Controlling the diet of a laminitic pony is essential to successful treatment. No matter how extensive the veterinary care of a laminitic is it will not be successful without correct dietary management.
Estimate the current weight of the pony using a weight tape.
Your vet will advise as to the ideal weight and it is this weight that should be used to make all dietary calculations.
The total DRY MATTER intake of ALL feeds should not exceed 1.25% of the ideal weight.
Two thirds of this should be in the form of long fibre (i.e. hay). The remaining third should be a Dengi Hi Fi Lite or equivalent.
Example a 450kg pony that should weigh 400 kg.
1.25% body weight = 5kg.
Thus 5 kg is the TOTAL feed intake permitted in 24 hours.
1.6 kg Dengi Hi Fi Lite and 3.4 kg of year old hay. (the hay can be soaked after weighing). A feed rich in vitamins and minerals such as Top Spec Anti Lam should be added in cases requiring prolonged dieting.
Two feeds per day.
Am 1.7kg hay plus 0.8 kg Dengi + 75 g Top Spec Anti Lam
Pm 1.7 kg hay plus 0.8 kg Dengi + 75g Top Spec Anti Lam.
To make the diet more interesting for the horse a small quantity of carrots and cabbage leaves can be added.
Monitor weight to ensure reduction and consult vet if significant weight loss is not occurring.
Grazing on pasture should not be permitted whilst pony / horse is being dieted. Turn out with a plastic bucket shaped muzzle is permitted.
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