I have talked at length on this program about laminitis, or founder, in horses.  This is a devastating disease that usually causes permanent damage to your horse’s feet.  The cause is usually related to over-consumption of non-structured carbohydrate foods.  The Laminitis Trust, a charity in the United Kingdom, has developed a set of criteria for horse feeds, and all companies that produce feeds that meet their criteria, may use the Laminitis Trust logo.  Feeds that meet the criteria can be used in horses to aid in preventing laminitis and can be fed to horses already suffering from the syndrome.  To earn the Laminitis Trust logo, feeds must be capable of providing a minimum of 50% of a horse’s energy requirements.  Also, whole cereal grains, peas, and beans are excluded unless cooked or used to facilitate pelleting and can not exceed 5% of the total feed.  Non-structured carbohydrates must not exceed 40% of the dry matter of the feed, and non structured carbohydrate intake per meal should not exceed ¼ of 1%.  The feed bags are required to be labeled with advice on feeding rates depending on the amount of grazing allowed. 

This is an excellent method of educating consumers on the feeds that are less likely to cause laminitis.  Horse owners will eventually begin looking for the Laminitis Trust seal before purchasing feeds.  Consequently, feed companies will be making feeds to fit these criteria in order to get the seal on their labels.  As I mentioned, this program is presently only in the United Kingdom.  Hopefully, this idea will catch on in the United States and a similar program will be developed here. Contact your veterinarian about the appropriate feed for your horse as your vet is your animal health expert.