- 28th August 2019 by Rowen Barbary
Caring for Laminitis Cases
Dealing with a post-laminitic pony has its challenges, but it is also rewarding when you’re able to see your pony living a good quality life and returning back to full health.
Once a pony has developed laminitis they often become less tolerant of a diet containing high levels of sugar and starch, or non structural carbohydrates (NSC). It is recommended to maintain a diet that contains a NSC content of less than 10% on average per feed, and special attention must also be paid to bodyweight.
If your pony is overweight a high fibre diet should be fed choosing stalkier hay that offers a lower nutritional value. A well balanced, low energy feed such as Rowen Barbary Forage 'n' Fibre will provide all the essential vitamins, minerals and trace elements required for overall health and well being while being suitable for good doers.
If condition is required, any weight gain should be done slowly through a diet that is high in calories. Oil is a great source of calories and containing 15% oil Solution Mash from Rowen Barbary is suitable for encouraging weight gain in horses and ponies that suffer from a starch and sugar intolerance, such as laminitis. With antioxidants, digestive enhancers and natural herbs spearmint, garlic and fenugreek Solution Mash will help support excellent overall condition.
Although correct feed and management will help support recovery from laminitis if your pony has a history of problem feet supplementing his diet with Rowen Barbary Hoof Complex will help promote sound healthy hoof growth. Providing all the necessary nutrients that have been indicated to help lessen hoof cracks, reduce the crumbling of the hoof horn and improve the condition of the white line area Hoof Complex will help promote the re-growth of strong healthy hooves.
Spring and autumn are well known risk factors for laminitics when we see a flush of grass growth, but it is also recommend to avoid turning out on frosty grass in winter when fructan concentration is high. Strip grazing will help limit your pony’s total grass intake as will periods of turnout in a grazing muzzle. Fibre intake however should not be comprised and it is important that the fibre levels are maintained to ensure healthy gut function.
About Rowen Barbary
All manufacturing at Rowen Barbary is carried out in a state of the art mill located in the heart of the Shropshire countryside. We use only the highest quality ingredients sourced, where possible, from local farms before they are blended by our dedicated team in our UFAS audited mill.
Rowen Barbary also conforms to BETA NOPS guidelines with raw materials & finished feeds regularly laboratory tested to ensure that every bag of feed continues to meet not only ours, but also your high standards.
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