FEED ADVICE – HEALTH
Equine Metabolic Syndrome: A Comprehensive Guide
Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS) is a complex condition affecting horses and ponies, characterized by insulin dysregulation and an increased risk of laminitis. Insulin dysregulation in EMS leads to abnormal responses to dietary carbohydrates, causing increased insulin secretion and elevated blood glucose levels. This imbalance can result in clinical signs such as obesity, regional fat deposition, infertility, and laminitis.
EMS is often seen in Native breeds such as Welsh, Dartmoor and Shetland ponies, as well as in certain horse breeds like Arabian and Warmbloods. However, it can affect horses of any breed or age.
Key Highlights
EMS involves insulin dysregulation and a high risk of laminitis, especially in ponies and overweight horses.
Risk factors include obesity, breed predisposition, and high-NSC diets (e.g., sugary/starchy feeds).
Signs include a cresty neck, fat pads, and recurrent laminitis.
Management focuses on diet, weight loss, exercise, and vet care to reduce risks and support long-term wellbeing.
Understanding EMS
EMS is an endocrine disorder where horses struggle to regulate the release of insulin. In normal horses, insulin prompts tissue to absorb glucose after a meal. With EMS, fat deposits release hormones that interfere with tissue response to insulin, causing “insulin resistance”. The pancreas increases insulin release to counteract this, resulting in elevated insulin levels after meals and sometimes throughout the day. This mirrors metabolic issues in human type 2 diabetes.
Causes and Risk Factors of Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS)
Equine metabolic syndrome (EMS) has various causes and risk factors, including both genetic predisposition and environmental influences. While the exact underlying mechanisms are not fully understood, research suggests that EMS is a multifactorial condition with complex interactions between genetics, diet, and other factors.
Genetic Predisposition
Genetics play a significant role in the development of equine metabolic syndrome (EMS). Certain breeds, such as ponies, donkeys and Arabians, are more susceptible to EMS due to their genetic makeup. These breeds have evolved in harsh environments where resources were limited, leading to a higher efficiency in metabolizing dietary carbohydrates and storing energy.
Within these breeds, there may be individual horses with specific genetic factors that contribute to their inability to respond properly to dietary carbohydrates. These hereditary factors can result in insulin dysregulation and increased risk of developing EMS.
While genetic predisposition is a significant factor, it is essential to note that environmental influences and lifestyle factors also contribute to the development and progression of EMS. Therefore, a holistic approach that considers both genetic and environmental factors is necessary for managing EMS in horses.
Obesity
Obesity in horses can lead to Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS) primarily due to its role in promoting insulin resistance. Excess adipose tissue releases inflammatory substances and hormones, which interfere with insulin signalling pathways. This insulin resistance causes cells to become less responsive to insulin, leading to elevated insulin levels as the pancreas compensates. Chronic high insulin levels are a key feature of EMS and contribute to metabolic disturbances such as increased fat deposition.
Dietary Factors
Diets high in easily digestible carbohydrates, such as cereals and rich grass, can overwhelm the horse’s digestive system and lead to spikes in blood glucose levels. This frequent exposure to high-carbohydrate meals can result in insulin resistance over time, as the cells become less responsive to insulin’s signals to take up glucose. Consequently, the pancreas compensates by producing more insulin to regulate blood sugar levels, which can eventually lead to elevated insulin concentrations – a clinical sign of EMS.
Lack of Exercise
The lack of exercise contributes to EMS by reducing insulin sensitivity in horses. Regular physical activity is essential for maintaining insulin sensitivity by promoting glucose uptake into muscles, which helps regulate blood glucose levels effectively. Without adequate exercise, muscles become less responsive to insulin, leading to insulin resistance. This resistance prompts the pancreas to produce more insulin to compensate, eventually resulting in elevated insulin levels—a key characteristic of EMS. Additionally, sedentary horses are more prone to obesity as unused energy from feed is stored as fat, exacerbating insulin resistance and further increasing the risk of EMS.
Recognising clinical signs of EMS
Recognising the clinical signs of EMS is crucial for early diagnosis and effective management. Here are some important symptoms to watch out for:
Management and Prevention Strategies
Exercise Strategies
Exercise plays a crucial role in managing EMS primarily by improving insulin sensitivity and promoting weight loss. Strategies include daily turnout in with controlled grazing, which encourages natural movement and reduces obesity risk. Incorporating regular sessions of walking, trotting, and occasional cantering helps improve cardiovascular fitness and muscle tone without undue stress on joints. Additional activities such as lunging, groundwork, hacking on varied terrain, and in-hand work with obstacles provide mental stimulation, enhance coordination, and promote muscle development. For horses needing low-impact options, swimming offers a beneficial alternative. It’s crucial to monitor each horse’s response, gradually increase exercise intensity to prevent injury.
While medications that improve insulin sensitivity are used in human metabolic syndrome, their efficacy in horses, such as metformin, remains uncertain due to absorption concerns. Various supplements like chromium, magnesium, cinnamon, and chasteberry extract have been suggested for EMS in horses, but current evidence does not support their efficacy, and their use cannot be recommended.
Diagnosis of EMS
Diagnosing EMS typically begins with an assessment based on the appearance of obesity and a history of laminitis. To confirm EMS and assess insulin resistance accurately, testing should be conducted after the horse has fasted and is not in pain or stressed (e.g., during a laminitis episode). Diagnostic methods include:
Dietary Strategies for a Horse with EMS
The key principles for preventing and treating Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS) are straightforward: implement dietary restriction and encourage regular exercise. These measures not only promote weight loss but also enhance overall fitness, improving insulin responsiveness.
Dietary Adjustments:
Did you know all of Pure Feed’s low calorie range is suitable for horses with EMS?
Limiting field access, especially during periods of lush growth such as Spring, helps control carbohydrate intake and prevent insulin spikes.
Did you know all of Pure Feeds complete feeds already contain a balancer! So already contain all of the essential nutrients required!
Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation, sourced from fish oil or linseed oil, may further reduce inflammation, improve insulin sensitivity, and enhance cardiovascular function in horses with EMS.
Pure Linseed is a great source of Omega 3 – and a little goes a long way! Check it out here
Managing insulin spikes with strategies like feeding frequent small meals helps promotes stable blood glucose levels, contributing to effective EMS management.
Consider weight loss strategies such as using a grazing muzzle, soaking hay and triple netting to help control obesity.
Conclusion
In conclusion, managing EMS requires a well-rounded approach. Early recognition of clinical symptoms, like obesity and recurrent laminitis is key for timely treatment. Effective management includes providing a low-NSC (non-structural carbohydrate) diet, limiting field access, ensuring a balanced intake of essential nutrients, and supplementing with omega-3 fatty acids. Regular, appropriate exercise enhances insulin sensitivity and aids in weight loss. Consistent monitoring and veterinary guidance are essential to prevent complications like laminitis and to improve the horse’s overall health.
What we recommend for horses with EMS
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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
Why do so many horses drop weight in winter? ❄️ Let us tell you why ...
🔥 Colder temps = more calories needed
Once it’s below 0–5°C, your horse needs extra energy just to stay warm. If their diet doesn’t cover it, they’ll burn fat reserves instead.
🌾 Forage isn’t as rich as summer grass
Hay and haylage have less energy & fewer vitamins than fresh grass, even if the net looks full.
🦠 Gut microbes have to adapt
Switching from grass to hay changes the gut bacteria, meaning they might get less usable energy from the same amount of forage.
💨 Energy goes to heat, not weight
More calories are spent on staying warm, especially if they’re still in work.
🏠 Routine changes matter
Less turnout, more stabling, and longer gaps between meals can all affect digestion & condition.
What helps?
✔️ Ad-lib forage to keep the gut working & generating heat
✔️ Slow-release calories from unmolassed beet, grass fibres or oil
✔️ Vitamin & mineral balance to make up for forage shortfalls
✔️ Check body condition every 2–3 weeks
Our complete feeds are designed to tackle exactly these winter challenges. Each one provides:
✅ Fibre for gut support and heat generation
✅ Oil for steady, slow-release energy
✅ A full balancer with vitamins and minerals (no extra bucket needed!)
So even when winter forage is variable, you know your horse’s diet is still balanced — and their condition is supported right through to spring.
To find the right feed for your horse, head on over to www.purefeed.com to claim your FREE personalised diet plan, created by our nutrition team 🩵
#thepurefeedcompany #purefeed #equinenutrition #allyoufeedislove
Why do so many horses drop weight in winter? ❄️ Let us tell you why ...
🔥 Colder temps = more calories needed
Once it’s below 0–5°C, your horse needs extra energy just to stay warm. If their diet doesn’t cover it, they’ll burn fat reserves instead.
🌾 Forage isn’t as rich as summer grass
Hay and haylage have less energy & fewer vitamins than fresh grass, even if the net looks full.
🦠 Gut microbes have to adapt
Switching from grass to hay changes the gut bacteria, meaning they might get less usable energy from the same amount of forage.
💨 Energy goes to heat, not weight
More calories are spent on staying warm, especially if they’re still in work.
🏠 Routine changes matter
Less turnout, more stabling, and longer gaps between meals can all affect digestion & condition.
What helps?
✔️ Ad-lib forage to keep the gut working & generating heat
✔️ Slow-release calories from unmolassed beet, grass fibres or oil
✔️ Vitamin & mineral balance to make up for forage shortfalls
✔️ Check body condition every 2–3 weeks
Our complete feeds are designed to tackle exactly these winter challenges. Each one provides:
✅ Fibre for gut support and heat generation
✅ Oil for steady, slow-release energy
✅ A full balancer with vitamins and minerals (no extra bucket needed!)
So even when winter forage is variable, you know your horse’s diet is still balanced — and their condition is supported right through to spring.
To find the right feed for your horse, head on over to www.purefeed.com to claim your FREE personalised diet plan, created by our nutrition team 🩵
#thepurefeedcompany #purefeed #equinenutrition #allyoufeedislove
🚫 STOP FEEDING SUPERMARKET OILS ‼️
Adding vegetable oil for extra condition or coat shine might seem harmless — but the fatty acid balance is all wrong for horses.
🔸 Horses need both omega-3 (ALA) and omega-6 (LA) — but the ratio is what matters.
Here’s how common oils stack up against grass 👇
🌿 Grass ≈ 3–4:1 (omega-3:omega-6)
🌱 Linseed ≈ 4:1
🥥 Coconut ≈ 1:2
🌰 Soya ≈ 1:7
🌽 Corn ≈ 1:50
🌻 Sunflower ≈ 1:200
An excess of omega-6 can:
❌ Increase pro-inflammatory compounds
❌ Slow recovery after exercise
❌ Exacerbate gut sensitivity
❌ Add strain to joints
✨ Linseed is naturally rich in omega-3, helping restore balance in hay- and cereal-based diets. It supports anti-inflammatory pathways, a glossy coat, healthy skin, and cell function.
💜 Pure Linseed is 100% micronised linseed — highly digestible, naturally high in oil for slow-release energy, a great fibre source, and close to the horse’s natural omega ratio.
👉 Head to our website to learn more about Pure Linseed.
#purefeed #thepurefeedcompany #purelinseed
🚫 STOP FEEDING SUPERMARKET OILS ‼️
Adding vegetable oil for extra condition or coat shine might seem harmless — but the fatty acid balance is all wrong for horses.
🔸 Horses need both omega-3 (ALA) and omega-6 (LA) — but the ratio is what matters.
Here’s how common oils stack up against grass 👇
🌿 Grass ≈ 3–4:1 (omega-3:omega-6)
🌱 Linseed ≈ 4:1
🥥 Coconut ≈ 1:2
🌰 Soya ≈ 1:7
🌽 Corn ≈ 1:50
🌻 Sunflower ≈ 1:200
An excess of omega-6 can:
❌ Increase pro-inflammatory compounds
❌ Slow recovery after exercise
❌ Exacerbate gut sensitivity
❌ Add strain to joints
✨ Linseed is naturally rich in omega-3, helping restore balance in hay- and cereal-based diets. It supports anti-inflammatory pathways, a glossy coat, healthy skin, and cell function.
💜 Pure Linseed is 100% micronised linseed — highly digestible, naturally high in oil for slow-release energy, a great fibre source, and close to the horse’s natural omega ratio.
👉 Head to our website to learn more about Pure Linseed.
#purefeed #thepurefeedcompany #purelinseed
Feeding Rates of Pure Sud explained ... Swipe to see how much Stud your horse should be eating ➡️
Why Pure Stud:
🩷 Supports sound bone development.🩷 Low starch content encourages positive behaviour.
🩷 Great value way of giving young and breeding horses everything they need nutritionally.
🩷 High in fibre for excellent digestive health.
🩷 A tasty choice – horses love it
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch!
You can also request a personalised diet plan for free. Our team of expert nutritionists will carefully evaluate your horse, assess their unique nutritional needs, and provide the best feeding recommendations to help them look and feel their best. Available on our website!
📞 01458 333 333
💻 www.purefeed.com
💬 Direct Message us
#thepurefeedcompany #purestud #feedingrates #allyoufeedislove #purefeed
Feeding Rates of Pure Sud explained ... Swipe to see how much Stud your horse should be eating ➡️
Why Pure Stud:
🩷 Supports sound bone development.🩷 Low starch content encourages positive behaviour.
🩷 Great value way of giving young and breeding horses everything they need nutritionally.
🩷 High in fibre for excellent digestive health.
🩷 A tasty choice – horses love it
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch!
You can also request a personalised diet plan for free. Our team of expert nutritionists will carefully evaluate your horse, assess their unique nutritional needs, and provide the best feeding recommendations to help them look and feel their best. Available on our website!
📞 01458 333 333
💻 www.purefeed.com
💬 Direct Message us
#thepurefeedcompany #purestud #feedingrates #allyoufeedislove #purefeed
All-in-one feed = less clutter, fewer feed bins and less time in the feed room 🩵
We were delighted to hear from Bronnen about her love for Pure Easy 💚
"I have used your feed for about the last 10 years with all the horses and ponies I’ve had. I have an event mare that we have been struggling with soundness issues for the last 2 years so has barely been in work. We never made it out of walk in the last 2 years, yet this is her this morning, fed on pure easy, looking absolutely incredible, like she hasn’t seen a day out of work in her life! Love your feeds so much, thank you! I always recommend you to anyone who asks. I have a young Connie too who is just starting her ridden career and they are both on pure easy. So simple and easy to use and I trust it to support muscle development without any extra energy than they need. Big fan!"
Have you had a Pure Feed success story of your own? We’d love to hear it! Share your experience with us in the comments or tag us in your posts - your horse could be featured next!
Thank you Bronnen for taking the time to get in touch 🙌 @bronnen_equestrian
#thepurefeedcompany #purefeed #allyoufeedislove #poweredbypurefeed
We were delighted to hear from Bronnen about her love for Pure Easy 💚
"I have used your feed for about the last 10 years with all the horses and ponies I’ve had. I have an event mare that we have been struggling with soundness issues for the last 2 years so has barely been in work. We never made it out of walk in the last 2 years, yet this is her this morning, fed on pure easy, looking absolutely incredible, like she hasn’t seen a day out of work in her life! Love your feeds so much, thank you! I always recommend you to anyone who asks. I have a young Connie too who is just starting her ridden career and they are both on pure easy. So simple and easy to use and I trust it to support muscle development without any extra energy than they need. Big fan!"
Have you had a Pure Feed success story of your own? We’d love to hear it! Share your experience with us in the comments or tag us in your posts - your horse could be featured next!
Thank you Bronnen for taking the time to get in touch 🙌 @bronnen_equestrian
#thepurefeedcompany #purefeed #allyoufeedislove #poweredbypurefeed
Worried about Winter fizz, but your horse needs to gain weight?
It’s a situation we hear all the time, especially in winter when horses need more calories to maintain condition, but no one wants a fizzy, unrideable horse.
Fast-release energy mainly comes from starch and sugars (found in cereals like oats, barley, maize). These are broken down in the small intestine into glucose, which causes a rapid rise in blood sugar. Result? A quick burst of energy, often linked with sharper behaviour or “fizz”.
Slow-release energy comes from fibre and oil. Fibre is fermented in the hindgut by microbes into volatile fatty acids (VFAs), while oil is broken down into fatty acids in the small intestine. Both provide a steady, sustained fuel source without the glucose spikes. Result? More stamina, better weight maintenance, and a calmer, more consistent way of providing calories.
Why does this matter in winter?
Many horses lose condition as the cold increases calorie demand. Owners worry about upping feed in case it makes their horse hot, but if the calories come from slow-release sources, they can safely support condition without unwanted fizz.
Our Condition Mix is built on fibre, oil, and unmolassed beet, not high-starch cereals. That means it delivers the extra calories your horse needs for condition in a controlled, slow-release form. Energy for weight maintenance and work, without the behaviour spike.
💬 Want us to create a tailored winter feeding plan for your horse? Comment “DIET PLAN” below and we’ll be in touch!
#thepurefeedcompany #purefeed #equinenutrition #allyoufeedislove
📸 @joelsebhart @ruthpotterpr
Worried about Winter fizz, but your horse needs to gain weight?
It’s a situation we hear all the time, especially in winter when horses need more calories to maintain condition, but no one wants a fizzy, unrideable horse.
Fast-release energy mainly comes from starch and sugars (found in cereals like oats, barley, maize). These are broken down in the small intestine into glucose, which causes a rapid rise in blood sugar. Result? A quick burst of energy, often linked with sharper behaviour or “fizz”.
Slow-release energy comes from fibre and oil. Fibre is fermented in the hindgut by microbes into volatile fatty acids (VFAs), while oil is broken down into fatty acids in the small intestine. Both provide a steady, sustained fuel source without the glucose spikes. Result? More stamina, better weight maintenance, and a calmer, more consistent way of providing calories.
Why does this matter in winter?
Many horses lose condition as the cold increases calorie demand. Owners worry about upping feed in case it makes their horse hot, but if the calories come from slow-release sources, they can safely support condition without unwanted fizz.
Our Condition Mix is built on fibre, oil, and unmolassed beet, not high-starch cereals. That means it delivers the extra calories your horse needs for condition in a controlled, slow-release form. Energy for weight maintenance and work, without the behaviour spike.
💬 Want us to create a tailored winter feeding plan for your horse? Comment “DIET PLAN” below and we’ll be in touch!
#thepurefeedcompany #purefeed #equinenutrition #allyoufeedislove
📸 @joelsebhart @ruthpotterpr
Looking for Pure Feed in Rugby?
Or ready to switch to a simpler, more natural way of feeding?
We’re thrilled to announce that Tower Farm Saddlery is now stocking Pure Feed 🎉
Our complete feeds combine fibre, balancer, and oil in one convenient bag, giving your horse everything they need while saving you time and effort.
📍 Head to our Stockist Map to find Tower Farm and your nearest stockist: https://www.purefeed.com/stockists/
Looking for Pure Feed in Rugby?
Or ready to switch to a simpler, more natural way of feeding?
We’re thrilled to announce that Tower Farm Saddlery is now stocking Pure Feed 🎉
Our complete feeds combine fibre, balancer, and oil in one convenient bag, giving your horse everything they need while saving you time and effort.
📍 Head to our Stockist Map to find Tower Farm and your nearest stockist: https://www.purefeed.com/stockists/
We had a fantastic time at the Pony Tales Annual Charity Day in support of World Horse Welfare 🐴
Our giveaway winner, Abi, joined us for the day looking incredibly smart in her Pure Feed merchandise! 🩵
Together, the event raised an amazing £10,252 for charity! 🤩
Thank you to Pony Tales for letting us be part of such a special day, and we hope Abi & Dilly had a wonderful time!
@ponytalesdorset @horsecharity
#thepurefeedcompany #purefeed #allyoufeedislove #worldhorsewelfare #ponytalesdorset #charityday #fundraiser
We had a fantastic time at the Pony Tales Annual Charity Day in support of World Horse Welfare 🐴
Our giveaway winner, Abi, joined us for the day looking incredibly smart in her Pure Feed merchandise! 🩵
Together, the event raised an amazing £10,252 for charity! 🤩
Thank you to Pony Tales for letting us be part of such a special day, and we hope Abi & Dilly had a wonderful time!
@ponytalesdorset @horsecharity
#thepurefeedcompany #purefeed #allyoufeedislove #worldhorsewelfare #ponytalesdorset #charityday #fundraiser
What’s really going on when your horse has Cushing’s? 🐴
Cushing’s (properly called Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction – PPID) is a progressive condition affecting the pituitary gland in your horse’s brain.
In a normal horse, this gland helps control hormones like ACTH, which regulate cortisol (the stress hormone).
When a horse has PPID, the pituitary gland control system breaks down, and too much ACTH is released, resulting in high cortisol levels (aka high stress levels!)
This can affect:
🩵 Metabolism
🩵 Immune system
🩵 Tissue repair
📌 Key facts:
Most common in horses 15+ but can appear earlier
Not curable, but can be managed with the right vet care, diet & management
Spotting early signs like subtle coat or behaviour changes is important
A simple ACTH blood test via your vet can confirm 💡
With the right support, horses with PPID can still live active, happy lives for many years.
All of the Pure Feed range is suitable for horses with his condition (excluding Pure Performance). For an in-depth guide to feeding your horse, apply for a free personalised diet plan today on our website.
#thepurefeedcompany #purefeed #equinenutrition #ppid #cushingsdisease #ppidsupport
What’s really going on when your horse has Cushing’s? 🐴
Cushing’s (properly called Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction – PPID) is a progressive condition affecting the pituitary gland in your horse’s brain.
In a normal horse, this gland helps control hormones like ACTH, which regulate cortisol (the stress hormone).
When a horse has PPID, the pituitary gland control system breaks down, and too much ACTH is released, resulting in high cortisol levels (aka high stress levels!)
This can affect:
🩵 Metabolism
🩵 Immune system
🩵 Tissue repair
📌 Key facts:
Most common in horses 15+ but can appear earlier
Not curable, but can be managed with the right vet care, diet & management
Spotting early signs like subtle coat or behaviour changes is important
A simple ACTH blood test via your vet can confirm 💡
With the right support, horses with PPID can still live active, happy lives for many years.
All of the Pure Feed range is suitable for horses with his condition (excluding Pure Performance). For an in-depth guide to feeding your horse, apply for a free personalised diet plan today on our website.
#thepurefeedcompany #purefeed #equinenutrition #ppid #cushingsdisease #ppidsupport
Are you worried about hay shortages, quality or price?
This year, we’re hearing the same thing from yards across the country:
🔹 Lower hay yields
🔹 Skyrocketing prices
🔹 Bales arriving late or not at all
🔹 And when they do? Inconsistent quality and unpredictable sugar levels
All of this makes it harder to manage your horse’s diet especially if they’re sensitive, on soaked forage, or prone to weight loss.
That’s where Pure Meadow Mash steps in.
🌿 Made from super fibres, it provides a highly digestible, low-sugar source of fibre, calories and hydration, no surprises, no stress.
Unlike hay, which can vary in protein, sugar, and digestibility depending on the cut, weather and storage, Pure Meadow Mash delivers consistent, controlled nutrition in every bowl.
Why choose it?
✔️ A reliable forage replacer; perfect if hay is in short supply or poor quality
✔️ Very low sugar and starch; suitable for laminitics, PPID and EMS
✔️ Soft, soaked fibre; ideal for older horses, dental issues or fussy eaters
✔️ Supports digestion and hydration; especially valuable in cold weather when horses drink less
It’s everything we wish hay could be this year: consistent, balanced, and ready when you need it.
Learn more about Pure Feed Meadow Mash on our website (link in bio 💻)
#purefeed #equinenutrition #allyoufeedislove #meadowmash
Are you worried about hay shortages, quality or price?
This year, we’re hearing the same thing from yards across the country:
🔹 Lower hay yields
🔹 Skyrocketing prices
🔹 Bales arriving late or not at all
🔹 And when they do? Inconsistent quality and unpredictable sugar levels
All of this makes it harder to manage your horse’s diet especially if they’re sensitive, on soaked forage, or prone to weight loss.
That’s where Pure Meadow Mash steps in.
🌿 Made from super fibres, it provides a highly digestible, low-sugar source of fibre, calories and hydration, no surprises, no stress.
Unlike hay, which can vary in protein, sugar, and digestibility depending on the cut, weather and storage, Pure Meadow Mash delivers consistent, controlled nutrition in every bowl.
Why choose it?
✔️ A reliable forage replacer; perfect if hay is in short supply or poor quality
✔️ Very low sugar and starch; suitable for laminitics, PPID and EMS
✔️ Soft, soaked fibre; ideal for older horses, dental issues or fussy eaters
✔️ Supports digestion and hydration; especially valuable in cold weather when horses drink less
It’s everything we wish hay could be this year: consistent, balanced, and ready when you need it.
Learn more about Pure Feed Meadow Mash on our website (link in bio 💻)
#purefeed #equinenutrition #allyoufeedislove #meadowmash
✨ GIVEAWAY TIME! ✨
We’re giving you the chance to win the ultimate Pure Feed look - our always popular, highly sought-after kit! 🐴💛
The Prize includes:
• The legendary Pure Feed branded Stormtech gilet
• Exclusive money-can’t-buy Pure Feed branded Le Mieux saddle pad (in cc or dr)
• £20 Pure Feed voucher towards your horse’s favourite feed
How to enter:
1️⃣ Make sure you’re following @thepurefeedcompany
2️⃣ Tag a friend in the comments (each new comment with a tag counts as an entry!)
📅 The winner will be announced on the 30th September
🏆 The winner will be picked at random and contacted directly by us
🇬🇧 UK entries only
This giveaway is in no way sponsored, endorsed, administered by, or associated with Instagram or Meta.
Good luck 🍀
#thepurefeedcompany #purefeed #allyoufeedislove #equinegiveaway
✨ GIVEAWAY TIME! ✨
We’re giving you the chance to win the ultimate Pure Feed look - our always popular, highly sought-after kit! 🐴💛
The Prize includes:
• The legendary Pure Feed branded Stormtech gilet
• Exclusive money-can’t-buy Pure Feed branded Le Mieux saddle pad (in cc or dr)
• £20 Pure Feed voucher towards your horse’s favourite feed
How to enter:
1️⃣ Make sure you’re following @thepurefeedcompany
2️⃣ Tag a friend in the comments (each new comment with a tag counts as an entry!)
📅 The winner will be announced on the 30th September
🏆 The winner will be picked at random and contacted directly by us
🇬🇧 UK entries only
This giveaway is in no way sponsored, endorsed, administered by, or associated with Instagram or Meta.
Good luck 🍀
#thepurefeedcompany #purefeed #allyoufeedislove #equinegiveaway
We’re pleased to share that Horse & Hen are a Pure Feed stockist! 🛒
@horse_and_hen
📞 01629 55084
You can find Horse & Hen in Matlock, 📍 DE4 5ND
For more information have a look at their website www.horseandhen.co.uk 💻
We love supporting our stockists! If you supply Pure Feed and would like us to showcase your business, please reach out to marketing@purefeed.com for your own stockist spotlight post ⭐️
Alternatively if you`re a retailer interested in stocking Pure Feed, we’d love to hear from you!
#Proudtostockpurefeed #thepurefeedcompany #purefeed
We’re pleased to share that Horse & Hen are a Pure Feed stockist! 🛒
@horse_and_hen
📞 01629 55084
You can find Horse & Hen in Matlock, 📍 DE4 5ND
For more information have a look at their website www.horseandhen.co.uk 💻
We love supporting our stockists! If you supply Pure Feed and would like us to showcase your business, please reach out to marketing@purefeed.com for your own stockist spotlight post ⭐️
Alternatively if you`re a retailer interested in stocking Pure Feed, we’d love to hear from you!
#Proudtostockpurefeed #thepurefeedcompany #purefeed
🥣 Meadow Mash = box rest saviour!
Tara might wear more than she eats, but this simple feed was a real game changer for her. During a period of box rest she started refusing her normal hay, which made it tricky to keep her fibre intake and hydration levels up.
Enter Meadow Mash. Its soft, soaked fibre was easy for her to eat, helped her stay hydrated, and most importantly, kept her gut moving when she needed it most!
#thepurefeedcompany #purefeed #dietplan #equinenutrition
🥣 Meadow Mash = box rest saviour!
Tara might wear more than she eats, but this simple feed was a real game changer for her. During a period of box rest she started refusing her normal hay, which made it tricky to keep her fibre intake and hydration levels up.
Enter Meadow Mash. Its soft, soaked fibre was easy for her to eat, helped her stay hydrated, and most importantly, kept her gut moving when she needed it most!
#thepurefeedcompany #purefeed #dietplan #equinenutrition
When Meadow Mash just tastes that good 👅
Did you know you can feed up to 1 kg per 100kg body weight of the horse per day!
Designed to mimic the nutritional value of hay, Pure Meadow Mash is suitable for a variety of horses, from older horses with poor dentition to competition horses needing extra fibre and hydration. It can be used as a partial hay replacer and soaks in just 5 minutes 🙌
📍to find your nearest stockist, head on over to our interactive map on our website.
#purefeed #allyoufeedislove #thepurefeedcompany #equinenutrition
When Meadow Mash just tastes that good 👅
Did you know you can feed up to 1 kg per 100kg body weight of the horse per day!
Designed to mimic the nutritional value of hay, Pure Meadow Mash is suitable for a variety of horses, from older horses with poor dentition to competition horses needing extra fibre and hydration. It can be used as a partial hay replacer and soaks in just 5 minutes 🙌
📍to find your nearest stockist, head on over to our interactive map on our website.
#purefeed #allyoufeedislove #thepurefeedcompany #equinenutrition
Meadow Mash Feeding Rate 💙
Feeding your horse doesn`t have to be complicated. We`ve made it easy to determine the right amount of Meadow Mash to feed your horse.
👉 Low sugar and starch content- suitable for those needing a low starch diet due to laminitis
👉 Quick soaking
👉 Palatable- with added herbs and mint to tempt fussy eaters
👉 High fibre and with added pre and probiotics to support gut health
👉 Ideal for older horses or those with poor dentition
👉 Can be used as a low-dust alternative forage for hay
If you`re unsure of their nutritional requirements, our experts can provide a free diet plan and answer any questions you may have. Our team is here to help whenever you need through the phone, email or direct message!
📞 01458 333 333
💻 www.purefeed.com
💬 Direct Message us
#thepurefeedcompany #puremeadowmash #feedingrates #allyoufeedislove #purefeed
Meadow Mash Feeding Rate 💙
Feeding your horse doesn`t have to be complicated. We`ve made it easy to determine the right amount of Meadow Mash to feed your horse.
👉 Low sugar and starch content- suitable for those needing a low starch diet due to laminitis
👉 Quick soaking
👉 Palatable- with added herbs and mint to tempt fussy eaters
👉 High fibre and with added pre and probiotics to support gut health
👉 Ideal for older horses or those with poor dentition
👉 Can be used as a low-dust alternative forage for hay
If you`re unsure of their nutritional requirements, our experts can provide a free diet plan and answer any questions you may have. Our team is here to help whenever you need through the phone, email or direct message!
📞 01458 333 333
💻 www.purefeed.com
💬 Direct Message us
#thepurefeedcompany #puremeadowmash #feedingrates #allyoufeedislove #purefeed
#Throwback to an amazing day at the Pony Tales Annual Charity Day in support of World Horse Welfare 🩵
We were so proud to be part of an event that raised an incredible £10,252 for such an important cause! 🙌
A huge thank you to everyone who came along - we hope you all had a wonderful time.
@horsecharity @ponytalesdorset
#purefeed #thepurefeedcompany #ponytalesdorset #equinenutrition #allyoufeedislove
#Throwback to an amazing day at the Pony Tales Annual Charity Day in support of World Horse Welfare 🩵
We were so proud to be part of an event that raised an incredible £10,252 for such an important cause! 🙌
A huge thank you to everyone who came along - we hope you all had a wonderful time.
@horsecharity @ponytalesdorset
#purefeed #thepurefeedcompany #ponytalesdorset #equinenutrition #allyoufeedislove
Spotting the Signs of Cushing`s early? 👀
The clinical signs of PPID develop gradually, and in the early stages they can be easily overlooked. Understanding what to look for allows for earlier intervention, which improves long-term management.
Common clinical signs include:
🩵 Changes in coat – A longer, often curly coat that doesn’t shed fully in summer (hirsutism) is a hallmark sign, but early PPID can cause a subtle delay in shedding rather than a dramatic coat change.
🩵 Abnormal fat distribution – Fat pads may develop above the eyes, along the crest of the neck, or over the tailhead, while muscle loss occurs over the topline.
🩵 Lethargy and reduced performance – Horses may seem less willing to work or tire more quickly.
🩵 Increased thirst and urination – Linked to hormonal disruption affecting water balance.
🩵 Recurrent infections – Poor immune regulation means wounds heal more slowly and skin, respiratory, or hoof infections may occur more often.
🩵 Laminitis – One of the most serious complications. Even mild or recurring bouts warrant investigation for PPID, especially in older horses.
If you notice one or more of these signs, particularly in an older horse, speak to your vet about testing ACTH levels. Early diagnosis allows for medical treatment (such as pergolide) combined with dietary adjustments to better control symptoms.
As for diet, the Pure Feed range is suitable for horses with PPID (excluding Performance). We have a feed for you. To find the right one, fill out a FREE Personalised diet plan today and our nutrition team will email you an in-depth diet plan for your horse - available on the Pure Feed website 💻
#thepurefeedcompany #purefeed #dietplan #equinenutrition
Spotting the Signs of Cushing`s early? 👀
The clinical signs of PPID develop gradually, and in the early stages they can be easily overlooked. Understanding what to look for allows for earlier intervention, which improves long-term management.
Common clinical signs include:
🩵 Changes in coat – A longer, often curly coat that doesn’t shed fully in summer (hirsutism) is a hallmark sign, but early PPID can cause a subtle delay in shedding rather than a dramatic coat change.
🩵 Abnormal fat distribution – Fat pads may develop above the eyes, along the crest of the neck, or over the tailhead, while muscle loss occurs over the topline.
🩵 Lethargy and reduced performance – Horses may seem less willing to work or tire more quickly.
🩵 Increased thirst and urination – Linked to hormonal disruption affecting water balance.
🩵 Recurrent infections – Poor immune regulation means wounds heal more slowly and skin, respiratory, or hoof infections may occur more often.
🩵 Laminitis – One of the most serious complications. Even mild or recurring bouts warrant investigation for PPID, especially in older horses.
If you notice one or more of these signs, particularly in an older horse, speak to your vet about testing ACTH levels. Early diagnosis allows for medical treatment (such as pergolide) combined with dietary adjustments to better control symptoms.
As for diet, the Pure Feed range is suitable for horses with PPID (excluding Performance). We have a feed for you. To find the right one, fill out a FREE Personalised diet plan today and our nutrition team will email you an in-depth diet plan for your horse - available on the Pure Feed website 💻
#thepurefeedcompany #purefeed #dietplan #equinenutrition
What people say about Pure Feed
