Metabolic Supplements for Horses with Cushing's and Insulin Resistance

Posted by Mary's Tack & Feed on 20th Aug 2026

A strong metabolism is the foundation for a healthy horse. Your horse’s body is absorbing the nutrients it should, and creating a strong endocrine system, which in turn helps your horse with insulin regulation, inflammation, weight management, and much more. According to the National Library of Medicine, horses that have trouble regulating their own metabolism have a higher risk of chronic illnesses like Diabetes, Laminitis, and Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS). A horse with a well supported diet is also more likely to have a relaxed temperament. If you are concerned about the metabolic health of your horse, Mary’s Tack and Feed sells many strong equine metabolic supplements that can help.

Introducing: Horse Guard Flaxen Metab

Stay up-to-date on the newest metabolic supplement at Mary’s: Flaxen Metab from Horse Guard. This supplement is great for horses with metabolic issues and provides crucial vitamins like Magnesium–which supports hoof health, and muscle recovery. There are many other vitamins that support blood sugar regulation, and healthy glucose levels.

This supplement benefits performance horses as well! Having a strong metabolism is beneficial for building muscle mass, calming, and overall health. Your horse’s muscles will recover faster and feel healthier.

Metabolic Products for Hormone Regulation

Cushing's disease and diabetes are both serious diseases caused by hormone imbalances. If you're looking for a supplement to help your horse manage either of these issues, you want an equine metabolic supplement that can help regulate and support normal hormone functions.

Metabolic supplements like Metabolic Equine Matrix by Mushroom Matrix are wonderful for supporting organs like the kidneys and liver, and regulating glucose absorption and blood sugar levels. While this supplement is good for horses that have trouble with metabolic regulation, this formula also has adaptogens for helping horses manage stressful situations. For more information, see our blog about mushroom matrix.

Insulin R Formula Supplement by Life Data Labs is formulated for horses that are insulin resistant or have Equine Metabolic Syndrome (also known as EMS). Insulin R Formula was developed by the Life Data® Research Program to help horses metabolize the glucose and fat in their diets. It also improves the efficacy of insulin in the body, and reduces inflammation. Insulin resistant horses also tend to be deficient in specific vitamins that this supplement replaces.

Cushing’s Disease revolves around hormonal imbalance in the pituitary gland, so Silver Lining Herbs Equine Pituitary Support provides nutrients that benefit the pituitary gland and supports thyroid health. This leads to a chain reaction of benefits for your horse, including improved blood circulation, decreased inflammation, immune defense, and coat health.

Fun Fact: Because the pituitary gland is a key organ to the endocrine system, it influences all sorts of bodily functions–including milk production. That’s why the Silver Lining Pituitary Support supplement is also excellent for milk production in lactating mares.

Another supplement for managing Cushing’s disease in horses is THE Equine Edge Cushings Formula. There is unfortunately no known cure to Cushing’s, but there are ways to manage this disease and reduce laminitis flare ups. THE Equine Edge Cushing’s Formula increases blood circulation, which can help reduce swelling in your horse’s hooves. It can also promote healthy shedding, which is a common issue for horses with Cushing’s.

Metabolic Products for Laminitis Prevention

Laminitis is a serious and painful hoof condition that is especially common for horses with cushing’s disease. Laminitis–also known as founder–is characterized by inflammation in the soft tissue of the hoof, leading to separation of the hoof wall and the rotation of the coffin bone. The best way to prevent a laminitis flare up is by keeping your horse at a healthy weight to reduce unnecessary pressure on their feet, as well as improve blood flow through the hoof.

We’ve talked about Silver Lining Herbs’ Cushings support, now they’re back with Silver Lining Herbs Equine Laminae Support. This supplement targets Laminitis specifically to reduce inflammation and maintain a healthy temperature within the horse’s legs and hooves. This an excellent supplement for equine hoof health in general, however it also supports the soft tissues within the hoof that are most affected by laminitis. Paired with a healthy diet, this supplement is an excellent, all-natural laminitis prevention supplement.

Another strong supplement for horses that are susceptible to laminitis is AniMed Remission Professional Strength. This supplement is packed with magnesium–which is a vital mineral for hoof health, and especially beneficial for horses that are at risk of laminitis.

Metabolic Horse Friendly Cookies

While it’s important to watch sugar levels for horses with metabolic issues, that doesn’t mean you have to say goodbye to treats! Mary’s offers several tasty snacks that are high in fiber and low in sugar. Here are some of our favorites:

Keeping horses healthy, happy, and comfortable is our top priority at Mary’s Tack and Feed. Supplementing your horse’s diet with the science-backed nutrients they need, regular vet checkups, and a consistent exercise routine is a great way to keep serious health conditions under control. Show your horse you care by providing the best possible nutrition, and as always, have a safe and sensational ride.

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