🧬 Gut Health, Laminitis & Metabolic Conditions in Horses: What the Science Tells Us
- Dr Silver
- Jul 2
- 3 min read
Could Gut Support Be the Key to Reducing Risk — Even in Well-Managed Horses?
At Dr. Silver, we work with owners managing some of the most challenging equine conditions — laminitis, Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS), and PPID (Cushing’s disease). Many are doing everything right:
✔ Soaked hay
✔ No grass
✔ Controlled diets
✔ Regular trims
And yet… flare-ups still happen.
What’s missing?
🔬 The Overlooked Factor: Gut Health & Systemic Inflammation
Modern research is uncovering the profound influence of gut health on the immune system, hormonal regulation, and inflammation — all central players in metabolic disorders.
Over 70% of the equine immune system resides in the gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT).
(Source: Ouwehand, A., Salminen, S., & Isolauri, E. [2002]. Probiotics: an overview.)
If the gut lining is compromised — a condition often referred to as “leaky gut” — undigested proteins, bacterial toxins, and inflammatory triggers can enter the bloodstream. This can:
Elevate systemic inflammation
Disrupt insulin signalling
Stress the immune and endocrine systems
Increase laminitis susceptibility
📚 What the Research Suggests
🔁 Gut–Inflammation–Insulin Loop
Chronic gut inflammation can impair insulin sensitivity (González & Odle, 2018).
High endotoxin levels (LPS) in the bloodstream — often from poor gut barrier function — are associated with increased laminitis risk (Bailey et al., 2004).
Horses with PPID often show reduced microbial diversity and altered digestive function (Donaldson et al., 2019).
Even in horses off grass, inflammation and insulin resistance can be internally driven — by stress, hormonal shifts, or dysbiosis (gut microbiome imbalance).
⚠️ When Gut Compromise Goes Unnoticed
Common warning signs:
Unexplained laminitis
Fluctuating insulin test results
Fat pads, cresty neck, or poor topline
Poor coat condition or delayed shedding
Girthiness or digestive sensitivity
Behavioural changes or lethargy
These may be gut-mediated effects, not just metabolic.
🌿 The Dr. Silver Approach: Whole-Horse Internal Support
We created two carefully developed supplements based on this emerging body of science.
💚 1. Dr. Silver Gut & Immune Support PRO
A powerful foundation formula designed to:
✅ Support gut lining health
✅ Reduce immune over-activation
✅ Balance inflammation
✅ Improve nutrient absorption
✅ Support resilience against allergic or metabolic flare-ups
Many owners report:
Calmer horses
Healthier droppings
Less girthiness
Improved coat, skin, and hoof condition
🩺 2. Dr. Silver EMS & Insulin Support PRO
For horses with diagnosed EMS, PPID, or persistent insulin resistance, this advanced formula adds targeted support:
✅ Enhances insulin sensitivity
✅ Supports metabolic hormone regulation
✅ Helps stabilise blood sugar response
✅ Encourages leaner body condition
Use in combination with Gut & Immune Support PRO for horses with ongoing laminitis or metabolic strain.
🧾 In Summary: Science-Backed Insights
✔ Gut health influences immune, metabolic, and endocrine function
✔ Poor gut integrity is linked to insulin resistance and laminitis
✔ Even diet-controlled horses can suffer from internal inflammation
✔ Supporting the gut may improve outcomes for EMS, PPID, and laminitis-prone horses
🛒 Support from the Inside Out
Foundation formula for all horses, especially those under stress or inflammation
Advanced metabolic support for EMS, PPID, and insulin-related conditions
💬 Final Thoughts
Laminitis and metabolic disorders aren’t just about sugar.
They’re about how your horse’s entire system responds — and that starts in the gut.
By addressing underlying inflammation and supporting digestive and immune health, you’re not just managing symptoms — you’re laying the foundation for long-term wellness.
At Dr. Silver, we’re proud to provide naturally effective products to help you and your horse thrive.
🧡 Trusted by horse owners across the UK
🌿 Backed by science. Rooted in wellness.
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