Its That Time of Year - Spring!
Spring is a time when horses prone to laminitis will often require more intensive management due to increased sugar levels in pasture, as well as an increase in pasture availability.
Reducing pasture intake is necessary to restrict the levels of Non-Structural Carbohydrates (NSC) in the diet, however it is often confusing for horse owners to determine which feeds are ‘suitable’ and ‘safe’ to make up some of the calorie contribution.
Within Dunstan’s extensive range there are a few products that stand out as ideal for horses prone to, or suffering from, laminitis.
Dunstan All-4-Feet was formulated specifically for horses prone to laminitis that require a low starch/low sugar diet. Dunstan All-4-Feet utilises fibres and fats as key calorie sources resulting in a NSC level of 5.6%*. In addition, it has a broad inclusion of vitamins and minerals, taking into consideration the reduced pasture intake, with an elevated level of Vitamin E in its Natural form. A live yeast culture is included to enhance hindgut function, and biotin is provided at an increased contribution to assist with hoof quality.
Dunstan Resolve®, a more recent addition to the Dunstan range, will also have some great applications for horses where a low sugar and low starch diet is specified, with a NSC level of 9.8%*. As a semi-concentrate Dunstan Resolve® will suit those horses that do not require the higher intakes of a full feed to maintain a desired body condition. When fed at a minimum of 1.2kg daily (based on a 500kg bodyweight) in conjunction with forage, further general vitamin and mineral supplementation should not be required under ‘normal circumstances’, other than salt. Dunstan Resolve® includes Melofeed®, a new age antioxidant to assist in managing oxidative stress, as well as minerals in their organic form plus Natural Vitamin E.
Dunstan Betabeet is well recognised as a great feed source for all horses and in particular those suffering from or prone to laminitis, with an NSC level of 8.6%*. As a ‘super fibre’, Dunstan Betabeet is more calorie-dense than traditional fibre sources, therefore contributing both calories to maintain condition and quality ‘safe’ fibre for horses that need supplementary fibre due to reduced pasture intake.
As the days warm up and we look forward to some more daylight hours and more horsey activity, it is good to be mindful of management of feed changes that may be required with both a change of season and the start of the competitive season. If you have any queries about the most suitable Dunstan feeds for your horse please contact Dunstan. We would love to talk.
*Equi-Analytical Labs, USA - on an As Fed basis.
