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Laminitis/Founder

Zekeman
Member

Oct 15, 2005, 12:28 AM

Post #1 of 8 (1410 views)
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Laminitis/Founder	Can't Post

Have found and now trying a new feed (new for me) for the chronic laminitis horse, made by Nutrena, called "Safechoice". low starch / high fat, on it for 6 wks, keeping my fingers crossed. Have been keeping this horse "lean" for the past two years plus some special shoeing (which I'll describe in the hoofcare forums) have kept this horse sound, hope this feed works, would like to put a few pounds on this horse for the winter.
Zeke

Zeke

Cowboydoc
Member / Moderator

Oct 15, 2005, 7:06 PM

Post #2 of 8 (1392 views)
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Re: [Zekeman] Laminitis/Founder [In reply to]	Can't Post

I know alot of people feeding it with good results.

Mark4510
Silver Member

Oct 18, 2005, 2:49 PM

Post #3 of 8 (1331 views)
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Re: [Zekeman] Laminitis/Founder [In reply to]	Can't Post

Zeke,
I would sure like to hear how that works for you. I continue to be a fan of Nutrena products and really like Empower during the show season.

Richard,
Any downside to feeding Safechoice that you have heard?

Thanks
Mark

Zekeman
Member

Oct 19, 2005, 1:53 AM

Post #4 of 8 (1318 views)
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Re: [Mark4510] Laminitis/Founder [In reply to]	Can't Post

Mark
Most feeds get their calories/energy from starch(grains,oats,corn) ,Safechoice uses vegetable oils for its energy,for a chronic laminiitis horse like mine, High starch (especially spring grass) would bring on another episode of laminitis. From April to July I would keep this horse in a dirt paddock eating mainly hay and keeping his grain low, starting in July we would gradually increase his exposure(turnout) to grass. Also with the special shoeing this horse has not foundered for over two years. With this Nutrenna feed I can see he's been able to put some weight on (especially for the winter), I'm still keeping my fingers crossed since he is only on this feed for 6+ wks. this was my daughters first horse, he is now going on 28 and retired, but he is worth the effort because he kept my daughter safe, whenever she was riding him.
I do not feed my other horses this feed, since they are sound and do not need this special diet
Zeke

Zeke

(This post was edited by Zekeman on Oct 19, 2005, 1:56 AM)

lkvaughan
Member

Oct 20, 2005, 9:34 AM

Post #5 of 8 (1281 views)
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Re: [Zekeman] Laminitis/Founder [In reply to]	Can't Post

this is a great page with some good info about the link between carbohydrates and founder in horses
its done by a lady in CO that has founder prone horses that also happens to be a forage researcher
well worth the time to read if you have founder prone horses.... and well worht the read even if you dont have a problem with it too

http://www.safergrass.org/

Cowboydoc
Member / Moderator

Oct 24, 2005, 6:37 PM

Post #6 of 8 (1235 views)
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Re: [Mark4510] Laminitis/Founder [In reply to]	Can't Post

Mark it's really good for a case like founder or for lower use horses. For our performance horses it isn't the best choice because it doesn't provide the energy and enough protein. Most horses I know on it that are high performance lose weight on it and don't perform as well.

Zekeman
Member

Dec 20, 2005, 9:34 PM

Post #7 of 8 (1153 views)
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Re: [Mark4510] Laminitis/Founder [In reply to]	Can't Post

Mark
Just to keep everyone up to date , 3 months on "Nutrena Safechoice" and this chronic laminitis horse is doing well, has also maintained his weight into the early winter, so far, I am satisified with this feed for this horse.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all

Zeke

Mark4510
Silver Member

Dec 21, 2005, 2:29 PM

Post #8 of 8 (1151 views)
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Re: [Zekeman] Laminitis/Founder [In reply to]	Can't Post

Thanks folks.
I am going to look into it. I think under normal conditions I would do as Richard says but just as we were getting back on a cow my horse took a bad step and now he is laid up for 90 days with stall rest and hand walking. If Safechoice will keep the weight on him and help keep him from coming out of his skin its sure worth a shot.

Maybe I will order a bag along with the Empower order and see how it works out.

I hope everyone has a happy and healthy Christmas and New Year. Dont forget to take a moment for those that protect the freedoms we enjoy today

Regards,
Mark

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