WHY LOW-STARCH & LOW-SUGAR NUTRITION MATTERS

By Dr Jennifer Stewart BVSc BSc PhD Equine veterinarian and consultant nutritionist

When it comes to feeding horses, carbohydrates are not all created equal. For many horses, particularly those prone to metabolic challenges, understanding the role of starch and sugar – also known as non‑structural carbohydrates (NSC) is essential for long‑term health. Starch and sugar can trigger serious issues such as insulin dysregulation, laminitis, and broader metabolic stress. That’s why low‑NSC, low‑sugar feeding strategies have become a cornerstone of best‑practice equine nutrition. 

What are NSCs and why they matter?

NSCs include simple sugars, starches, and fructans. These carbohydrates are quickly digested in the small intestine and can produce sharp spikes in blood glucose and insulin. For healthy horses, moderate NSC intake may be tolerated, but for horses with metabolic sensitivities, these spikes can be dangerous.

Recommended thresholds of <4% starch and <10–12% total NSC for at‑risk horses help maintain stable glycaemic control and reduce stress on endocrine pathways.

Which horses benefit most from low‑NSC feeding?

Research and clinical experience show clear benefits for horses who:

• have Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS)
• are insulin‑resistant
• have a history of laminitis
• are pregnant mares – to reduce the risk of gestational diabetes
• foals, weanlings and yearlings – to reduce risk of developmental orthopaedic diseases

For these horses, keeping starch and sugar low is not just a dietary preference, it’s a protective strategy that reduces inflammatory events and minimises metabolic strain.

Why Low‑NSC feeding works

Feeding low‑NSC aligns with how the equine digestive and endocrine systems evolved. Horses are natural foragers, adapted to steady intake of fibre, not concentrated meals high in simple carbohydrates. Reducing NSC load helps prevent stomach ulcers and hindgut disruption, reduces metabolic surges, and supports healthy laminae function in the hoof capsule.

From a health‑management perspective, low‑NSC diets provide a safer nutritional foundation for horses with known metabolic vulnerabilities while also helping prevent future issues in young or developing horses.  

The Jenquine approach: Low‑NSC & Low Sugar formulations

Jenquine formulates its entire range with a strict low‑NSC philosophy.

• all‑4‑feet® contains 0.2% starch, 5.5% sugar, and 6.3% total NSC, well below the established thresholds for high‑risk horses.
• Other products in the range, including EzyMAG+®, Bone Formula Forte®, and Calsorb Forte®, are formulated with similarly low sugar and starch profiles suitable for horses of all ages and metabolic profiles.

These formulations help support:

• Stable blood glucose and insulin levels
• Reduced inflammatory load
• Lower laminitis risk
• Better long‑term metabolic resilience

The take‑home message

By applying equine nutrition research and focusing on evidence‑based thresholds for starch and sugar and formulating products that stay well below them, Jenquine provides reliable, safe feeding options that support metabolic stability, reduce laminitis risk, and promote whole‑horse health across life stages.

For owners looking to build a safer, smarter feeding program, understanding NSC, and choosing feeds designed with it in mind, is one of the most powerful tools available.

SMART FEEDING STARTS HERE:

All‑4‑feet®

EzyMAG+®

Bone Formula Forte®

Calsorb Forte®