What to feed a laminitic for more energy?

[Jo C]

Can anyone help me with this one please?
I have a 19 yo Connemara who has laminitis which tends to flare up at least once per year. He is fed soaked hay, is on a bare patch of turn out and is currently fed Happy Hoof, Baileys Low Cal and a sprinkle of High Fibre Cubes, now whilst this is all good and necessary for the control of the laminitis he is lacking in zing and energy. He is not a good doer and never has been (very odd native!) and looks slightly on the thin side but this is better for the laminitis in my opinion.
Does anyone have any ideas as to what I can do to get some energy please?
He is worked 4 to 5 times a week either schooling (elem/medium level) for around 30 -40 mins a time and hacking (fairly fast hacks not just plodding around) for 1 to 2 hours a time so I would class as light to medium work.

 

[Tempi]

Soaked oats?

Micronised linseed is cheap and good for weight gain/energy aswell. Or Soya oil? Again condition and extra energy.

 

[jvm100]

Hi. I have had similar problems feeding laminitics in hard work. Hi oil content feeds are imo best. I use Balanced Enhance, but their helpline is really informative. They have a good range of working horse feeds so if enhance wasn't the one, they would probably have one that was!

 

[TGM]

Unmollassed beet (such as Speedibeet) is high calorie but low sugar/starch so good source of energy for laminitics.

 

[Jo C]

Thanks Tempi, soaked oats not heard of that one before, do I just literally stick them in water? For how long? I'd forgotten about linseed that might be worth a try too, thanks.
jvm100 I've never heard of Balanced Enhanced do you have any links to it please?
I'm obviously well behind on my feeding knowledge!

 

[Twiglet]

Have you tried Saracen Releve? I used to feed it to Zig as he was prone to tying up and needed low starch - I think it gives plenty of zing (PrincessSparkle uses it for CS I think, and he is competing advanced?) but is suitable for laminitics. Isn't ludicrously expensive either.

 

[Tempi]

Thanks Tempi, soaked oats not heard of that one before, do I just literally stick them in water? For how long? I'd forgotten about linseed that might be worth a try too, thanks.

I dont currently feed them (although thinking of putting Bloss back on them) - but just put in a bowl and soak over night (cover with water).

Linseed really is brilliant, i swear by it for all mine.

 

[shortstuff99]

Just want to randomely add that Happy Hoof is not suitable for laminitics as it contains molasses! I would also second using an unmollassed sugar beet, works for mine!

 

[Pasha]

Just changed my boy onto the diet suggested by the ECIR Group and his energy levels have rocketed! Just getting the balance right seems to have played the trick with my boy - he gets:
1 mug speedi beet, 1 mug alfalfa pellets (soaked together), 1/2 mug micronised linseed, Equimins Advanced Concentrate Meta Balance Formula 2 & a tablespoon of salt in each feed.

I also add Aloe Vera Juice and MSM as I already had these and they have been ok'd by the group to stay on.

 

[Jo C]

Thank you everyone, lots to research, think about and try there.