How Does Diet Link to Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS)? Which Products are Suitable?

How Diet Contributes to EMS

• High Sugar & Starch Intake: Diets rich in sugars (from lush pasture or molassed feeds) and starches (from cereals and some mixes) can lead to weight gain and insulin resistance, both key factors in EMS.
• Excess Calories: Overfeeding, even with ‘healthy’ feeds, can result in obesity—a major risk factor for EMS.
• Unrestricted Grazing: Horses and ponies at risk often gain weight quickly on unrestricted pasture, especially in spring and autumn when grass is richest in sugars.

Dietary Management for EMS

• Low Sugar, Low Starch: Choose feeds and forage that are low in non-structural carbohydrates (NSCs). Avoid cereals, molasses, and rich pastures.
• Controlled Calories: Offer only as much as your horse needs to maintain a healthy weight. Use a weigh tape and body condition scoring regularly.
• Soaked Hay: Soaking hay for several hours can reduce its sugar content, making it safer for EMS-prone horses.
• Forage First: The bulk of the diet should be low-sugar forage, not hard feed.
• Supplements: Horses on restricted diets may need vitamin/mineral supplements to ensure they still receive essential nutrients.

Suitable Products from Chestnut Mill

• Low-Sugar Horse Feeds:
  Browse our low-sugar horse feeds for safe options that support healthy weight and metabolic function.
• Soaked Hay & Haylage:
  Find quality hay and haylage ideal for soaking and reducing sugar content.
• Vitamin & Mineral Balancers:
  View our horse supplements to ensure your horse gets all the essential nutrients without excess calories.
• Salt & Mineral Licks:
  Explore salt and mineral licks to support overall health, especially when hard feed is reduced.