Healthy Hooves Molasses Free

Healthy Hooves Molasses Free is a nutritionally-balanced, low-sugar and starch feed for promoting healthier joints and stronger hooves. Ideal for those prone to laminitis.

• A blend of soft cereal straw with chopped and pelleted nutrient-rich alfalfa
• Contains no added sugar (2.5%) and low in starch (1.5%)
• Healthy Hooves Molasses Free is low in calories, providing 8.5MJ/kg of Digestible Energy
• A light rapeseed oil coating provides slow-release energy and coat shine
• Includes garlic to tempt fussy horses and ponies
• The addition of Methyl Sulfonyl Methane, commonly known as MSM, provides a source of bio-available sulphur, which is particularly important for hooves. Sulphur is needed to bond keratin fibres together in the unique way that gives hoof horn its hardness and flexibility
• Dengie low calorie feeds typically contain around 0.2-0.25% sulphur. The addition of MSM increases the level in Healthy Hooves Molasses Free by around 30%
• High quality forages such as alfalfa are abundant in natural vitamins and minerals. In low calorie formulations where straw is included to bring the calorie value down, the mineral levels are also reduced. The use of premixes and ingredients such as MSM help to counter this effect.
• Healthy Hooves Molasses Free is packed with B vitamins including biotin at levels that research has shown to improve hoof quality. When fed at the recommended rates it will provide a 500kg horse with 15mg of biotin per day
• Ideal for horses in light work, good do-ers and laminitis prone horses
• When fed at the recommend rate (500g per 100kg bodyweight) Healthy Hooves Molasses Free will provide your horse with a balanced diet

Proven nutrients for healthy hooves

Several studies have been conducted into how much biotin a horse requires. A study published in the Equine Vet Journal (1992), found that greater growth rates and hardness of hooves was achieved at a daily feeding rate of 15mg of biotin than at 7.5mg in horses’ diets. The level of biotin included in Dengie Healthy Hooves Molasses Free has been formulated accordingly and thus when fed at the recommended rates will provide a 500kg horse with 15mg of biotin per day.

Research published in the Vet Record (1987) demonstrated that alfalfa increases the quality and quantity of horn growth which was attributed to the highly available calcium and essential amino acids found naturally in alfalfa.

Top tips for managing horse and ponies prone to Laminitis

• Soaking hay reduces the sugar content
• Use small holed nets to make hay last longer
• Use low calorie fibre feeds such as Hi-Fi Lite alongside hay to provide more variety in your horse or pony’s ration
• Use late cut hay that is stalky as it will have a lower calorie content
• Use a grazing muzzle – research has shown it can reduce grass intake by around 75%
• Increase exercise – even if it doesn’t promote weight loss it helps to reduce the risk of insulin resistance which is a contributing factor to laminitis
• Avoid cereal mixes or cubes – only half a scoop of low energy mix provides enough energy for 20 minutes schooling
• For more information on managing horses and ponies prone to laminitis see Feeding Horses or Ponies prone to laminitis and our Laminitis Guide

Working out the best feed for a horse or pony that is prone to Laminitis can be very worrying and stressful, but our team of highly experienced and qualified nutritionists are here to help. Call the Dengie Feedline on 01621 841188 or email [email protected]

Click here to read more about assessing your horse’s workload.

How To get The Most Out Of Feeding Healthy Hooves Molasses Free

Healthy Hooves Molasses Free is designed to be fed as the sole bucket feed alongside your horse’s normal hay/haylage ration. It is important that it is fed at the recommended quantities in order to provide the levels of nutrients your horse or pony requires; feeding less may affect condition and performance. If using less than recommended quantities, a broad spectrum vitamin and mineral supplement should be used alongside. Healthy Hooves Molasses Free is intended for horses and ponies at rest or in light work if fed as the sole bucket feed.