Is Aloe Vera Good For Horses With Laminitis?

Laminitis is an excruciating and potentially debilitating condition that affects horses, ponies and donkeys, causing inflammation in the tissues that connect the hoof wall to the coffin bone. Alongside veterinary intervention and careful stable management to help prevent future laminitis attacks, many horse owners turn to holistic approaches to search for natural remedies which might support in addition. One question we are frequently asked is: Is aloe vera good for horses with laminitis? In this article, we discuss the benefits of feeding aloe vera. 

What Is Aloe Vera?

Aloe vera is a succulent plant species with thick, fleshy leaves containing a gel-like substance. It has been used for centuries in traditional medicine for various health benefits. Aloe vera is known for its nutritional density, containing vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and amino acids that contribute to its medicinal properties.

The active phytochemicals found in the plant, such as aloin, acemannan, and saponins, contribute to its medicinal benefits. These compounds have anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, and immune-stimulating properties, making aloe vera a valuable addition to a horse’s diet and care routine. Its historical use as a traditional medicine further emphasises its effectiveness and safety for equine health.

Aloe Vera for Horses – Plant Power!

Aloe vera has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for various human health issues, and its benefits for horses are equally impressive. Offering numerous health benefits with a broad spectrum of nutrients for horses, including promoting healthy skin, coat, hoof and stomach health and treating minor skin conditions.

Aloe vera juice has a positive effect on the digestive tract of horses, helping to soothe stomach acid and heal any irritation or inflammation. This has made it a popular supplement in feeding competition horses or horses prone to gastric ulcers, providing added digestive support in often stressful environments. However, despite offering additional benefits for horses, such as healthy skin, boosting immune function and improving overall health, liquid aloe vera tastes vile to your horse!

The good news is that Aloeride is a pure aloe vera supplement that is easy to feed and taste-free. Unlike other aloe vera products, Aloeride is a British company, Soil Association certified organic aloe vera. It has the most concentrated levels of quality human-grade aloe juice on the market.

So, Why Consider Feeding Your Laminitic Horse Aloeride?

First and foremost, you should seek professional help from your vet and farrier. Expert advice is crucial in the first instance for the correct diagnosis and treatment of equine laminitis. While we see laminitis in overweight horses and metabolic horses and as a post-inflammatory response (such as overeating lush grass), the condition is not confined to just these horses at risk, so getting a thorough diagnosis from your vet is essential.

Once you have a treatment plan embracing healthy weight loss (if required) and a tailored feeding plan optimised for digestive health by a qualified equine nutritionist, consider adding aloe vera to your daily routine. Because Aloeride has digestive benefits it can help alleviate the associated health issues with traditional medications.

For horses, this can promote digestion, soothe digestive issues, and support overall gastric health. Feeding aloe vera offers anti-inflammatory properties, aids digestion and nutrient absorption and supports your horse’s overall health and immune system. Horses with gastric ulcer syndrome can also benefit from the uptake of nutrients found in the juice for horses. Additionally, ulcers in horses are more commonplace than most horse owners are aware of, according to this study.

Considering barefoot trimming in the future may also be something to discuss with your veterinarian and farrier. A barefoot trim has the potential (depending on the individual case) to help promote the horse’s natural hoof function, reduce pressure on the hoof walls, and help alleviate discomfort associated with laminitis. 

These natural remedies address the symptoms of laminitis and support the horse’s recovery by promoting a healthier hoof structure and reducing inflammation. In the long term, they may help minimise the reliance on synthetic medications, which could have adverse effects on your horse’s health in the long term.

By incorporating natural remedies into treating laminitis, horse owners can create a more holistic and sustainable approach to managing the condition, ultimately improving their horses’ overall well-being and long-term health. The beauty of feeding Aloeride is that it fits perfectly with your focus on equine nutrition. It can be fed alongside medication and supplements in perfect harmony without adverse effects.

How Can Aloe Vera Benefit Horses With Laminitis?

The good news is that aloe vera has long been used for its healing properties in humans, but it also has numerous benefits for animals. Alongside its digestive benefits, the plant can be a valuable natural remedy for horses with laminitis. Laminitis affects the horses’ hooves, causing inflammation and damage to the sensitive laminae.

Aloe vera has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, which can help reduce the pain and discomfort experienced by horses with laminitis. Additionally, the gel of the aloe vera plant contains numerous vitamins, minerals, and enzymes that can promote healing and tissue repair within the body.

Research has shown that aloe vera can improve wound healing and reduce inflammation in horses, making it a promising treatment option for those suffering from laminitis. By incorporating aloe vera into your care routine, horse owners can harness the natural power of this excellent medicinal plant.

Ways To Administer Aloeride To Horses

Whether it’s through topical application, oral supplements, or incorporating Aloeride into your horse’s daily feed, there are various methods horse owners can use to ensure their horses receive the correct dosage.

Feeding Aloeride

Adding one daily sachet to your horse’s feed is generally enough for most horses to yield the benefits. Because Aloeride is taste-free and easy to mix into your horse’s feed, you won’t need to add sweet feeds to mask the taste because Aloeride doesn’t have any, making it perfect for fussy eaters! 

Topical application

Topical application involves the direct application of Aloeride to the skin’s surface. Mimicking the goodness of the leaf gel, empty one sachet into a small clean bowl and add water to make a thick paste. Apply topically to clean skin to help soothe and heal inflammation and skin irritation. 

Oral Supplementation

Alternatively, mix Aloeride with a small amount of water and syringe it into your horse’s mouth. This method is ideal for horses that are kept on low-quality pasture grass 24/7 and do not require additional horse feed. Alternatively, mix with a small handful of low-calorie chaff and feed on your daily visit to their field.