Supplements for Horses With Laminitis

Laminitis is an extremely painful condition in horses that is often chronic and can lead to a horse needing to be put down. Lamellar tissue in the hoof of the horse swells and causes damage. The pain is often described as comparable to walking on a severely bruised toenail. While more direct medical care is needed for a horse with laminitis, supplements may also be used to combat laminitis, speed the healing and keep chronic cases at bay.

  1. Insulin Resistance Supplements

    • Insulin resistance has been linked to laminitis. Magnesium, chromium and vanadium are nutrients that can help counter insulin resistance, according to the The Laminitis Trust website. Look for supplements that contain these nutrients.

    Cushing's Disease Supplements

    • Horses with Cushing's disease have a higher risk of developing laminitis, states HorseChannel.com. Banaba leaf extract, biotin, bitter melon, chromium, cinnamon, fenugreek, magnesium and taurine are ingredients that have shown some evidence of helping to alleviate the symptoms of this disease.

    New Horn Formation Supplements

    • Laminitis often damages the hoof horn of horses. Biotin and dl-methionine are the two most widely accepted supplements for hoof improvement, according to The Farrier &Hoofcare Resource Center.