Why Nutrition Matters in Laminitis

Laminitis — especially when caused by insulin resistance or Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS) — is a systemic condition that requires much more than hoof support. Nutrition, particularly balanced mineral intake, is critical for both prevention and rehabilitation.

Missy’s Bucket Gut-Plus was developed with this need in mind, following years of study with Dr. Eleanor Kellon, VMD. It provides a highly targeted blend of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and digestive support — specifically designed to support the nutritional requirements of horses on typical hay and pasture diets.

Why Minerals Matter in Laminitis

Horses prone to laminitis often receive hay-based, low-sugar diets — but those diets are typically deficient in key trace minerals that support:

• Glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity
• Antioxidant and immune function
• Nerve and muscle health
• Thyroid and metabolic regulation
• Hoof structure and tissue repair

A properly mineral-balanced and low sugar diet is the foundation of laminitis prevention, management, and long-term recovery.

How Missy’s Bucket Ingredients Help

 ✅ Magnesium (7g per serve)

Essential for insulin signalling. Magnesium supports the number and function of insulin receptors on cells, helping regulate blood glucose and metabolic stress. It's often deficient in laminitic or IR horses.

✅ Zinc (1200mg) & Copper (400mg)
Support lamellar tissue repair, hoof structure, and antioxidant enzyme systems. Balanced zinc-to-copper ratio (3:1) supports metabolic regulation and immune resilience.

✅ Selenium (2mg) & Vitamin E (4000 IU)
A powerful antioxidant duo that protects lamellar and vascular tissues from oxidative damage — major in IR and active laminitis.

✅ Iodine (2mg)
Supports healthy thyroid function, vital for regulating metabolism and maintaining hormonal balance in horses with PPID or EMS.

 ✅ Biotin (20mg)
Promotes hoof strength and regrowth. Essential in rehab programs following laminitic damage.

✅ Lysine (10g), Methionine (5g), Threonine (2g)
Essential amino acids that build structural proteins like keratin and collagen. Crucial for hoof wall repair and connective tissue integrity.

✅ Vitamin A (15,000 IU)
Supports immune function, tissue repair, and metabolic health — especially when horses are off pasture.

✅ Yea-Sacc (2g), Bio-Mos (10g), Mycosorb A+ (10g)
Aids gut function, nutrient absorption, and immune response. Help bind mycotoxins and promote healthy hindgut flora — supporting insulin control and liver function.

A Realistic and Responsible Approach

Missy’s Bucket Gut-Plus was formulated not to “treat” laminitis, but to fill in the nutritional gaps that many horses face when put on a low-sugar, hay-based diet — especially during periods of metabolic stress.

“In any laminitis case, getting the mineral balance right isn’t optional — it’s essential. It’s one of the first things I address, every time.”   Zoe Manning, Formulator of Missy’s Bucket Gut-Plus

Balanced nutrition supports everything else: hoof regrowth, insulin control, immune health, and long-term soundness.