The Hidden Sugar Danger Threatening Your Horse's Health

Oct 23, 2024Valerie De Clerck

Did you know there's a hidden danger lurking in your horse's diet right now?

A danger so widespread it's affecting up to 40% of domestic horses...

Yet so sneaky, most owners have no clue it's there.

I'm talking about sugar.

Now, I know what you're thinking...

"Sugar? Come on, my horse doesn't eat sweets!"

But stick with me, because what I'm about to share might just save your horse's life.

In fact, this hidden sugar danger is so serious, it's keeping me up at night.

And trust me, I've seen a lot in my years working with horses.

But this? This takes the biscuit. (No pun intended.)

So buckle up, because in this post, we're going to dive deep into:

  • The shocking stats about sugar-related health issues in horses
  • Where this hidden sugar is really coming from (hint: it's not where you think)
  • The simple steps you can take TODAY to protect your horse

Ready to uncover the truth about the sugary dangers threatening our equine friends?

Let's dive in...

Horse grazing grass

The Sugar Nightmare: Shocking Stats You Can't Ignore

Before we go any further, let me hit you with some hard facts:

  • Up to 40% of domestic horses are obese. That's nearly half!
  • Up to 29% of sensitive horses are battling hyperinsulinemia.
  • A whopping 89% of primary laminitis cases are linked to endocrine disorders.

Now, you might be wondering...

"What do these stats have to do with sugar?"

Everything.

You see, all these health issues have one common thread:

Too much sugar in our horses' diets.

The Sugar Trap: It's Not Where You Think

Now, I know what you're thinking...

"But I don't give my horse sugar cubes or sweet feed!"

And that's great! But, this is where it gets interesting:

The sugar danger isn't coming from obvious sources.

It's hiding in places you'd never suspect.

Like that premium feed you're so proud of giving your horse?

It could be loaded with hidden sugars.

Or that lush, green pasture you let your horse graze on all day?

It might as well be a sugar bowl.

Even that handful of carrots you use as treats?

Yep, you guessed it. Sugar bombs.


The Pasture Paradox: When Green Isn't Good

Let me tell you a quick story about my friend Eileen and her horse, Rosa.

Eileen thought she was doing everything right.

Rosa had 24/7 access to a beautiful, green pasture.

"She's living the natural horse life," Eileen would say.

But then Rosa started gaining weight. Her energy dropped. And one day, she found her limping.

The diagnosis? Laminitis, triggered by insulin resistance.

The culprit? All that "natural" grass Rosa had been munching on.

You see, our modern pastures aren't designed for horses.

They're sugar factories, bred for cattle that need to produce tons of milk.

And our horses? They're grazing on this sugar-rich grass all day long.

Which can have devastating effects on their health. Just look at Rosa a few months ago. Her hoofs were so sensitive she could barely walk.

So what do leading vets recommend? A Sugar-Smart Approach

Now, I'm not saying you need to lock your horse in a stall and feed them nothing but hay.

(In fact, that would cause a whole other set of problems!)

But there are some simple steps you can take to protect your horse from the hidden dangers of sugar:

  1. Rethink your feed: Most horses don't need as much concentrated feed as they're getting. For a 500 kg horse in light work? Less than 1 kg of feed per day is plenty.
  2. Manage pasture time: Use a grazing muzzle or limit grazing time, especially in spring and fall when grass sugar content is highest.
  3. Choose treats wisely: Opt for low-sugar treats, or better yet, use praise and scratches as rewards.
  4. Keep them moving: Regular exercise helps regulate insulin levels and burn excess calories.
  5. Monitor body condition: You should be able to feel (but not see) your horse's ribs. If you can't, it's time to reassess their diet.


The Game-Changer: Steady&Stable

Now, I know making these changes can feel overwhelming.

That's why we developed Steady&Stable.

It's not a magic pill. (Those don't exist, no matter what anyone tells you.)

But it is a scientifically-formulated supplement designed to support healthy sugar metabolism in horses with natural ingredients.

Ingredients like

  • Berberis vulgaris, which has been extensively studied for its potential to support insulin sensitivity…
  • Chrysanthellum, which supports healthy liver function and aids in fat breakdown. 
  • Milk Thistle, which plays a crucial role in managing fat metabolism by promoting liver health, which in turn enables horses to more effectively process fats and eliminate harmful substances from their bodies.

Steady&Stable can be a powerful ally in your fight against hidden sugars in your horse’s diet.

But remember: It's just one piece of the puzzle.

You still need to tackle the root causes: overfeeding, poor-quality pastures, and lack of exercise.

Your Horse's Health Starts Now

I understand the challenge.

Adjusting your horse's diet and management routine isn't always easy. It takes time, effort, and often, a shift in our long-held beliefs about horse care.

But let's consider this for a moment:

How would you feel if your horse developed laminitis because you didn't take action?

Or if they had to retire early due to obesity-related health issues?

The good news is, you have the power to prevent this.

And it starts with the choices you make today.

So, are you ready to take control of your horse's health?

To protect them from the hidden sugar danger that's threatening their wellbeing?

If so, here's what I want you to do:

  1. Take a hard look at your horse's diet. Are they getting too much concentrated feed? Too much pasture time?
  2. Implement at least one of the sugar-smart strategies we discussed today.
  3. Consider adding Steady&Stable to your horse's regimen to support healthy sugar metabolism for a holistic approach.

Remember, your horse is counting on you to make the right choices for their health.

You've got this. And if you need any help along the way, we're here for you.

Until next time, happy (and healthy) riding!

Veterinarian Valérie

P.S. Want to learn more about how Steady&Stable can support your horse's health? Click here to get all the details. Your horse will thank you!

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