If you’re on the search for the “best laminitis supplements”, it’s important to be aware that supplements will not cure laminitis or make a lame horse sound – only regulated medicines can claim to do so. Laminitis is a medical emergency – if your horse is showing signs of laminitis you should call your vet immediately.
However, as horses on restricted grass intake require additional support to remain fit and healthy, targeted “laminitis supplements” can help to support the diets of horses in this category throughout their lives. Most overweight equines are susceptible to laminitis, as are those diagnosed with equine metabolic syndrome (EMS), insulin dysregulation (ID), or Cushing’s disease (PPID), but ensuring they have the right diet and nutritional support is a key step in helping to avoid an attack.
In general, supplements that are formulated to support horses on restricted grazing and sensitive to spring and autumn grass flushes deliver nutrition that supports healthy hoof growth and promotes circulation in a low-sugar and starch form. If you’re looking for a more general hoof supplement to support your horse’s hooves and encourage healthy growth, check out this selection of hoof supplements. Supplements can be added to a suitable fibre feed, which you’ll find in our round-up of feeds suitable for horses prone to laminitis, for easy feeding.
If you compete with your horse then it is important you make sure any supplements you use do not contain any prohibited substances.
‘Laminitis supplements’: what are your options?
Here is a selection of available supplements to support horses on restricted grazing, including the manufacturers’ descriptions of their products…
NB: Cost per day has been calculated using the maintenance measure for a 500kg horse in light work (where there was variation) and the RRP of the smallest available tub. Some products require you to feed more in some situations, which will increase the cost per daily measure, while buying a larger tub will likely decrease it – these costs per day are a guide only.
NAF Laminaze
Sizes: 750g, 3kg
RRP: £39.99 for 750g
Daily measure: 25–50g
Cost per day: From £1.33
This blend of more than 40 ingredients combines key gut support, bio-available sulphur and targeted nutrients, in a palatable formula to maintain hoof health and improve the diet. Prebiotics and live probiotics are included to promote a stable, healthy gut environment, while antioxidants support the liver.
In the UK? View now at viovet.co.uk, amazon.co.uk, naylors.com or gsequestrian.co.uk
In the US? View now at amazon.com
Aviform Lamino
Sizes: 1kg, 2kg
RRP: £16.95 for 1kg
Daily measure: 45g
Cost per day: £0.76
This contains a blend of ingredients that are particularly useful when the blood supply to the foot has been impaired.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk
Global Herbs LamiPro
Sizes: 500ml, 1l, 5l
RRP: £24.50 for 500ml
Daily measure: 10ml
Cost per day: £0.49
This palatable herbal supplement works by providing nutritional support for digestion, metabolism, liver function and feed utilisation. This combined action supports and comforts the feet at any time throughout the year. The formula is fast-acting and provides nutritional support from the first day fed. Also available in powder form.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk, equus.co.uk, gsequestrian.co.uk or oakfield-direct.co.uk
Lincoln Laminide
Sizes: 600g
RRP: £46.50
Daily measure: 7g
Cost per day: £0.55
Formulated to support and help maintain normal, healthy circulation to the hooves and the laminae, this supplement is made from 100% natural ingredients. In an ideal situation it fed all year round or when management changes occur, combined with exercise where appropriate and weight control, in order to support healthy blood flow and circulation.
In the UK? View now at viovet.co.uk, equus.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk
Dodson & Horrell Lami-Free
Sizes: 1.5kg
RRP: £22.70
Daily measure: 38–47½g
Cost per day: From £0.58
This dried herbal blend has been formulated for the nutritional maintenance of the laminae. It contains nettle and rosehips, which promote healthy circulation and immune function, and seaweed, which provides minerals essential for healthy hoof growth.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk, equus.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk
Equine America Lamigard TRT Regular Solution
Sizes: 1l
RRP: £52.50
Daily measure: 30g
Cost per day: £1.56
This liquid supplement is low in sugar and starch, while also high in fibre. It provides nutritional and antioxidant support, is easy to feed and is suitable for
horses receiving a very low concentrate feed.
In the UK? View now at equine-america.co.uk, amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk
Cavalor LaminAid
Sizes: 1l
RRP: £99
Daily measure: 20ml
Cost per day: £1.98
This supports the sensitive intestinal flora and helps to maintain balance in hormonal and metabolic processes. It also helps to support blood circulation and promote blood flow in the hoof. Best used in conjuction with Cavalor PodoSens.
In the UK? View now at viovet.co.uk or amazon.co.uk
Horse First Hoof First
Sizes: 750g, 2kg, 5kg
RRP: £25.30 for 750g
Daily measure: 25g
Cost per day: £0.84
This supplement contains 40mg of biotin per serving, plus all the essential vitamins and minerals to successfully grow strong, healthy hooves.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk or oakfield-direct.co.uk
Maxavita Maxalami
Sizes: 900g
RRP: £33
Daily measure: 30g
Cost per day: £1.10
Containing powerful antioxidants and green-lipped mussel, this supplement supports the health and wellbeing of horses on restricted diets. Key ingredients support the development of healthy hooves and laminae and promote optimum circulation. It also contains a prebiotic, that has been seen to have a beneficial effect on weight management and digestive microflora, especially when feed and calorie intake is being managed.
In the UK? View now at viovet.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk
TopSpec AntiLam
Sizes: 15kg
RRP: £34.95
Daily measure: 500g
Cost per day: £1.17
This pelleted multi-supplement designed to provide nutritional support for those prone to, being treated for, or recovering from laminitis. It combines several supplements with a high fibre, very low-calorie carrier to make it palatable. Long-term trials have shown that it does not promote weight hain when on restricted or poor grazing.
In the UK? View now at viovet.co.uk or amazon.co.uk
Saracen KER Bio-Bloom PS
Sizes: 2kg
RRP: £76.96 for 2kg
Daily measure: 30g
Cost per day: £1.15
This is a dual action supplement designed to support and maintain hoof and coat condition formulated with key nutrients, high levels of biotin, lecithin, iodine, methionine, chelated zinc at research-proven levels shown to support hoof growth.
In the US? View now at amazon.com
You might also like:
13 feeds suitable for horses prone to laminitis
Grazing muzzles – what are your options?
No foot, no horse – hoof supplements to help maintain healthy hooves
*Opinion* Laminitis: a harsh reality and lessons learnt
Vets are sometimes unfairly accused of “money grabbing” yet if we choose to ignore what they tell us about obesity
Laminitis: how to spot the signs, plus treatments and ways to prevent it
Horses over 25 years may have chronic laminitis without outward signs, study finds
Owners and vets need to be aware of the increased probability of sub-clinical laminitis in older animals, even in the
Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round
Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.
