Scoop & Scale: An Equine Podcast (Mostly) About Nutrition

Alfalfa is one of the most debated feeds in equine nutrition, and few forages generate as many myths. In this episode, we take a science-based look at alfalfa for horses and break down where common beliefs come from and whether they are actually supported by research. We discuss protein, calcium, behavior, ulcers, and health concerns so horse owners can make informed feeding decisions based on the individual horse, not barn lore.
In this episode, we cover:
Does alfalfa make horses hot or more reactive
Protein, kidney health, and joint development myths
Calcium levels
Why alfalfa is often recommended for ulcer-prone and performance horses
Differences between long-stem alfalfa, pellets, cubes, and chopped forage
This episode is designed to help horse owners evaluate alfalfa for horses using evidence-based nutrition rather than opinion.

Do you have questions about feeding your horse? Contact us at [email protected]
Thanks for riding along with us!

Herbal supplements are everywhere in the equine world, from gastric support and joint formulas to respiratory and calming products. But how much do we really know about herbal supplements for horses, and how well do these products actually work? In this episode, we take a look at commonly used herbs and plant compounds, separating tradition and marketing from research and real-world application.

In this episode, we cover:
-Popular herbal ingredients in equine GI, joint, respiratory, and calming supplements
-What the research says (and doesn’t say) about herbs like slippery elm, turmeric, spirulina, and valerian
-Why many horse supplements may be under-dosed and ineffective
-Competition safety and commonly prohibited plant-based ingredients
-How to think critically about “natural” products for horse health

If you’ve ever questioned whether herbal supplements actually do what they claim, this episode will help you separate marketing from meaningful information. 
Do you have questions about feeding your horse? Contact us at [email protected]
Thanks for riding along with us!

Do horse joint supplements actually work or are they just expensive hope in a bucket? In this episode, we take a science-based look at equine joint supplements and the ingredients most commonly used to support joint health.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
-Why joint supplements are so widely used across disciplines
-How cartilage, synovial fluid and healthy joints function in the horse and what happens when things go wrong
-The difference between preventative joint support and inflammation management
-What the research says about glucosamine, chondroitin, HA, MSM, ASU, resveratrol, green-lipped mussel, collagen, and silica
-Why a balanced base diet matters before adding a joint supplement
-What supplement labels can and legally cannot claim
-How to spot red flags in joint supplement marketing
Whether you’re caring for an arthritic senior horse or a high-performing athlete and trying to decide if a supplement is worth the investment, this episode will help you make informed, evidence-based choices for your horse’s joint health. 
Do you have questions about feeding your horse? Contact us at [email protected]
Thanks for riding along with us!

This week, I’m joined by Dr. Krishona Martinson from the University of Minnesota, a leading expert in equine forage research. We take a look at her research on hay waste, what causes it, and how horse owners can significantly reduce loss and lower feeding costs.
In this episode, we discuss:
What research shows about hay waste across feeding methods
How much hay horse owners typically waste and why
The real financial impact of wasted hay
Simple ways to keep more hay in your horse, not on the ground
Feeding strategies proven to reduce waste
Common mistakes that increase hay loss
How to choose a feeding setup that fits your barn
Feeding horses is expensive. It's even more expensive when their hay gets wasted.  If you’ve wondered how much money you are wasting and which hay-feeding methods actually work, this episode gives you clear, research-based answers that will benefit your horses and your wallet.
References & Further Reading:
• Martinson, K. et al. (2012). Round-bale feeder design and hay waste in horses. Journal of Animal Science
https://academic.oup.com/jas/article/90/3/1047/4764420?login=false  

 

 
Do you have questions about feeding your horse? Contact us at [email protected]
Thanks for riding along with us!

Fat is one of the most misunderstood parts of a horse’s diet, yet it can be a powerful tool for weight gain, health, and performance. In this episode, we break down the most common fat sources for horses, how they differ, and when you should (or shouldn’t) use them. From rice bran and flax to oils, seeds, and supplements, we cut through the confusion so you can make informed feeding decisions.

You’ll learn:
The fundamental differences between different kinds of fat
How omega-3 and omega-6 fats impact health and inflammation
Which fat sources offer the best balance
Pros and cons of rice bran, flax, chia, canola, coconut, hemp, and more
Why some horses benefit from EPA/DHA sources like fish oil
How to choose the right fat based on your horse’s needs
A clear, practical guide to feeding fat the right way. Let’s dive in.
Link to the article from Kentucky Equine Research discussed in the show https://ker.com/published/type-of-polyunsaturated-fatty-acid-supplementation-affects-red-blood-cell-fatty-acid-composition-in-exercised-thoroughbreds/?highlight=omega%203%20  
For 10% of Kentucky Equine Research supplements click here https://shop.ker.com/scoop or the use discount code SCOOP at check out
Do you have questions about feeding your horse? Contact us at [email protected]
Thanks for riding along with us!