Hoof Nutrition Intelligence Hoof Nutrition Intelligence is a twice-a-month web segment that is designed to add to the education of footcare professionals when it comes to effectively feeding the hoof. The goal of this web-exclusive feature is to zero in on specific areas of hoof nutrition and avoid broad-based articles that simply look at the overall equine feeding situation.

Below you will find Part 2 of the latest question and answer installment that you can share with your footcare clients.

Q: How can I help my 7-year-old insulin-susceptible mare lose some weight?

By Andrew van Eps, BVSc, PhD, MACVSc, Dipl. ACVIM

A: While exercise can sometimes be difficult due to an extreme lack of fitness or laminitis, diet is more important and makes more of a difference.

If possible, weigh your horse. Then feed hay at a rate of 1.5% of the horse’s bodyweight per day as a reliable and simple weight loss strategy. The hay should either be tested for nonstructural carbohydrate levels or soaked since sugars in the forage can make the condition worse.

Andrew van Eps is an associate professor of equine musculoskeletal research at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine in New Bolton, Pa.

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Click here to read part 1 of the Dec. 1, 2019 installment of Hoof Nutrition Intelligence: How important is making sure my insulin-resistant mare gets the right minerals in her diet?

Click here to read more installments of Hoof Nutrition Intelligence.