How to Feed a Horse With Equine Metabolic Syndrome

Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS) occurs when a horse or pony becomes insulin-resistant, often resulting in obesity. EMS is generally found in horses between the ages of 8 and 18 and is most common in breeds genetically adapted to living on sparse pasture. EMS symptoms are similar to that of Cushing's disease, however, in EMS there is no malfunction of the pituitary or adrenal gland. Symptoms include uneven fatty deposits on the horse's neck and at the top of its tail. There is no cure for EMS, but it can be managed through careful feed and pasture management.

Things You'll Need

  • Bermuda grass hay
  • Grazing muzzle
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Instructions

    • 1

      Eliminate all grain from your horse's diet. Grains have a high sugar and starch content, which can worsen the symptoms of EMS.

    • 2

      Do not feed your horse treats, including apples or carrots. They contain extra carbohydrates that can trigger or worsen symptoms in a horse with EMS.

    • 3

      Feed a limited amount of low-starch grass or legume hay, such as Bermuda grass hay. Do not feed oat or barley hay, which are higher in starch.

    • 4

      Limit grass intake during pasture turnout by either shortening turnout time or putting a grazing muzzle on your horse. During the spring when grass is richest, eliminate turnout altogether or keep a grazing muzzle on your horse whenever it goes out.

    • 5

      If your horse needs extra calories in addition to the grass hay, feed a high-fat, low-carbohydrate feed. Your local feed store will have a selection of feeds specifically formulated for horses with EMS.