Tag: Laminitis

Steaming hay offers minimal reduction of sugar content. Scientific studies show that steaming results in only a small reduction in water-soluble carbohydrates. However, the process is beneficial for respiratory health.

Yes, natural sugars are present in all grasses, produced through photosynthesis to serve as the plant's primary energy source. The amount of natural sugar in grass varies widely depending on factors like weather, time of day, and grass species, making it a critical consideration for animal nutrition, especially for horses with metabolic issues.

While it is a common misconception that all hay is full of sugar, forage can be the biggest source of sugar in an equine diet, often contributing between 1,000 and 1,500 grams in a typical daily ration. Therefore, understanding how much non-structural carbohydrate (NSC) content is in your hay is critical for a horse's health.

Forage crops like grass can contain a significant percentage of carbohydrates, ranging from 50–80% on a dry matter basis, making the question 'Is grass high in carbohydrates?' particularly relevant for animal owners concerned with their livestock's diet and metabolic health.

Did you know that controlling the type and amount of dietary carbohydrates is a critical factor for the health of many animals, particularly equines? Understanding **what is NSC in nutrition** is the first step towards preventing serious metabolic and digestive disorders, such as laminitis and colic.