Feeding Dilemmas Robert Eustace of the Laminitis Clinic recommends turning vulnerable horses or ponies out on limited grazing or 'starvation' paddocks. This ensures that they will not be able to consume large quantities of 'grass sugar' in a short period of time. However, it is not just access to grazing which needs to be considered. Over feeding of cereals, which are rich in starch, can also cause a problem in susceptible animals. Alfalfa growing Alfalfa is an ideal feed in this situation as it is low in both 'sugar' and starch and has an energy or 'calorie' content equivalent to coarse mixes and cubes.
Oil is also a relatively 'safe' source of energy for horses or ponies prone to laminitis.
Careful feeding can achieve even 'show condition' without the need to feed cereal containing coarse mixes or cubes and as the old saying goes, 'prevention is better than cure'. An attack of Laminitis should never be considered as a minor problem. The damage caused is often irreparable, and in some instances the condition can be fatal. Every attack of laminitis should be regarded as an emergency and your veterinarian consulted. As soon as laminitis is suspected the cause must be removed instantly and veterinary attention sought.