Does my horse need grain?

Podcast # 19

Join PhD equine nutritionist Dr. Nerida as she tackles one of horse owners' most pressing questions: does my horse actually need grain? This comprehensive equine nutrition episode breaks down the science behind horse grain feeding, revealing why most horses don't need grain at all - and the specific cases where they do.

What You'll Learn:

• The ONLY reason to feed grain to horses (it's simpler than you think)

• Which horses should NEVER have grain (insulin dysregulation, PPID, metabolic syndrome)

• How grain feeding can cause laminitis, colic, behavioral issues, and gut dysbiosis

• The "Absolutely Not, No, Maybe, Yes" framework for determining if YOUR horse needs grain

• Safe grain feeding amounts: maximum limits to prevent hindgut damage

• Why cooked grains are essential (except for oats) and which processing methods work best

• Real-world examples from racehorses, yearlings and broodmares

Key Takeaways: Dr. Nerida reveals her ideal maximum of just 0.5kg grain per 100kg body weight (that's only 2.5kg for a 500kg horse!) and explains why performance actually improves when grain is reduced, not increased. She also busts the myth that overweight, lazy horses need more grain - often it's exactly the opposite.

Perfect for horse owners who want evidence-based nutrition advice without the confusion. Whether you're dealing with a good doer, a hard keeper, or a performance horse, this episode gives you the tools to make informed feeding decisions.

Topics Covered: Horse nutrition, grain feeding, equine gut health, laminitis prevention, insulin resistance, PPID, metabolic syndrome, racehorse feeding, broodmare nutrition, hindgut microbiome, starch digestion, oats vs other grains