Feeding Horses S1 E2: Common Feeding Mistakes

In this episode of Feeding Horses, host and Dr. Nicole Rambeau, equine nutrition expert and head of the Tribute Equine Research and Innovation Center, dive into the most common feeding mistakes horse owners make. From underfeeding forage to overcomplicating diets with unnecessary concentrates and supplements, the conversation emphasizes the foundational role of forage and the importance of matching feed to a horse’s individual needs. Dr. Rambeau highlights that many mistakes stem from good intentions—like feeding a treat to a hard keeper or adding supplements to compensate for poor base nutrition—but can lead to obesity, insulin dysregulation, and digestive issues. She stresses the need for accurate measurement of hay and feed, body condition scoring, and using tools like grazing muzzles and slow feeders to manage calorie intake, especially in easy keepers. The episode concludes with practical advice: weigh your hay, read feed labels, and consult professionals before making changes. Key takeaways include: 1) Always feed at least 1.5% of your horse’s body weight in forage daily; 2) Use a fish scale to measure hay and concentrate to avoid over- or under-feeding; 3) Avoid overusing supplements—focus on fixing the base diet first; 4) For easy keepers, prioritize low-calorie, high-fiber forage and use management tools like slow feeders; 5) For hard keepers, use high-fat, high-fiber concentrates in small, frequent meals; 6) Never feed moldy corn or high-starch feeds unless under specific performance conditions; 7) A body condition score of 4–6 is ideal; and 8) When in doubt, get a personalized feeding plan from a trusted nutritionist. The overall tone is informative, encouraging, and empowering, with a strong emphasis on science-backed, practical solutions.