EMS/IR
Horses suffering from Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS) or Insulin Resistance (IR) need special attention when it comes to their nutrition. EMS is a metabolic disorder associated with obesity, elevated insulin levels and an increased risk of laminitis. IR means that the horse’s body is less sensitive to insulin, making it more difficult to regulate blood sugar levels.
For these horses, it is important to feed supplemental feed that is low in sugars (NSC – nonstructural carbohydrates) and high in fiber. Healthy supplemental feed for EMS or IR horses often includes low-sugar hay, pure balancer with no added sugars, and supplements that support insulin sensitivity, such as magnesium or cinnamon. The goal is to provide the horse with adequate nutrients without spiking blood sugar levels.