{"id":29054,"date":"2026-02-20T11:10:13","date_gmt":"2026-02-20T10:10:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/hartog.eu\/articles\/fructaanindex-wat-is-het-en-hoe-gebruik-je-het-voor-de-gezondheid-van-je-paard\/"},"modified":"2026-02-23T10:54:13","modified_gmt":"2026-02-23T09:54:13","slug":"fructan-index-what-is-it-and-how-do-you-use-it-for-your-horses-health","status":"publish","type":"articles","link":"https:\/\/hartog.eu\/en\/articles\/fructan-index-what-is-it-and-how-do-you-use-it-for-your-horses-health\/","title":{"rendered":"Fructan index: what is it and how do you use it to support your horse\u2019s health?"},"content":{"rendered":"

With a proper understanding of the fructan index, your horse can safely graze throughout the summer. The fructan content in grass fluctuates significantly under the influence of temperature, sunlight and growth rate. Without knowledge of these changes, a horse may unknowingly ingest too much fructan, with all the potential health risks that come with it. That is precisely why understanding and monitoring the fructan index is not a luxury, but an essential part of responsible pasture management.<\/p>\n

What is fructan in grass and why is it important for horses?<\/h2>\n

Fructan is a type of sugar found in grass. It serves as an energy storage form for the plant. When grass produces more energy than it can use for growth, it stores this excess energy as fructan.<\/p>\n

Horses are unable to properly digest fructan in the small intestine, meaning that large amounts can pass into the hindgut, where they may cause problems.<\/p>\n

Why horses are sensitive to fructan<\/h2>\n

Horses have evolved to consume large amounts of low-energy, fibre-rich forage. Today, grass on well-maintained pastures often contains more sugars than their digestive system can handle. A fructan content that is too high can lead to:<\/p>\n

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  • Laminitis<\/li>\n
  • Digestive problems<\/li>\n
  • Insulin resistance<\/li>\n
  • Overweight<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    That is why understanding the fructan index is essential for responsible pasture management.<\/p>\n

    Meaning of the fructan index<\/strong><\/h2>\n

    The fructan index is an indication of the amount of fructan in grass at a given moment. It is not an exact measurement, but a guideline based on weather conditions such as temperature, sunlight and growth circumstances.<\/p>\n

    The index takes into account factors such as:<\/p>\n

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    • Night-time temperatures<\/li>\n
    • Hours of sunshine<\/li>\n
    • Grass growth and stress factors<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      The colder the night and the sunnier the day, the higher the likelihood of elevated fructan levels in the grass.<\/p>\n

      Which factors influence the fructan content in grass?<\/h2>\n

      Factors influencing fructan content:<\/p>\n

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      • Night frost or temperatures below 5\u00b0C<\/li>\n
      • High levels of sunshine during the day<\/li>\n
      • Drought or closely grazed grass<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

        When grass experiences stress, for example due to cold temperatures or intensive grazing, the fructan content increases. This is often the case in short-grazed horse pastures.<\/p>\n

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        Fructan content in pasture grass: what should you pay attention to?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n

        Grass is not only a source of fibre, but also an important factor in managing your horse\u2019s fructan intake. The composition of the pasture, the type of grass, and the time of year all have a direct influence on the fructan content in grass. By managing these factors carefully, you can significantly reduce the risk of health problems.<\/p>\n

        Differences between grass species<\/h3>\n

        Not all grasses contain the same amount of fructan. For example, perennial ryegrass contains more fructan than herb-rich mixtures. The composition of your horse pasture therefore makes a significant difference.<\/p>\n

        Risk periods in spring and autumn<\/h3>\n

        The fructan content in grass is highest in spring and autumn. Sunny days followed by cold nights are particularly high-risk. During these periods, it is advisable to limit or adjust grazing time, especially for horses that are prone to laminitis or colic.<\/p>\n

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        How to use the fructan index in practice<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n

        The fructan index is particularly valuable when you actively apply it in your daily pasture management. By carefully assessing current conditions and the risk of elevated fructan levels in grass, you can make practical decisions that suit your horse.<\/p>\n

        Planning grazing time using the fructan index<\/h3>\n

        When the fructan index is high, you can:<\/p>\n

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        • Limit grazing to the early morning following nights above 5\u00b0C<\/li>\n
        • Reduce the duration of grazing time<\/li>\n
        • Use a grazing muzzle<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
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          Fructan meter: does it really exist?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n

          Many people look for a fructan meter to measure the fructan content in grass themselves. Unfortunately, there is currently no reliable handheld device available that allows you to determine the exact fructan content in your pasture on a daily basis.<\/p>\n

          However, there is a practical solution: Hoefnatuurlijk has developed an online fructan index. Here, you can check today\u2019s fructan index directly. This fructan index provides an indication of the expected fructan content in grass for each location. It is not a direct measurement, but a prediction based on weather data such as temperature (especially night-time temperatures) and the number of sunshine hours. In this way, as a horse owner, you receive a daily estimate of the risk of elevated fructan levels in the grass.<\/p>\n

          Check the up-to-date fructaanindex hier op de site van hoefnatuurlijk.<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

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