Cushing's horses are prone to weight gain and fat deposits - especially cresty necks. Skip the sweet feed and switch to a diet balancer or a metabolic-friendly formula for horses in this category.
Need more info? Read Feeding the Overweight Horse or listen to Feed Room Chemist: Episode #87 - Hay Belly.
All About Cushing's Disease
What is Cushing's Disease?
According to Michigan State University; "Pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID; equine Cushing’s disease) is an endocrine disorder that occurs in over 20% of aged horses, ponies, and donkeys. Most animals are over 15 years old when diagnosed, but PPID can occur in younger horses. It is rare in horses less than 10 years old. Horses and ponies of any breed may be affected."
If your horse has been diagnosed with Cushing's Disease (PPID) or insulin dysregulation, we know that the first reaction can feel like a gut punch. But with the right nutrition plan and management - they can live a full, active life on the trails, in the arena, or at home with their friends.
6 tips to manage your horse with Cushing's Disease:
1. Watch those calories!
Horse Body Weight Estimator
Measure just behind the elbows, around the barrel.
Point of shoulder to point of buttocks.
Estimated Body Weight: —
2. No more green grass 🚫
We know, they love it out there. But spring and summer grasses are loaded with sugar, and for a Cushing's horse, sugar overload can cause a cascade of health issues. Limit grazing time, especially in the late afternoon when sugar content in grass peaks.
Read more on spring grasses below 🔽
3. Test your hay 🔍
Non-structural carbohydrates (NSC = starch + sugar) are sneaky. They're in your feed and your hay. Look for forages and feeds with low NSC levels, or get your hay tested.
Looks can be deceiving. We recommend using Equi-Analytical, as their results are reported in a practical way that is straightforward for the equine industry. Use code FRC2026 to save on your next hay test.
Be sure to check out Feed Room Chemist: Episode #51 - Dirty Truth About Hay + Reading Forage Analyses.
Want to dive even deeper? Visit The Ultimate Forage Guide™ by Dr. Jyme herself.
4. Boost metabolic function with chromium
Chromium is a powerhouse ingredient for insulin-dysregulated horses, it helps their cells use glucose efficiently, instead of letting it sit and store where it shouldn’t. Find it in these solutions carefully selected for horses with Cushing's Disease 🔽
5. Keep them moving!
Daily movement helps improve insulin regulation and manage body weight. You don't have to go through a full exercise regime, just consistent light exercise. Pro tip: Set up multiple feed and water stations throughout a large drylot to encourage natural daily movement between resources.
6. Loop in your vet 🥼
Nutrition and exercise are huge, but managing Cushing's Disease can often go beyond what a feed program alone can do. Your vet may prescribe medications like Pergolide to help regulate the hormones responsible for Cushing's symptoms, and when paired with a solid nutrition plan, that combination can keep your horse looking and feeling great. Don't try to go it alone on this one!
Want to share your vet's plan with a nutrition expert? Get in touch here: https://bit.ly/bluebonnet-consult
1 comment
Chromium, WHAT DOSAGE OF WHAT AVAILABLE PURE PRODUCTS BY WHAT WEIGHT PER MEASURE DO I USE FOR MY NON-CYCLING MID-TEENS OVER-WEIGHT MARE CAN YOU SHARE FOR STARTERS…I’M THRILLED TO HEAR I HAVE AN ADDITIONAL APPROACH TO CONTROL FOR MY MARE,,,AND FOR MY
OWN INSULIN BALANCE!(I WILL CONSULT MY MD/DO & DVM) also
Thx PS