The Equine Connection Podcast

In this week's podcast we chat about the costs and value of your horse's feed. We highlight what goes into them and what you should consider when looking at what to feed your horse. We also chat about the thought that goes into formulating a horse feed and the how it is made. You can learn more about these topics by visiting our expertise page HERE If you have any questions or concerns about your own horse, please contact us HERE This podcast was brought to you by Tribute Superior Equine Nutrition

American Quarter Horses, or known as simply Quarter Horses, are the most popular breed in the United States. They are even quite popular around the world. Known for their versatile nature, athleticism, agility, and good nature make them a favorite among many horse owners. Thus, proper nutrition is vital for their overall health and well-being. In this week's podcast we chat about what makes Quarter Horses unique and what specifically owners need to be aware of. Not only is their diet critical in maintaining an optimal body condition, it also helps prevent the onset of various equine digestive disorders. Furthermore, nutrition is also very important in managing various genetic diseases that are seen in a higher prevalence with Quarter Horses than other breeds. You can learn more about these topics by visiting our expertise page HERE If you have any questions or concerns about your own horse, please contact us HERE This podcast was brought to you by Tribute Superior Equine Nutrition

When it comes to feeding fiber to horses, most usually think of pasture or hay. However, other popular options can include the feeding of hay cubes or hay pellets. In this week's podcast we discuss the differences between hay cubes and hay pellets. We also give some suggestion on when you can use them and how to use them. We do note that both hay cubes and hay pellets can be beneficial to horses, but usually only under certain circumstances. You can learn more about these topics by visiting our expertise page HERE If you have any questions or concerns about your own horse, please contact us HERE This podcast was brought to you by Tribute Superior Equine Nutrition

Horses, like humans, can suffer from a wide variety of allergies. From tree to grass pollen, to everyday dust and mold, to insect bites, and even certain foods, a certain subset of horses will experience some level of allergic reactions. However, identifying what exactly a horse is allergic to can be a long and expensive process. In this week's podcast, we tackle what allergy tests are available to horses and what they can tell you. There are also many unreliable and very expensive tests on the market, and we address why you will want to avoid them. We also cover what research has been done and how you can help alleviate your horse's allergies. You can learn more about these topics by visiting our expertise page HERE If you have any questions or concerns about your own horse, please contact us HERE This podcast was brought to you by Tribute Superior Equine Nutrition

We recorded this episode as fires raged in Canada that pushed smoke down into the United States and having major impacts on the air quality in both countries. These events brought up an issue we do not often think about and that is how air quality can impact our horses. In this week's podcast we talk about air quality and how it impacts a horse's respiratory system. We also highlight the Air Quality Index, which is used worldwide to measure how polluted the air is. It also can be used as a guide for you to evaluate your horse's training or riding schedules. We also briefly discuss how to manage your horses and how you may help them when the air quality is poor. You can learn more about these topics by visiting our expertise page HERE If you have any questions or concerns about your own horse, please contact us HERE This podcast was brought to you by Tribute Superior Equine Nutrition

With so many options of horse feeds today, picking the right feed for your horse can be overwhelming. In this week's episode, we talk about some of the considerations you should think about when making those choices. We start out on how to evaluate your horse and what that may mean. We then address what you might consider when feeding hay and then what horse feed you may need. Then we give some general advice and where you may seek some help. A very good topic for any horse owner. You can learn more about these topics by visiting our expertise page HERE If you have any questions or concerns about your own horse, please contact us HERE This podcast was brought to you by Tribute Superior Equine Nutrition

Spring is the time of year when flies begin to reemerge and pester our horses. In this podcast, we first provide an overview of the types of flies that bother our horses. Flies are also a concern because they can harm our horses through the spread of disease. From a nutritional point of view, flies can lead to loss of body condition. Further, horses can and often do suffer stress from flies by either the fly pestering them through constant buzzing, feeding off the horse's secretions, like around the eyes, and from biting them. All in all, flies are a major nuisance to horses and horse owners alike. Thus, in this episode, we focus much of our discussion on fly control. With all the tools available to horse owners, one newer area is the introduction of feedthrough fly products. We describe what exactly these are and how they work. Tribute® offers Essential K® with fly control and you can learn more HERE You can learn more about these topics by visiting our expertise page HERE If you have any questions or concerns about your own horse, please contact us HERE This podcast was brought to you by Tribute Superior Equine Nutrition

In this week's podcast, we talk about how to visually appraise your horse hay and what it means for your animals. This is because high quality hay is critically important for providing your horses with not only essential nutrients, but also in maintaining their gut health. We discuss how not all hay is created equal and how to spot the differences. This is an important topic to help ensure your horses receive the highest possible nutrition from their forage. Every horse owner should have the ability to visually appraise hay carefully and correctly before purchasing, and here, we help guide you. You can learn more about these topics by visiting our expertise page HERE If you have any questions or concerns about your own horse, please contact us HERE This podcast was brought to you by Tribute Superior Equine Nutrition

Magnesium is one of the nutrients that is getting more attention in both human and equine nutrition. This is because, as a mineral, magnesium plays a vital role in both muscle and nerve function. Some studies have shown magnesium may help in reducing horse excitability. Antidotal evidence shows that it may help with horses that experience tying up or muscle soreness. Thus, in this week's podcast, we discuss magnesium, just how much horses receive each day in an average equine diet and if horses truly need it as a supplement. You can learn more about these topics by visiting our expertise page HERE If you have any questions or concerns about your own horse, please contact us HERE This podcast was brought to you by Tribute Superior Equine Nutrition

Water is the mainstay of life for not only us, but also for our horses. One major consideration covered in this week's podcast is not only the factors that influence water intake, but also the quality of water your horses drink. Understanding where your horse's water is sourced from and its quality is vitally important to their health and wellbeing. We also address water testing and when to get it done. An important podcast for any horse owner. You can learn more about these topics by visiting our expertise page HERE If you have any questions or concerns about your own horse, please contact us HERE This podcast was brought to you by Tribute Superior Equine Nutrition

Spring is a very busy time of year for many horse owners. This is especially true when transitioning their horse's diet. With the warmer weather, many horses transition from a winter diet of hay to being out on the beautiful, green and lush pastures. However, this is also a time of year where all owners need to be cautious. In this week's podcast, we discuss everything about spring pastures and what you should be careful of. This is especially important for those that have horses that are sensitive to sugars and starch. Regardless, it is critical information for any horse owner. You can learn more about these topics by visiting our expertise page HERE If you have any questions or concerns about your own horse, please contact us HERE This podcast was brought to you by Tribute Superior Equine Nutrition

Spring is a time of year that is really dynamic for horse owners. One area that is really critical for many is the reestablishment of their spring pastures. This is important because pastures are not only an excellent source of nutrition for your horses, but they also provide numerous other health benefits. Thus, we address these benefits and the important nutrients that pastures provide, as well as what horse owners can expect as their pastures transition from winter to spring. We also do briefly address what types of cool-season grasses and legumes emerge in the spring and touch on when you can expect to see your warm-season forages emerge. Finally, we provide some management considerations to ensure your pastures remain productive for your equine companions throughout the year. You can learn more about these topics by visiting our expertise page HERE If you have any questions or concerns about your own horse, please contact us HERE This podcast was brought to you by Tribute Superior Equine Nutrition

With all the advancements in equine nutrition, one area that we keep having to address is the amount of sugar and starch (NSC) in a horse's diet. Horse owners around the world are looking to feed their horses diets low in NSC. A new horse feed, Seniority® Low NSC, is now available to horse owners. It has a NSC value of only 10%! The question is, what type of horse is this feed intended for and who can feed it? That is the topic of this week's podcast. You can learn more about this feed and its nutrient specifications by going HERE. You can learn more about these topics by visiting our expertise page HERE If you have any questions or concerns about your own horse, please contact us HERE This podcast was brought to you by Tribute Superior Equine Nutrition

Colic is the #1 killer of young horses throughout the world. One type is sand colic, which is when horses accumulate sand/dirt in their digestive tract. This can lead to impaction or other types of colic and can be very troublesome for many horse owners. In this week's podcast, we discuss sand colic, what the statistics show us, how horses get it and how owners can help prevent or limit it in their horses. We also talk about sand clearance products made with psyllium and if they are effective or not. You can learn more about these topics by visiting our expertise page HERE If you have any questions or concerns about your own horse, please contact us HERE This podcast was brought to you by Tribute Superior Equine Nutrition

How we are feeding horses has changed so much over the past few decades. In one major shift, and the one you keep hearing about, is, low NSC (sugars and carbohydrates). Really, what nutritionists are talking about is the percent of NSC in that type of feed. In this week's podcast, we explain what the percent NSC in a diet (or horse feed) means and how to evaluate if it is a low, medium or high amount of NSC. The goal of any horse feeding program is to feed lower AMOUNTS of NSC, and how much you feed will depend on your horse. An important topic for any horse owner. You can learn more about these topics by visiting our expertise page HERE If you have any questions or concerns about your own horse, please contact us HERE This podcast was brought to you by Tribute Superior Equine Nutrition

Have you ever been riding, and it just seems your horse runs out of gas (energy)? Alternatively, are you concerned that your horse is not competing at the level you want them to? It could be that your horse is not utilizing the right kind of energy provided to them in their diets. Our understanding of how horses utilize energy has changed so much in the past 10+ years. In this week's podcast, we discuss how horses use energy and which type of energy sources you should be feeding them. This applies to any type of horse, as they, too, use energy each and every day. You can learn more about these topics by visiting our expertise page HERE If you have any questions or concerns about your own horse, please contact us HERE This podcast was brought to you by Tribute Superior Equine Nutrition

Across the internet, horse owners can find multiple versions of horse feed (or nutrition) calculators. While these tools can be useful, they can also confuse many. Thus, in this week's podcast, we tackle this subject and shed some light on them. We chat about where they can be helpful, especially as a learning tool. We then discuss some of the cons and how these calculators may not be very helpful and may lead you astray. As mentioned in the podcast, the most reliable (albeit less advanced) calculator is the one published by the NRC and can be found HERE You can learn more about these topics by visiting our expertise page HERE If you have any questions or concerns about your own horse, please contact us HERE This podcast was brought to you by Tribute Superior Equine Nutrition

We are back to revisit Fiber and finish up our discussion with just how much fiber a horse needs each day. Surprisingly, there is no set amount of fiber that a horse is required each day. So in this week's podcast we discuss what that means and how you can ensure your horse gets enough fiber in their diet. We briefly revisit the quality of fiber and why that matter and what types of feeds you should be selecting for your horse. You can learn more about these topics by visiting our expertise page HERE If you have any questions or concerns about your own horse, please contact us HERE This podcast was brought to you by Tribute Superior Equine Nutrition

There is concern that horses with Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS) might need to be on a low protein diet. This thought is based on research out of the University of Kentucky, which showed that EMS horses when fed diets high in protein experienced large abnormal insulin spikes. Just one of the detrimental factors of horses with EMS. However, as interesting as it was the study may not have demonstrated what we typically feed horses in a day. Thus, in this weeks podcast we discuss this study and then the follow on research, also from the University of Kentucky, that investigated this phenomena further. Another interesting topic for any horse enthusiast. You can learn more about these topics by visiting our expertise page HERE If you have any questions or concerns about your own horse, please contact us HERE This podcast was brought to you by Tribute Superior Equine Nutrition

You hear about fiber week in and week out, when chatting about what to feed your horse. The quality of that fiber has a major influence on your horse's health, well-being, and performance. Thus, in this week's podcast, we chat about fiber, its importance to your horse and then jump right into fiber quality. We also warn owners about low quality fiber! Cheaper feeds may contain poor quality fiber, which can have impacts on your horse's digestive system and performance. This is another important topic for any horse owner. You can learn more about these topics by visiting our expertise page HERE If you have any questions or concerns about your own horse, please contact us HERE This podcast was brought to you by Tribute Superior Equine Nutrition

The feeding of non-structural carbohydrates (NSC) is certainly a hot topic in horse circles around the globe. The days of feeding straight oats, crimped corn or sticky sweet feeds should be far behind us. We now know, through solid research, that diets high in NSC can lead to a whole host of health disorders in horses. Thus, in this week's podcast, we specifically highlight which horses need low NSC diets, and which horses might need a bit more support to reach their energetic needs. A must listen to episode for all horse owners. You can learn more about these topics by visiting our expertise page HERE If you have any questions or concerns about your own horse, please contact us HERE This podcast was brought to you by Tribute Superior Equine Nutrition

The saying of "no hoof, no horse" still holds true today than it did in days past. When it comes to hoof care, one of the ailments that can strike any horse is White Line Disease. This can be a serious issue that, in some extreme instances, can potentially result in euthanasia of the horse. However, there are steps you can take to help limit or prevent White Line Disease, which is the focus of this week's podcast. From your farrier to your horse's diet, with precautions and maintenance, you can help your horses overcome this hoof disease. You can learn more about these topics by visiting our expertise page HERE If you have any questions or concerns about your own horse, please contact us HERE This podcast was brought to you by Tribute Superior Equine Nutrition

We are revisiting the topic of nonstructural carbohydrates (NSC). For all horses, carbohydrates are critical to overall health, as well as performance. When it comes to sugars and starches, or the nonstructural form of carbohydrates, it can become tricky. For horses that have metabolic issues, are overweight, or are sensitive to NSC in their diets, thankfully, there are many ways to help them meet their nutritional needs. This is the focus of this episode, as we discuss the basics of NSC and why horse owners need to stay informed about this important nutrient. You can learn more about these topics by visiting our expertise page HERE If you have any questions or concerns about your own horse, please contact us HERE This podcast was brought to you by Tribute Superior Equine Nutrition

As our advancements in equine nutrition continue at incredible speed, so, too, is our understanding of their exercise physiology. Some of the most interesting and promising research in horse showing is just how critical nutrition is to helping horses become better athletes. In this week's podcast, we discuss how muscle is built in horses. We then discuss what the research says about how protein and other key nutrients help build and maintain muscles in horses. Without a doubt, this is a very interesting topic for any horse enthusiast. You can learn more about these topics by visiting our expertise page HERE If you have any questions or concerns about your own horse, please contact us HERE This podcast was brought to you by Tribute Superior Equine Nutrition

Can feeding soy be harmful to mare reproduction? While soy is often thought by some to cause allergies in some horses (data says less than 5% of horse allergies are caused by soy), others wonder if soy can cause infertility in some mares. That is the question we answer in this week's podcast. We discuss why soy might be a cause of infertility in horses and then dig into what scientific data that is out there to show whether or not soy can be harmful to fertility. An interesting topic with some interesting perspectives. You can learn more about these topics by visiting our expertise page HERE If you have any questions or concerns about your own horse, please contact us HERE This podcast was brought to you by Tribute Superior Equine Nutrition

Dental disease can be crippling to any horse. One such disease is EOTRH, or also known as Equine Odontoclastic Tooth Resorption and Hypercementosis. This disease primarily affects older horses and can be difficult to manage. Thus, in this week's podcast we explain exactly what EOTRH is, which horses may be more susceptible to the disease and how it can impact your horse's welfare. We then discuss the treatments available and how best to manage your horses with EOTRH and ensure they are eating properly. This podcast also highlights why dental care is so important to your horses. You can learn more about these topics by visiting our expertise page HERE If you have any questions or concerns about your own horse, please contact us HERE This podcast was brought to you by Tribute Superior Equine Nutrition

Protein is one of the more discussed nutrients for horses. With that, there is a lot of misinformation and misunderstandings about protein and what it does for the horse. Thus, in this week's podcast, we tackle common myths about protein. Such as, is more protein better? Is protein a good source of energy for horses? Alternatively, can protein cause horses to be excitable/hot? We discuss these topics and more. You can learn more about these topics by visiting our expertise page HERE If you have any questions or concerns about your own horse, please contact us HERE This podcast was brought to you by Tribute Superior Equine Nutrition

It can be quite challenging to feed horses when they are grouped together. This can apply to a pair of horses up to a large herd. So, how can you do it and ensure all your horses are receiving all the nutrients they need? That is the topic of this week's podcast. We talk about how to manage their forage in group feeding situations. We then switch our focus on how to manage their horse feed intake in this dynamic. All in all, herd feeding comes down to monitoring your horses' behaviors and altering your strategies based on what works best for you. We also give some broad general feeding advice that applies to any horse. You can learn more about these topics by visiting our expertise page HERE If you have any questions or concerns about your own horse, please contact us HERE This podcast was brought to you by Tribute Superior Equine Nutrition

How we store our horse feed is actually more important than we often think. Not only can it cost us more when our horse's feed spoils or cannot be fed, it can also lead to a loss in nutrients and may lead to nutritional deficiencies. In this week's podcast, we tackle this topic and give you some tips and tricks. We chat about how best to store your forage. Then, we turn our attention to horse feeds, how to store them, how long they last and a few other specifics. All in all, feeding your horses is an obvious investment and proper feed storage helps protect your horses. You can learn more about these topics by visiting our expertise page HERE If you have any questions or concerns about your own horse, please contact us HERE This podcast was brought to you by Tribute Superior Equine Nutrition

Essential oils are quickly becoming a popular alternative form of therapy for many horses. These should not be confused with food quality oils, or those that we feed our horses. Rather, essential oils are those that are derived from plants and are used either topically or as aromatherapy. In this week's podcast, we highlight which essential oils are currently being used by horse owners. We discuss the claims made by those that are using essential oils and what issues they may help with. We then discuss the research evaluating essential oils and their future potential. An interesting topic to say the least! You can learn more about these topics by visiting our expertise page HERE If you have any questions or concerns about your own horse, please contact us HERE This podcast was brought to you by Tribute Superior Equine Nutrition

Because of the advancements we've made in our understanding of horse nutrition, many horses are living longer and healthier lives. Wondering when to switch your older horse to a senior feed is a tricky question for many. Thus, in this week's podcast, we discuss in detail what senior feeds are and when you may want to start feeding them. For many horses, age is just a number and there is no set age of when a horse will require a senior feed. There are many physical signs to look for and we explain these for you. Then, many senior feeds can and are often used as total forage replacement. We discuss what that means and how you should alter your feeding strategy to ensure your aged horse can get all the nutrients they need. You can learn more about these topics by visiting our expertise page HERE If you have any questions or concerns about your own horse, please contact us HERE This podcast was brought to you by Tribute Superior Equine Nutrition

Have you ever wondered how feed companies determine the costs of their horse feeds? Well, a listener asked us and we respond in this week's podcast. We carefully explain everything that goes into making a bag of horse feed and what it takes to get it into your hands. We then chat about how the multiple supply chains we use have been impacted by the pandemic and how they are influencing costs. Finally, we discuss how inflation and explain how ingredients we do not even use in horse feeds, but are used in other animal feeds, can still impact horse feed costs. An interesting topic to help answer a lot of questions about the rising costs of horse feeds. You can learn more about these topics by visiting our expertise page HERE If you have any questions or concerns about your own horse, please contact us HERE This podcast was brought to you by Tribute Superior Equine Nutrition

At some point in their lives, a horse will likely get an illness or infection requiring antibiotics. We also may call these broader spectrum treatments "antimicrobials." The purpose is to, of course, kill off any harmful pathogen, usually bacteria, to allow the horse to heal. The problem with many of these drugs is that they kill off bacteria, fungi and other microbes indiscriminately, including the beneficial microbes in the gut of the horse. Thus, in this week's podcast, we discuss the effect of antibiotics on the digestive tract. We chat about what horse owners can do to help their horses during and after treatment to ensure they can maintain a healthy gut while taking their medication. Another cant miss episode! You can learn more about these topics by visiting our expertise page HERE If you have any questions or concerns about your own horse, please contact us HERE This podcast was brought to you by Tribute Superior Equine Nutrition

A horse suffering colic is unfortunately an issue almost every horse owner will face at some point. Put simply, colic is the general term used to describe any abdominal disturbance in the horse. It is often quite painful and understandably a worrying experience for all involved. Fortunately, with quick veterinarian care, the vast majority of horses survive colic. A small percentage of horses may also need surgery, but survival rates are high. This then begs the question, how do I feed my horse after they suffer colic? That is the focus of this week's podcast. We discuss the different ranges of colic and then what you can do as an owner to get your horse back on track. Another cant miss episode! You can learn more about these topics by visiting our expertise page HERE If you have any questions or concerns about your own horse, please contact us HERE This podcast was brought to you by Tribute Superior Equine Nutrition

For a good part of the year, many mares throughout the world can become "moody." What this means is, due to a mare's natural breeding cycle, her body experiences drastic changes in her hormones. This often leads to mares becoming challenging to handle. They can be difficult to train, ride, and sometimes downright mean. However, there are many strategies, including alterations in their diet, that can help offset some of these behaviors. There are also other strategies, which we discuss in this week's podcast. It is only natural for the mare to experience these changes, yet, thankfully, there is help available. You can learn more about these topics by visiting our expertise page HERE If you have any questions or concerns about your own horse, please contact us HERE This podcast was brought to you by Tribute Superior Equine Nutrition

The nutraceutical market for horses in the United States is worth over $80 million in sales per year. Thus, horse owners may wonder if they are making wise purchases. A major concern is whether or not these expensive supplements work like they claim they do. Calming supplements are one of the major types of supplements horse owners either have used or are curious about using. Therefore, in this week's podcast, we dissect what calming supplements are, what they claim to do, and what the scientific evidence says about them. We also talk about the safety of calming supplements for your horses and why you may want to avoid them. For those that compete with their horses, you may especially want to listen to this podcast, as many calming supplements are on banned substance lists for organizations. You can learn more about these topics by visiting our expertise page HERE If you have any questions or concerns about your own horse, please contact us HERE This podcast was brought to you by Tribute Superior Equine Nutrition

To celebrate our 100th episode, we went in a different direction. We wanted to look back at where we were feeding horses over 100 years ago. Then we wanted to look at where we are going in the next 100 years. Horses were a mainstay for many people in the early 20th Century. Even back then people were careful what they fed their horses. Yet, there was not much research or study in equine nutrition. With the advent and increased used of the automobile, horses were no longer needed and nearly forgotten. It was not until the 1960s with the rediscovery of our love for horses did their population boom, and along with it, a huge interest in the science of what we feed them. A fun topic to chat about and to celebrate our listeners. In the spirit of 100, those first 100 listeners that complete this survey will win a fun price. It can be found HERE We want to thank you for listening and your continued support! You can learn more about these topics by visiting our expertise page HERE If you have any questions or concerns about your own horse, please contact us HERE This podcast was brought to you by Tribute Superior Equine Nutrition

As we enter the fall and winter months in the Northern Hemisphere, we wanted to revisit how best to prepare your horses and help them through the colder months. In this episode, we first discuss calories and why you need to know about them and why they are important entering the winter months. We discuss the seasonal changes and how horses adapt and regulate their body temperatures via thermoregulation. Then our focus shifts to highlighting how best to manage your horses, especially on what to feed that will help them stay warmer and maintain body condition. For any horse owner, this episode is a great refresher and worth a listen. You can learn more about these topics by visiting our expertise page HERE If you have any questions or concerns about your own horse, please contact us HERE This podcast was brought to you by Tribute Superior Equine Nutrition

When meal feeding horses, owners might often wonder if it matters what is fed first: hay or grain. Most would assume hay should be fed first. Yet, realistically, not many owners are feeding their horses hay an hour or two before feeding any sort of grain. Others would say it does not matter which feedstuff is fed first. In this week's podcast, we tackle this topic and dig down into the research. What do equine scientists suggest? The answers may surprise you. You can learn more about these topics by visiting our expertise page HERE If you have any questions or concerns about your own horse, please contact us HERE This podcast was brought to you by Tribute Superior Equine Nutrition

We have mentioned these bugs in the digestive tracts of horses in many podcasts. It was time we finally devoted an entire podcast to them. What are the hindgut microbes, what do they do for the horse, and why are they so important? We answer all those questions and more. We also highlight why we are so careful on what and how we feed our horses. This is because we need to maintain a healthy hindgut microbial population to keep our horses healthy and happy. A critical topic for any horse owner. You can learn more about these topics by visiting our expertise page HERE If you have any questions or concerns about your own horse, please contact us HERE This podcast was brought to you by Tribute Superior Equine Nutrition

Horse owners often wonder not only how their horse's feed is made, but also how to ensure it is safe? In this week's podcast episode, we talk about how horse feeds are not only formulated and created, but also the steps companies should take to ensure their horse feeds are wholesome and safe. We chat about how the manufacturing process can and has gone wrong with some horse feeds, and what steps companies like Tribute® take to ensure the safety of their horse feeds. If you have ever wondered how horse feed is made, this is the episode for you. You can learn more about these topics by visiting our expertise page HERE If you have any questions or concerns about your own horse, please contact us HERE This podcast was brought to you by Tribute Superior Equine Nutrition

While it may sound like a dry topic, talking about the importance of B vitamins is actually quite interesting. This is because there are 8 specific B vitamins that are critical to horse health and performance. One of the most interesting facts about B vitamins is that the horse's hindgut microbes actually make them. However, they may not make enough, which is why B vitamins are often a hot topic in horse nutrition. Interestingly, studies have also shown the addition of B vitamins to the diet of a horse can increase performance. So this week is everything B vitamins and what you need to know to help your horses stay healthy and perform better. You can learn more about these topics by visiting our expertise page HERE If you have any questions or concerns about your own horse, please contact us HERE This podcast was brought to you by Tribute Superior Equine Nutrition

We have often highlighted that it is important for every owner to formulate a feeding plan for their horses. In this week's podcast, we are joined with a Tribute Equine Specialist, Sarah Ranker, who talks with us about the importance of having a feeding plan for your horse. Sarah spends much of her time speaking to horse owners about what they are feeding their horses and she helps them formulate the ideal diet. Sarah shares with us much of what goes into the thought process of creating a feeding plan and how she and other equine nutritionists can help you. As we mention in the podcast, if you have any questions or concerns about your own horse, please contact us at tributeequinenutrition.com. You can learn more about these topics by visiting our expertise page HERE This podcast was brought to you by Tribute Superior Equine Nutrition

Beet pulp is a common feedstuff fed to horses. It is often included in horse feeds and commonly supplemented by horse owners. However, it is when it is added to your horse's diet that there should be some caution. In this week's podcast, we explain why beet pulp is a good food source for horses. We talk about how it is a highly digestible fiber source, making it a great ingredient for horse feeds. We then talk about some issues owners may have when feeding beet pulp, or especially, when feeding too much. Included are some tips on how best to feed beet pulp and what to watch out for. You can learn more about these topics by visiting our expertise page HERE If you have any questions or concerns about your own horse, please contact us HERE This podcast was brought to you by Tribute Superior Equine Nutrition

In days gone by, it was not uncommon to warm up some water and mix it with some bran to make a nice mash for your horse. Many believed it helped warm their horses during a cold winters night. Others believed a bran mash had a nice laxative effect and aided their horse's digestion. In this week's podcast we highlight why feeding bran or making a bran mash may not be such a good idea for your horse. We highlight what exactly bran is, what nutrients it has and why it may be a bad idea, even as a treat. We offer other alternatives that are better and healthier treats for your horse and how you can help them better during those cold winter nights. You can learn more about these topics by visiting our expertise page HERE If you have any questions or concerns about your own horse, please contact us HERE This podcast was brought to you by Tribute Superior Equine Nutrition

At some point if a horse suffers an injury they may be required to be put on stall rest. Here they are confined and not expending much energy. So a dilemma many horse owners may face is, how do I feed them? In this week's podcast we talk about if you need to alter your horse's diet if they are put on stall rest. We address how you should transition them, and why feeding hay may not be the best idea. We also talk about how to transition them back on to their normal diets once they are off stall rest. You can learn more about these topics by visiting our expertise page HERE If you have any questions or concerns about your own horse, please contact us HERE This podcast was brought to you by Tribute Superior Equine Nutrition

Horses are unique amongst the many other large herbivores, like cattle, sheep, and even deer. Rather, horses and their cousins, the donkeys, zebras and other equids, are part of a smaller group known as "hindgut" fermenters. This week, we discuss the horse's digestive tract. We start at the teeth and go all the way through, giving highlights to each structure and what makes horses so unique. This is important, as it makes understanding all the many recommendations given to owners regarding equine nutrition easier to understand. You can learn more about these topics by visiting our expertise page HERE If you have any questions or concerns about your own horse, please contact us HERE This podcast was brought to you by Tribute Superior Equine Nutrition

Equine nutritionists often suggest owners test their hay to ensure their horses are receiving quality forage. In this week's podcast, we discuss not only why you should test your hay, but what it will tell you. We also jump into what a hay test can do for you when formulating your horse's diet. We also chat about how often you should get your hay tested. You can learn more about these topics by visiting our expertise page HERE If you have any questions or concerns about your own horse, please contact us HERE This podcast was brought to you by Tribute Superior Equine Nutrition

Disaster can strike anytime and anywhere. Sometimes, like with hurricanes, we are given ample warning. In others, like fires or tornadoes, we are often given little to no warning. In either case, have you ever wondered what will happen to your horses? Also, if evacuation is necessary, what do we feed them? Or, what if, suddenly, all their feed is gone? We address these issues and more in this week's podcast. Every horse owner, regardless of where they live, needs to plan for every eventuality and how best to care for their animals. How and what to feed them or just how to get through the major disruptions is a theme of this week's topic. A must listen to for every horse owner. You can learn more about these topics by visiting our expertise page HERE If you have any questions or concerns about your own horse, please contact us HERE This podcast was brought to you by Tribute Superior Equine Nutrition

You may have heard the term "hay belly" used to describe a horse that looks obese, but isn't. Many do not quite know what hay belly really is. Thus, in this week's podcast we talk about hay belly and tell you exactly what this condition is and how to identify it. We then go on to describe which types of horses may be prone to experience hay belly and what the underlying causes are. Prevention is the best cure, so we give some tips on how to avoid this condition. We then finish off the podcast giving advice on how to alleviate hay belly if your horse is experiencing it. You can learn more about these topics by visiting our expertise page HERE If you have any questions or concerns about your own horse, please contact us HERE This podcast was brought to you by Tribute Superior Equine Nutrition