Consistent Routines
Stick to normal feeding, turnout, and exercise schedules. Familiarity is reassuring. Leaving a light on in the stable can help reduce the impact of flashing fireworks.
6. Stay Calm and Reassuring
Horses pick up on handler emotions. Stay relaxed, use gentle strokes, and avoid loud voices or sudden movements. Remember that frightened horses can act unpredictably.
7. Observe and Adapt
Each horse reacts differently. Some may benefit from early feeding, others from larger soaked fibre portions before fireworks start. Adjust based on behaviour and stress levels.
8. Consult a Professional if Needed
If your horse shows severe anxiety, speak to your vet as they can offer alternative solutions to help keep your horse calm.
Worried about fireworks this autumn? Here are our top tips:
1. Plan Ahead
Check local fireworks schedules and speak with neighbours or your council to know when displays are expected. Planning turnout, stabling, and feeding around these dates can reduce stress.
2. Create a Safe Environment
If possible, move your horse away from fireworks. Check fencing and your fields for hazards. For stabled horses, ensure the stable is secure, ventilated, and free from sharp objects. Leaving boots on overnight can help protect legs.
3. Distraction is Key
Keep horses occupied with ample forage, toys, or treat balls. Pure Meadow Mash or Pure Treats in a treat ball can be fed in larger portions to distract and comfort horses. Soft background sounds, like classical music or nature tracks, can help mask fireworks.
4. Use Calming Products Wisely
Discuss with your vet about calming supplements such as magnesium or herbal remedies. Pheromone sprays can also reduce stress by mimicking natural calming signals.
5. Maintain Consistent Routines
Stick to normal feeding, turnout, and exercise schedules. Familiarity is reassuring. Leaving a light on in the stable can help reduce the impact of flashing fireworks.
6. Stay Calm and Reassuring
Horses pick up on handler emotions. Stay relaxed, use gentle strokes, and avoid loud voices or sudden movements. Remember that frightened horses can act unpredictably.
7. Observe and Adapt
Each horse reacts differently. Some may benefit from early feeding, others from larger soaked fibre portions before fireworks start. Adjust based on behaviour and stress levels.
8. Consult a Professional if Needed
If your horse shows severe anxiety, speak to your vet as they can offer alternative solutions to help keep your horse calm.
Wishing you and your horses a spook-tacular Halloween from all of us here at The Pure Feed Company!
Let us know what you`re doing to celebrate in the comments below ⬇️
#thepurefeedcompany #purefeed #happyhalloween
Wishing you and your horses a spook-tacular Halloween from all of us here at The Pure Feed Company!
Let us know what you`re doing to celebrate in the comments below ⬇️
#thepurefeedcompany #purefeed #happyhalloween
With Halloween coming up, may horse owners want to know "Can Horses Eat Pumpkins?" 🎃
Want your horse to join in the Halloween fun? Or perhaps you have a few pumpkins going spare after carving. But yes, your horse can eat pumpkin! Pumpkins are mostly water and fibre, low in starch, and packed with beta-carotene (a pro-vitamin A). ✅ That makes them a crunchy, gut-friendly snack!
But seeds in huge quantities can be difficult for your horse to digest! We recommend cutting up a few chunks of the Pumpkin and feeding it seed free.
Got a question regarding equine nutrition? Leave it in the comments, we would be more than happy to help 😊
#thepurefeedcompany #purefeed #halloween #faq
With Halloween coming up, may horse owners want to know "Can Horses Eat Pumpkins?" 🎃
Want your horse to join in the Halloween fun? Or perhaps you have a few pumpkins going spare after carving. But yes, your horse can eat pumpkin! Pumpkins are mostly water and fibre, low in starch, and packed with beta-carotene (a pro-vitamin A). ✅ That makes them a crunchy, gut-friendly snack!
But seeds in huge quantities can be difficult for your horse to digest! We recommend cutting up a few chunks of the Pumpkin and feeding it seed free.
Got a question regarding equine nutrition? Leave it in the comments, we would be more than happy to help 😊
#thepurefeedcompany #purefeed #halloween #faq
Not sure if your horse is getting exactly what they need from their feed? 🩵
Every horse is different - from workload and temperament to medical history and grazing - so there’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all diet. That’s why a personalised feeding plan can make all the difference.
📋 Whether your goal is to build top line, maintain weight, support performance, or manage a condition - we can help you get there.
💬 Comment “DIET PLAN” below or click the link in our bio to start your free, tailored feeding plan today.
#thepurefeedcompany #purefeed #dietplan #equinenutrition
Not sure if your horse is getting exactly what they need from their feed? 🩵
Every horse is different - from workload and temperament to medical history and grazing - so there’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all diet. That’s why a personalised feeding plan can make all the difference.
📋 Whether your goal is to build top line, maintain weight, support performance, or manage a condition - we can help you get there.
💬 Comment “DIET PLAN” below or click the link in our bio to start your free, tailored feeding plan today.
#thepurefeedcompany #purefeed #dietplan #equinenutrition
🎃 Trick or Treat… But Watch Out for Hidden Sugars!
Halloween is here, and your horse might be expecting a few treats. But beware… not all treats are as innocent as they look. Some hide sinister sugars under friendly names like molasses, glucose syrup or cane sugar!
Why care? These sneaky sugars are non-structural carbohydrates (NSC), which can spike blood glucose and insulin. For sugar-sensitive horses, ponies prone to laminitis, or those with EMS or Cushing’s, that’s a recipe for a very scary vet bill. 💀
Molasses is especially sneaky: sweet, sticky, and rapidly fermentable in the hindgut. Too much, and it can disrupt digestion, alter gut microbes, and even cause colic.
Pure Feed treats, on the other hand, are all treat and no trick. Low-starch, fibre-rich, and free from hidden sugars, they support the hindgut function while still being delicious!
You can find out more about Pure Treats on our website!
#thepurefeedcompany #purefeed #equinenutrition
🎃 Trick or Treat… But Watch Out for Hidden Sugars!
Halloween is here, and your horse might be expecting a few treats. But beware… not all treats are as innocent as they look. Some hide sinister sugars under friendly names like molasses, glucose syrup or cane sugar!
Why care? These sneaky sugars are non-structural carbohydrates (NSC), which can spike blood glucose and insulin. For sugar-sensitive horses, ponies prone to laminitis, or those with EMS or Cushing’s, that’s a recipe for a very scary vet bill. 💀
Molasses is especially sneaky: sweet, sticky, and rapidly fermentable in the hindgut. Too much, and it can disrupt digestion, alter gut microbes, and even cause colic.
Pure Feed treats, on the other hand, are all treat and no trick. Low-starch, fibre-rich, and free from hidden sugars, they support the hindgut function while still being delicious!
You can find out more about Pure Treats on our website!
#thepurefeedcompany #purefeed #equinenutrition
How do I choose the right calorie level for my horse? 🤷
To get this right, it helps to look at the numbers.
Baseline energy needs ⚡️
An average 500 kg horse at rest needs around 65–70 MJ (megajoules) of digestible energy (DE) per day just to maintain bodyweight.
Add light work (e.g. hacking 3–4 times a week), and this rises to 75–85 MJ/day.
Moderate work (e.g. regular schooling, low-level eventing) pushes it to 90–100 MJ/day.
Harder workloads (e.g. advanced eventing, racing) can exceed 120 MJ/day.
Winter factor ❄️
Once temperatures dip below the horse’s lower critical temperature (around 0–5°C for a horse with a winter coat), requirements increase by ~2–2.5% for every degree drop. That means on a frosty night at –5°C, a horse may need an extra 15–20 MJ/day simply for staying warm.
What does that look like in feed?🐎
Grass (summer grazing): Good grass provides ~10 MJ DE per kg of dry matter. A horse can easily meet 80–100 MJ/day on grass alone.
Hay: Average meadow hay sits around 7–9 MJ DE per kg of dry matter. To meet 80 MJ, a horse would need 9–11 kg of hay (dry weight) daily, which is achievable but often limited by hay quality or feeding practices.
Why does this matter? 🤔
If the diet falls short, the horse mobilises fat (and eventually muscle) to make up the difference, which is why condition loss is so common in winter. On the other hand, oversupplying calories can lead to unwanted weight gain and metabolic strain in good doers.
How Pure Feed helps 🩵
Because our complete feeds combine fibre, oil, and a full balancer in every bag, they deliver calories in the same slow-release form the horse’s gut evolved to use. That means:
You can top up forage rations with controlled calories.
You know vitamins and minerals are always covered.
You can choose the right calorie level across our range, from Pure Easy for good doers to Pure Condition Mix for horses needing more support. With no hidden ingredients, preservatives or molasses, there`s a Pure Feed for your horse.
#thepurefeedcompany #purefeed #allyoufeedislove #equinenutrition
How do I choose the right calorie level for my horse? 🤷
To get this right, it helps to look at the numbers.
Baseline energy needs ⚡️
An average 500 kg horse at rest needs around 65–70 MJ (megajoules) of digestible energy (DE) per day just to maintain bodyweight.
Add light work (e.g. hacking 3–4 times a week), and this rises to 75–85 MJ/day.
Moderate work (e.g. regular schooling, low-level eventing) pushes it to 90–100 MJ/day.
Harder workloads (e.g. advanced eventing, racing) can exceed 120 MJ/day.
Winter factor ❄️
Once temperatures dip below the horse’s lower critical temperature (around 0–5°C for a horse with a winter coat), requirements increase by ~2–2.5% for every degree drop. That means on a frosty night at –5°C, a horse may need an extra 15–20 MJ/day simply for staying warm.
What does that look like in feed?🐎
Grass (summer grazing): Good grass provides ~10 MJ DE per kg of dry matter. A horse can easily meet 80–100 MJ/day on grass alone.
Hay: Average meadow hay sits around 7–9 MJ DE per kg of dry matter. To meet 80 MJ, a horse would need 9–11 kg of hay (dry weight) daily, which is achievable but often limited by hay quality or feeding practices.
Why does this matter? 🤔
If the diet falls short, the horse mobilises fat (and eventually muscle) to make up the difference, which is why condition loss is so common in winter. On the other hand, oversupplying calories can lead to unwanted weight gain and metabolic strain in good doers.
How Pure Feed helps 🩵
Because our complete feeds combine fibre, oil, and a full balancer in every bag, they deliver calories in the same slow-release form the horse’s gut evolved to use. That means:
You can top up forage rations with controlled calories.
You know vitamins and minerals are always covered.
You can choose the right calorie level across our range, from Pure Easy for good doers to Pure Condition Mix for horses needing more support. With no hidden ingredients, preservatives or molasses, there`s a Pure Feed for your horse.
#thepurefeedcompany #purefeed #allyoufeedislove #equinenutrition
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