If you’re on the search for the “best laminitis supplements”, it’s important to be aware that supplements will not cure laminitis or make a lame horse sound – only regulated medicines can claim to do so. It’s also important to bear in mind that laminitis is a medical emergency – if your horse is showing signs of laminitis you should call your vet immediately.
However, as horses on restricted grass intake require additional support to remain fit and healthy, targeted “laminitis supplements” can help to support the diets of horses in this category throughout their lives. Most overweight equines are susceptible to laminitis, as are those diagnosed with equine metabolic syndrome (EMS), insulin dysregulation (ID), or Cushing’s disease (PPID), but ensuring they have the right diet and nutritional support is a key step in helping to avoid an attack.
In general, supplements that are formulated to support horses on restricted grazing and sensitive to spring and autumn grass flushes deliver nutrition that supports healthy hoof growth and promotes circulation in a low-sugar and starch form. They can be added to feeds suitable for horses prone to laminitis for easy feeding.
‘Laminitis supplements’: what are your options?
Here is a selection of available supplements to support horses on restricted grazing, including the manufacturers’ descriptions of their products…
NB: Cost per day has been calculated using the maintenance measure for a 500kg horse in light work (where there was variation) and the RRP of the smallest available tub. Some products require you to feed more in some situations, which will increase the cost per daily measure, while buying a larger tub will likely decrease it – these costs per day are a guide only.
NAF Laminaze
Sizes: 750g, 3kg
RRP: £42.99 for 750g
Daily measure: 25–50g
Cost per day: From £1.43 – £2.87
This blend of more than 40 ingredients combines key gut support, bio-available sulphur and targeted nutrients, in a palatable formula to maintain hoof health and improve the diet. Prebiotics and live probiotics are included to promote a stable, healthy gut environment, while antioxidants support the liver.
Aviform Equine Lamino
Sizes: 1kg, 2kg
RRP: £18.95 for 1kg
Daily measure: 45g
Cost per day: £0.85
This contains a blend of ingredients that are particularly useful when the blood supply to the foot has been impaired.
Global Herbs LamiPro Liquid
Sizes: 500ml, 1l, 5l
RRP: £28.50 for 500ml
Daily measure: 10ml
Cost per day: £0.57
This palatable herbal supplement works by providing nutritional support for digestion, metabolism, liver function and feed utilisation. This combined action supports and comforts the feet at any time throughout the year. The formula is fast-acting and provides nutritional support from the first day fed. Also available in powder form.
Lincoln Laminide
Sizes: 600g
RRP: £46.50
Daily measure: 7g
Cost per day: £0.55
Formulated to support and help maintain normal, healthy circulation to the hooves and the laminae, this supplement is made from 100% natural ingredients. In an ideal situation it can be fed all year round or when management changes occur, combined with exercise where appropriate and weight control, in order to support healthy blood flow and circulation.
Dodson & Horrell Lami-Free
Sizes: 1.5kg
RRP: £22.70
Daily measure: 38–47½g
Cost per day: From £0.58
This dried herbal blend has been formulated for the nutritional maintenance of the laminae. It contains nettle and rosehips, which promote healthy circulation and immune function, and seaweed, which provides minerals essential for healthy hoof growth.
Equine America Lamigard TRT Regular Solution
Sizes: 1l
RRP: £55.50
Daily measure: 30ml
Cost per day: £1.67
This liquid supplement is low in sugar and starch, while also high in fibre. It provides nutritional and antioxidant support, is easy to feed and is suitable for
horses receiving a very low concentrate feed.
Cavalor LaminAid
Sizes: 1l
RRP: £99
Daily measure: 20ml
Cost per day: £1.98
This supports the sensitive intestinal flora and helps to maintain balance in hormonal and metabolic processes. It also helps to support blood circulation and promote blood flow in the hoof. Best used in conjunction with Cavalor PodoSens.
Omega Equine Laminology
Sizes: 900g, 1.8kg
RRP: £31
Daily measure: 15-30g
Cost per day: From £0.52 – £1.03
This supplement is formulated from a collection of natural ingredients for supporting healthy laminae and hooves. It contains nettle, hawthorn and rosehips, to promote circulation and immune function, and biotin, which promotes healthy hoof growth.
Horse First Hoof First
Sizes: 750g, 2kg, 5kg
RRP: £25.30 for 750g
Daily measure: 25g
Cost per day: £0.84
This supplement contains 40mg of biotin per serving, plus all the essential vitamins and minerals to successfully grow strong, healthy hooves.
Maxavita MaxaLami
Sizes: 900g
RRP: £24
Daily measure: 30g
Cost per day: £0.80
Containing powerful antioxidants and green-lipped mussel, this supplement supports the health and wellbeing of horses on restricted diets. Key ingredients support the development of healthy hooves and laminae and promote optimum circulation. It also contains a prebiotic that has been seen to have a beneficial effect on weight management and digestive microflora, especially when feed and calorie intake is being managed.
TopSpec AntiLam
Sizes: 15kg
RRP: £34.95
Daily measure: 500g
Cost per day: £1.17
This pelleted multi-supplement designed to provide nutritional support for those prone to, being treated for, or recovering from laminitis. It combines several supplements with a high fibre, very low-calorie carrier to make it palatable. Long-term trials have shown that it does not promote weight gain when on restricted or poor grazing.
Saracen KER Bio-Bloom PS
Sizes: 2kg, 4kg, 10kg
RRP: £90.32 for 2kg
Daily measure: 30g
Cost per day: £1.35
This is a dual action supplement designed to support and maintain hoof and coat condition formulated with key nutrients, high levels of biotin, lecithin, iodine, methionine, chelated zinc at research-proven levels shown to support hoof growth.
How to choose the best laminitis supplement for your horse
Most supplements formulated for horses prone to laminitis are low in sugar and include a range of herbs known for their support and development of healthy hooves and laminae and promote optimum circulation. They are available in powder or liquid form. Make sure you choose the form your horse prefers to ensure they are getting the required amount for the desired results.
If you’re looking for a more general hoof supplement to support your horse’s hooves and encourage healthy growth, check out this selection of the best hoof supplements.
We’ve calculated the daily cost of all the supplements featured in this guide to help you compare them easily. To make it as comparable as possible, we’ve used the smallest tubs available, but if you’re better off buying a larger volume of supplement if you can as the daily cost can become significantly lower.
If you compete with your horse then it is important you make sure any supplements you use do not contain any prohibited substances.
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