Horses aren’t designed to digest fat the way humans or dogs are. Their entire digestive system evolved on a trickle of coarse, low-fat forage, not a daily dose of liquid oil. Yet somehow, throwing vegetable oil into a feed bucket has become mainstream advice—for weight gain, for coat shine, or for “energy.” Horses Can’t Digest … Read more
Horses are hindgut fermenters, they are built to chew on mature, fibrous grasses for 18+ hours a day. This grass feeds the gut microbes that power everything from energy production to immune function. Grass hays fall into two main types: cool-season and warm-season. Cool-season grasses — like timothy, orchardgrass, ryegrass, fescue, and meadow grass — … Read more
Draft horses are the gentle giants of the equine world, celebrated for their power, endurance, and loyalty. But with great size comes greater and different nutritional needs. Their slow metabolism, easy-keeper tendencies, and genetic risks like PSSM (PSSM1/PSSM2) mean they require a carefully balanced diet—not just more of everything. These breeds were bred for power, … Read more
Every horse owner has heard it: “Feed hay before grain,” or “Grain first, then hay.” It’s one of those barn aisle debates that never seems to die. Some swear by giving hay first to “take the edge off,” others dish out grain first because their horse demands it with door-banging theatrics. But here’s the reality … Read more
Noticing ribs and sunken hips? Before you buy a high-fat supplement for your horse out of desperation, hit pause. Weight loss in horses is a symptom, not a diagnosis—and throwing calories at the problem without knowing the cause is a waste of money (and possibly risky). What to look out for first: Rule Out Medical … Read more
So you’ve tested your hay — excellent. That alone puts you ahead of 99% of horse owners. But now you’re staring at a report full of numbers, percentages, and acronyms like ADF, NDF, and DE. What does it all mean? Which numbers actually matter? And how do you apply them to your horse’s feeding plan? … Read more
Brittle, cracked hooves aren’t just frustrating—they can lead to pain, lameness, and difficulty holding shoes. Good hoof health starts with a balanced diet, good management and proper farrier care. But if you’re looking for a supplement to see if you can expedite the recovery of your horse’s hoof or are looking for a ration balancer that … Read more
Real Practices vs. Expert Guidance Feeding minerals to horses living outdoors comes with unique challenges. Horses kept in pens, group pastures, or run-in shelters can’t always be fed like stalled horses. Owners must balance convenience, herd dynamics, weather protection, and the horse’s nutritional needs. This article explores how real horse owners manage mineral and salt … Read more
Feeding a group of horses on pasture or in a shared paddock can be both rewarding and challenging. If you’re wondering “how do I feed a herd of horses and make sure they get the nutrition they need?” You are in the right spot. The Foundations: Forage First Forage is the foundation of every horse’s … Read more
Alfalfa is one of the most debated forages in the horse world — and for good reason. While it can support muscle, milk, and growth, it’s also been linked to laminitis, hoof sensitivity, kidney stress, and behavioral reactivity in sensitive horses. This guide will walk you through the nutritional science, risks, benefits, and best practices … Read more