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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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 🩵
We`ve made feeding easy! Know the right amount to feed your horse by following our simple guide.
Pure Condition Pellets have a high oil content to promote weight gain and maintain condition💜
In their pelleted form, they are designed to help tempt fussy eaters and can be fed dry or mixed with water to form a mash. Pure Condition Pellets include our premium natural balancer with the full spectrum of vitamins and minerals that horses require.
If you`re uncertain about their nutritional requirements, leave it to the pros—claim your free diet plan from our expert nutrition team. Got questions? We`re always here to help!
📞 01458 333 333
💻 www.purefeed.com
💬 Direct Message us
#thepurefeedcompany #purecompetitionpellets #feedingrates #allyoufeedislove #purefeed
We`ve made feeding easy! Know the right amount to feed your horse by following our simple guide.
Pure Condition Pellets have a high oil content to promote weight gain and maintain condition💜
In their pelleted form, they are designed to help tempt fussy eaters and can be fed dry or mixed with water to form a mash. Pure Condition Pellets include our premium natural balancer with the full spectrum of vitamins and minerals that horses require.
If you`re uncertain about their nutritional requirements, leave it to the pros—claim your free diet plan from our expert nutrition team. Got questions? We`re always here to help!
📞 01458 333 333
💻 www.purefeed.com
💬 Direct Message us
#thepurefeedcompany #purecompetitionpellets #feedingrates #allyoufeedislove #purefeed
Supporting your horse`s condition shouldn’t mean compromising on behaviour, digestive comfort, or metabolic support.
Pure Condition Mix, designed as a high-calorie, nutritionally complete feed, which provides slow-release calories from fibre and oil rather than cereals and molasses. That means:
✔ Condition without fizz
✔ Digestive comfort and steadier energy
✔ A genuinely balanced feed with every vitamin and mineral included
Because it’s cereal and molasses-free, and naturally low in sugar and starch, it’s also a smart choice for horses who are metabolically sensitive or who simply feel better on fibre-first nutrition.
Why owners love it:
• Helps build condition and topline with calm energy
• Supports weight and topline through winter
• Gentle on the gut and highly palatable
• No need for extra balancers or feeds
If you’re looking for a feed that delivers condition and keeps your horse level-headed, this is the feed for you!
Supporting your horse`s condition shouldn’t mean compromising on behaviour, digestive comfort, or metabolic support.
Pure Condition Mix, designed as a high-calorie, nutritionally complete feed, which provides slow-release calories from fibre and oil rather than cereals and molasses. That means:
✔ Condition without fizz
✔ Digestive comfort and steadier energy
✔ A genuinely balanced feed with every vitamin and mineral included
Because it’s cereal and molasses-free, and naturally low in sugar and starch, it’s also a smart choice for horses who are metabolically sensitive or who simply feel better on fibre-first nutrition.
Why owners love it:
• Helps build condition and topline with calm energy
• Supports weight and topline through winter
• Gentle on the gut and highly palatable
• No need for extra balancers or feeds
If you’re looking for a feed that delivers condition and keeps your horse level-headed, this is the feed for you!
Even in Winter, horses lose electrolytes through sweat - especially during schooling, jumping or fast work ❄️
Pure Refuel replaces what’s lost, fast, supporting hydration, muscle function and recovery when your horse needs it most!
@swintonequestrian shows us her routine: tack up, train, Refuel 🩵
Even in Winter, horses lose electrolytes through sweat - especially during schooling, jumping or fast work ❄️
Pure Refuel replaces what’s lost, fast, supporting hydration, muscle function and recovery when your horse needs it most!
@swintonequestrian shows us her routine: tack up, train, Refuel 🩵
Have you noticed your older horse struggle with chaff? Our Veteran Pellets deliver all the benefits of a chaff-based feed squished into a pellet! Even better they soak down into an easy to eat mash, perfect for horses who struggle with chewing!
#purefeed #thepurefeedcompany #allyoufeedislove #equinenutrition
Have you noticed your older horse struggle with chaff? Our Veteran Pellets deliver all the benefits of a chaff-based feed squished into a pellet! Even better they soak down into an easy to eat mash, perfect for horses who struggle with chewing!
#purefeed #thepurefeedcompany #allyoufeedislove #equinenutrition
Ever wondered how we can save you money? It’s all down to Pure Feed being a complete feed. That means every bag contains everything your horse needs: fibre, energy, vitamins, minerals, and oil. No need to buy multiple feeds or top up with extra supplements to balance their diet! #purefeed #thepurefeedcompany #allyoufeedislove #equinenutrition
Ever wondered how we can save you money? It’s all down to Pure Feed being a complete feed. That means every bag contains everything your horse needs: fibre, energy, vitamins, minerals, and oil. No need to buy multiple feeds or top up with extra supplements to balance their diet! #purefeed #thepurefeedcompany #allyoufeedislove #equinenutrition
What people say about Pure Feed
