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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Feeding shouldn’t feel like a full-time job. ⏱️
With Pure Feed, everything your horse needs is already in the bag 👉 balancer, fibre, vitamins, minerals, slow-release energy = all sorted.
Just scoop ➜ feed ➜ get on with the fun stuff 🩵
Want a simpler winter routine?
Free diet plans in our bio.
Feeding shouldn’t feel like a full-time job. ⏱️
With Pure Feed, everything your horse needs is already in the bag 👉 balancer, fibre, vitamins, minerals, slow-release energy = all sorted.
Just scoop ➜ feed ➜ get on with the fun stuff 🩵
Want a simpler winter routine?
Free diet plans in our bio.
Here at Pure Feed, we use unmolassed sugar beet for one reason: it works. 🌱✨
This super-fibre gives your horse cool energy, better digestion, and natural condition, plus is naturally low in sugar and starch. No spikes, no fizz, just smart nutrition that supports every horse, every day.
High fibre ✔️
Naturally digestible ✔️
Gut-friendly ✔️
Performance you can feel ✔️
Link in bio to explore the full range 🩵
Here at Pure Feed, we use unmolassed sugar beet for one reason: it works. 🌱✨
This super-fibre gives your horse cool energy, better digestion, and natural condition, plus is naturally low in sugar and starch. No spikes, no fizz, just smart nutrition that supports every horse, every day.
High fibre ✔️
Naturally digestible ✔️
Gut-friendly ✔️
Performance you can feel ✔️
Link in bio to explore the full range 🩵
The festive break is over, and we’re back! 🎉 Our office is open and ready to help you kick off the new year on the right hoof!
Give us a call: 01458 333333
Email: info@purefeed.com
Or simply send us a DM - we’d love to hear from you!
The festive break is over, and we’re back! 🎉 Our office is open and ready to help you kick off the new year on the right hoof!
Give us a call: 01458 333333
Email: info@purefeed.com
Or simply send us a DM - we’d love to hear from you!
Hello 2026! 🎉
A new year is the perfect moment to reset your horse’s routine, review their diet, and make sure they’re getting exactly what they need for the season ahead.
Whether your goals are condition, performance, weight control, or simply keeping things consistent through winter, the Pure Feed range is designed to make feeding easier; complete, molasses free, high fibre, and built around slow-release energy.
If you want help planning your horse’s nutrition for the year ahead, try our free personalised diet plan to start 2026 on the right hoof 😉
👉 https://www.purefeed.com/free-personalised-diet-plan/
Hello 2026! 🎉
A new year is the perfect moment to reset your horse’s routine, review their diet, and make sure they’re getting exactly what they need for the season ahead.
Whether your goals are condition, performance, weight control, or simply keeping things consistent through winter, the Pure Feed range is designed to make feeding easier; complete, molasses free, high fibre, and built around slow-release energy.
If you want help planning your horse’s nutrition for the year ahead, try our free personalised diet plan to start 2026 on the right hoof 😉
👉 https://www.purefeed.com/free-personalised-diet-plan/
As we wrap up 2025, we just want to say a huge thank you to our Pure Feed community; every horse, every owner, every yard that’s chosen to feed the fibre-first way this year.
From good doers to performance horses, golden oldies to cheeky youngsters, you’ve trusted us to keep their diets simple, balanced, and molasses-free… and we couldn’t be more grateful.
Here’s to shiny coats, happy horses, and more Pure-fuelled adventures in 2026 🩵
As we wrap up 2025, we just want to say a huge thank you to our Pure Feed community; every horse, every owner, every yard that’s chosen to feed the fibre-first way this year.
From good doers to performance horses, golden oldies to cheeky youngsters, you’ve trusted us to keep their diets simple, balanced, and molasses-free… and we couldn’t be more grateful.
Here’s to shiny coats, happy horses, and more Pure-fuelled adventures in 2026 🩵
Ready for better results? Start with the right diet.
Get a free, personalised Pure Feed diet plan; fast, expert and tailored to your horse’s goals. Better condition, better performance, better clarity.
Start your plan now via the link in our bio 🩵
Ready for better results? Start with the right diet.
Get a free, personalised Pure Feed diet plan; fast, expert and tailored to your horse’s goals. Better condition, better performance, better clarity.
Start your plan now via the link in our bio 🩵
Even in winter, horses lose essential electrolytes and nutrients through sweat and that can impact hydration, muscle function, and post-exercise recovery.
Pure Refuel is designed to make recovery simple. It provides a balanced combination of electrolytes, amino acids, antioxidants, and pre- and probiotics to support hardworking muscles, hydration, and overall wellbeing after work.
Whether your horse is training, competing, hunting, or hacking, Refuel helps them bounce back effectively.
Recovery made simple 🍒
Even in winter, horses lose essential electrolytes and nutrients through sweat and that can impact hydration, muscle function, and post-exercise recovery.
Pure Refuel is designed to make recovery simple. It provides a balanced combination of electrolytes, amino acids, antioxidants, and pre- and probiotics to support hardworking muscles, hydration, and overall wellbeing after work.
Whether your horse is training, competing, hunting, or hacking, Refuel helps them bounce back effectively.
Recovery made simple 🍒
Wishing all our wonderful customers, horses and supporters a very Happy Christmas! 🎁✨
Thank you for being part of the Pure Feed family this year 🩵
Wishing all our wonderful customers, horses and supporters a very Happy Christmas! 🎁✨
Thank you for being part of the Pure Feed family this year 🩵
We love hearing how Pure Feed is making a difference! Here’s Jemma’s experience with Yogi:
"Honestly, my horses were on another feed for nearly 10 years before I switched them to Pure about a year ago and the difference has been huge. They absolutely love the feed, their coats and condition look incredible, and they just seem so much happier.
Yogi can be really sharp in the winter, but since being on Pure, I haven’t needed to give him a calmer at all! I rave about you guys to anyone who’ll listen!"
- Jemma & Yogi 🩵
We love hearing how Pure Feed is making a difference! Here’s Jemma’s experience with Yogi:
"Honestly, my horses were on another feed for nearly 10 years before I switched them to Pure about a year ago and the difference has been huge. They absolutely love the feed, their coats and condition look incredible, and they just seem so much happier.
Yogi can be really sharp in the winter, but since being on Pure, I haven’t needed to give him a calmer at all! I rave about you guys to anyone who’ll listen!"
- Jemma & Yogi 🩵
Soft, minty and easy to chew, Meadow Mash is perfect for older horses, fussy eaters or those who struggle with long fibres.
The high water content helps keep your horse hydrated and their gut moving, especially when they’re stabled more during wet weather or on box rest.
Fibre and hydration go hand in hand for a normal digestive system, and Meadow Mash provides both in one tasty, easy-to-digest mash 💚
Soft, minty and easy to chew, Meadow Mash is perfect for older horses, fussy eaters or those who struggle with long fibres.
The high water content helps keep your horse hydrated and their gut moving, especially when they’re stabled more during wet weather or on box rest.
Fibre and hydration go hand in hand for a normal digestive system, and Meadow Mash provides both in one tasty, easy-to-digest mash 💚
Did you know Pure Feed is a complete feed?
That means every scoop already includes:
✔️ A full balancer
✔️ Fibre
✔️ Slow-release energy
No need to buy separate balancers, oils, or extra supplements; it’s all already in there!
Simple for you, balanced for your horse, and often far more cost-effective than feeding multiple products. Fibre-first nutrition that saves you money 🩵
Did you know Pure Feed is a complete feed?
That means every scoop already includes:
✔️ A full balancer
✔️ Fibre
✔️ Slow-release energy
No need to buy separate balancers, oils, or extra supplements; it’s all already in there!
Simple for you, balanced for your horse, and often far more cost-effective than feeding multiple products. Fibre-first nutrition that saves you money 🩵
🎄 Office Holiday Hours 🎄
Just a reminder, our office will be closed for the festive period:
🎄 Closed: 20th December - 1st January
🎄 Reopens: 2nd January
If you need help over the holidays, our info@purefeed.com
email will be monitored, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
Looking to top up your feed while we’re away?
Use our stockist map on the website to find your nearest Pure Feed supplier.
From all of us at Pure, wishing you and your horses a happy, safe festive season!
🎄 Office Holiday Hours 🎄
Just a reminder, our office will be closed for the festive period:
🎄 Closed: 20th December - 1st January
🎄 Reopens: 2nd January
If you need help over the holidays, our info@purefeed.com
email will be monitored, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
Looking to top up your feed while we’re away?
Use our stockist map on the website to find your nearest Pure Feed supplier.
From all of us at Pure, wishing you and your horses a happy, safe festive season!
Condition Mix vs Condition Pellets – what’s the difference?
Condition Mix 🌿
Chaff-based complete feed packed with fibre, oils, and nutrients in a natural, forage-style texture. Supports chewing, saliva production, and steady hindgut fermentation — ideal for poor doers who enjoy a chaff-based feed.
Condition Pellets 🟤
All the benefits of the Mix, but in a compact, easy-to-feed pellet. Perfect for fussy eaters or horses that don’t like soaked feed. Fully balanced to support condition, energy, and digestive health — no soaking needed.
Not sure which is best for your horse? Get expert guidance with our free personalised diet plan 👉 link in bio
Condition Mix vs Condition Pellets – what’s the difference?
Condition Mix 🌿
Chaff-based complete feed packed with fibre, oils, and nutrients in a natural, forage-style texture. Supports chewing, saliva production, and steady hindgut fermentation — ideal for poor doers who enjoy a chaff-based feed.
Condition Pellets 🟤
All the benefits of the Mix, but in a compact, easy-to-feed pellet. Perfect for fussy eaters or horses that don’t like soaked feed. Fully balanced to support condition, energy, and digestive health — no soaking needed.
Not sure which is best for your horse? Get expert guidance with our free personalised diet plan 👉 link in bio
Stockley Trading have been trusted Pure Feed stockists for many years, with teams in Littlehampton and Midhurst who hold exceptional technical knowledge of our full range. Whether you need support with condition, energy levels, weight management or specific ingredients, they can guide you to the right feed with confidence!
And of course, while we were at the Littlehampton store, we couldn’t resist topping up on some Pure Treats and a bag of Pure Easy!
Stockley Trading have been trusted Pure Feed stockists for many years, with teams in Littlehampton and Midhurst who hold exceptional technical knowledge of our full range. Whether you need support with condition, energy levels, weight management or specific ingredients, they can guide you to the right feed with confidence!
And of course, while we were at the Littlehampton store, we couldn’t resist topping up on some Pure Treats and a bag of Pure Easy!
Pure Condition Pellets = condition without the fizz 💜
A low sugar, low starch, high fibre formula that builds topline and condition through fibre and oil, not fast-release starch. Ideal for horses that need extra condition but stay sensible.
And the best part? It’s a complete feed, meaning every scoop includes:
✔️ A full balancer
✔️ Fibre
✔️ Slow-release energy
Simple, balanced, and fizz-free.
Pure Condition Pellets = condition without the fizz 💜
A low sugar, low starch, high fibre formula that builds topline and condition through fibre and oil, not fast-release starch. Ideal for horses that need extra condition but stay sensible.
And the best part? It’s a complete feed, meaning every scoop includes:
✔️ A full balancer
✔️ Fibre
✔️ Slow-release energy
Simple, balanced, and fizz-free.
Most winter mornings bring frosty grass ❄️ Pretty, but frosted grass = higher sugar.
For horses prone to laminitis, metabolic issues, or digestive sensitivity, sudden sugary grass can cause gut upset and blood sugar spikes.
Our top tip: serve a bowl of Pure Meadow Mash before turnout!
As a high-fibre, low-sugar hay replacer, Meadow Mash gently fills the gut, helping to:
🌱 Reduce the appetite for frosted grass
🌱 Support stable hindgut fermentation
🌱 Maintain consistent blood glucose levels
🌱 Provide essential fibre without excess starch or sugar
A simple, science-backed way to protect digestion and keep winter feeding consistent.
Most winter mornings bring frosty grass ❄️ Pretty, but frosted grass = higher sugar.
For horses prone to laminitis, metabolic issues, or digestive sensitivity, sudden sugary grass can cause gut upset and blood sugar spikes.
Our top tip: serve a bowl of Pure Meadow Mash before turnout!
As a high-fibre, low-sugar hay replacer, Meadow Mash gently fills the gut, helping to:
🌱 Reduce the appetite for frosted grass
🌱 Support stable hindgut fermentation
🌱 Maintain consistent blood glucose levels
🌱 Provide essential fibre without excess starch or sugar
A simple, science-backed way to protect digestion and keep winter feeding consistent.
🎄 Holiday Hours Reminder! 🎄
Plan ahead for Christmas to make sure your horse doesn’t miss out:
❄️ Last dispatch for online orders: 17th December
❄️ Office open until: 19th December
❄️ Office closed: 20th December - 1st January
❄️ Office reopens: 2nd January
If your needing Pure Feed while we`re closed, remember to check out our stockist map to find the closed stockist to you!
🎄 Holiday Hours Reminder! 🎄
Plan ahead for Christmas to make sure your horse doesn’t miss out:
❄️ Last dispatch for online orders: 17th December
❄️ Office open until: 19th December
❄️ Office closed: 20th December - 1st January
❄️ Office reopens: 2nd January
If your needing Pure Feed while we`re closed, remember to check out our stockist map to find the closed stockist to you!
Did you know the entire Pure Feed range is completely molasses free?
We never rely on sweeteners to make our feeds tasty. Horses naturally prefer fibre-rich ingredients, and our formulations are designed to work with their digestive system, not against it with added sugar.
Many feeds use molasses as a shortcut: it’s cheap, it binds pellets easily, and it guarantees sweetness. But it also increases sugar levels and can make feeds unsuitable for horses with metabolic or digestive sensitivities.
At Pure Feed, we take a different approach.
Our pellets are bound using linseed and we use carefully balanced fibre and oil sources, not molasses. This means:
• Lower sugar and starch levels across the entire range
• Consistent, gut-friendly nutrition
• No artificial sweetness masking poor-quality ingredients
• Suitable for good doers, laminitics, and horses with EMS or digestive sensitivities
Delicious, nutritious, and naturally palatable - that’s the Pure Feed way 🩵
Did you know the entire Pure Feed range is completely molasses free?
We never rely on sweeteners to make our feeds tasty. Horses naturally prefer fibre-rich ingredients, and our formulations are designed to work with their digestive system, not against it with added sugar.
Many feeds use molasses as a shortcut: it’s cheap, it binds pellets easily, and it guarantees sweetness. But it also increases sugar levels and can make feeds unsuitable for horses with metabolic or digestive sensitivities.
At Pure Feed, we take a different approach.
Our pellets are bound using linseed and we use carefully balanced fibre and oil sources, not molasses. This means:
• Lower sugar and starch levels across the entire range
• Consistent, gut-friendly nutrition
• No artificial sweetness masking poor-quality ingredients
• Suitable for good doers, laminitics, and horses with EMS or digestive sensitivities
Delicious, nutritious, and naturally palatable - that’s the Pure Feed way 🩵
What people say about Pure Feed
