Spring Grass Is Coming: Managing Diet for Horses Prone to Laminitis

Every year as the days get longer and the grass starts to grow, horse owners begin to worry about laminitis.

Spring grass can contain high levels of sugars, particularly on bright, frosty mornings, and for horses that are prone to metabolic issues this can present real challenges. Careful dietary management during this time of year can make a big difference.

Understanding how grass growth affects your horse – and making small adjustments early – can help support horses as they transition into the grazing season.

Why Spring Grass Can Be Problematic

In early spring, grass behaves differently from summer pasture.

When days are sunny but nights are cold, grass produces sugars during the day but cannot use them for growth overnight. This means non-structural carbohydrates (NSC) can accumulate in the plant.

For horses that are sensitive to these sugars, this can increase the risk of metabolic disturbances that are associated with laminitis.

Horses that may require extra management include:

• native breeds
• good doers
• overweight horses
• horses with metabolic syndrome
• horses with Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction (often called Cushing’s disease)
• horses with a previous history of laminitis
• Signs Owners Should Watch For

Early awareness is important.

• Owners often notice subtle changes before any obvious lameness develops.
• These can include:
• increased digital pulse
• foot sensitivity on hard ground
• reluctance to turn tightly
• shifting weight between feet
• changes in stance or posture

If you notice anything unusual, it’s always best to consult your vet or farrier.

Feeding Strategies During Spring

• Managing diet during the spring transition usually focuses on reducing sugar intake and supporting a balanced forage-based diet.
• Common approaches include:
• limiting unrestricted pasture access
• using soaked hay where appropriate
• avoiding feeds high in starch and sugars
• ensuring minerals are balanced within the diet

This is where targeted nutritional support can play a useful role.

A Personal Note From Our Yard

I don’t have a laminitic horse myself, but my old boy does have Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction (Cushing’s disease), which means I’m always very aware of how spring grass affects him.

When the grass first starts to come through, I often notice his feet becoming a little more sensitive – particularly as he is barefoot.

For us, careful grazing management and keeping his diet balanced makes a noticeable difference. EquiMetaBalance has become a staple in his feeding routine, helping ensure that even when grass is changing rapidly, the rest of his diet stays consistent.

It’s a reminder that small adjustments early in the season can make things much easier to manage.

Small Changes Can Make a Big Difference

Spring doesn’t need to be stressful for horse owners.

By paying attention to pasture conditions, adjusting grazing where needed, and maintaining a balanced diet, many horses can transition into the grazing season comfortably.

If you’re unsure whether your horse’s diet is appropriate for spring, reviewing the feeding plan early can be a useful place to start.