Traditionally, laminitis has been associated with overweight native ponies grazing on lush spring grass, it is now evident that this is not the case as it can occur all year round to any type of horse or pony. The most common culprit is fructans, the storage form of sugar found in grass. The other cause of dietary related laminitis is starch overload from cereal grains. An overload results in starch being broken down very quickly in the hindgut and results in the production of strong acids. This leads to the death of certain bacteria and toxins are released into the bloodstream. These toxins may disrupt the blood flow to the sensitive laminae in the hoof wall, insufficient blood supply may result in areas of the laminae dying and therefore the rotation of the pedal bone that is characteristic of laminitis. The main aims of a laminitic's diet should be to keep it as low in sugar and starch as possible whilst still maintaining an adequate intake of feed. A common misconception is to starve laminitic or overweight animals which then leads to further health implications.