For horse owners managing laminitis or founder-prone horses, few questions are more important than understanding the relationship between forage and metabolic health.
Many owners are surprised to learn that hay itself can sometimes contribute to nutritional challenges in susceptible horses.
While forage remains an essential part of the equine diet, the nutritional composition of hay can vary significantly, particularly when it comes to sugar and starch content.
Understanding these differences can help owners make safer, more informed feeding decisions.
What Is Founder?
Founder is commonly used to describe the painful structural damage that may occur following laminitis.
Laminitis involves inflammation and weakening within the sensitive tissues of the hoof.
In some cases, structural support inside the hoof becomes compromised, leading to rotation or sinking of the coffin bone.
Multiple factors can contribute to laminitis, including:
metabolic disease,
obesity,
insulin dysregulation,
grain overload,
systemic illness,
and pasture or forage management.
For many modern horses, especially easy keepers, nutrition plays a major role.
Hay Contains Natural Sugars
All forage contains naturally occurring sugars.
Plants produce sugars during photosynthesis and store energy for growth and survival.
When horses consume hay, they also consume those sugars.
Most healthy horses tolerate normal forage sugars without difficulty.
However, metabolically sensitive horses may struggle to regulate elevated sugar intake efficiently.
This is particularly important for horses with:
Equine Metabolic Syndrome,
Cushing’s disease,
obesity tendencies,
or previous laminitis history.
Sugar Levels Can Vary Tremendously
One of the biggest misconceptions in horse feeding is assuming all grass hay is nutritionally similar.
In reality, sugar levels may vary dramatically depending on:
forage species,
weather,
sunlight exposure,
plant maturity,
harvest timing,
fertilization,
and storage conditions.
Two visually similar bales may contain very different nutritional profiles.
This is why forage testing can be extremely valuable for owners managing sensitive horses.
Why Some Horses React More Strongly
Not every horse responds identically to forage sugars.
Some horses tolerate moderate NSC intake easily, while others appear highly sensitive.
Insulin dysregulation is a major factor.
When certain horses consume elevated sugar or starch levels, insulin responses may become exaggerated. Over time, this may increase laminitis risk in susceptible individuals.
This does not mean sugar is automatically dangerous for every horse.
It means that certain horses require more careful nutritional management.
Hay Selection Matters
Owners managing founder-prone horses often focus on:
moderate to lower NSC forage,
consistent hay quality,
clean, dust-free forage,
and controlled calorie intake.
Grass hays are commonly used because they may provide:
adequate fiber,
moderate energy density,
and consistent digestive support.
However, individual needs vary.
Some horses require stricter nutritional control than others.
Working with veterinarians and knowledgeable forage providers can help owners identify more appropriate feeding strategies.
Portion Control Is Also Important
Even relatively appropriate forage can contribute to weight gain if fed excessively.
Many easy keepers require fewer calories than owners expect.
Helpful management practices often include:
weighing hay,
monitoring body condition closely,
maintaining regular exercise,
and using slow feeders when appropriate.
The goal is balancing adequate forage intake with healthy body condition.
Restricting forage too aggressively may create additional digestive and behavioral stress.
Consistency Reduces Guesswork
Frequent forage changes can make metabolic management more difficult.
Consistent hay quality allows owners to better monitor:
body condition,
energy intake,
feeding behavior,
and overall nutritional response.
Many horses benefit from gradual transitions and stable feeding routines.
Predictability often becomes an important part of long-term management success.
Feeding the Individual Horse
There is no single feeding program appropriate for every horse prone to founder.
Age, workload, metabolism, body condition, and medical history all influence nutritional needs.
Thoughtful forage management can play a meaningful role in helping horses maintain comfort and long-term stability.
The focus should always remain on individualized feeding rather than relying on overly simplistic rules.
FAQ
Can hay sugars contribute to laminitis?
In metabolically sensitive horses, elevated sugar intake may increase laminitis risk.
Is all grass hay low in sugar?
No. Sugar levels vary significantly depending on harvest and growing conditions.
Should founder-prone horses avoid hay?
No. Horses still require forage for digestive and behavioral health.
What does NSC mean?
NSC refers to non-structural carbohydrates, including sugars and starches found in forage.