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

Available Episodes

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Ep. 55: What to Feed When Hay Isn’t an Option: Hay Pellets & Cubes Explained
In this episode of Scoop & Scale, we explore the practical and nutritional role of hay pellets and cubes in the equine diet. Typically associated with senior horses with poor teeth or as a carrier for supplements, these hay alternatives have so many more uses and benefits. This is especially true during hay shortages, evacuations, or when managing specific health issues like equine asthma or free fecal water syndrome. In this episode we discuss:- When pellets or cubes are necessary alternatives to hay- The difference between hay pellets and hay cubes- Why hay pellets may offer better digestibility and nutrient absorption than hay- Common myths around "processed" feed and fiber content- Practical tips on feeding during emergencies and ways to improve feeding time If you're rethinking your forage options or just want a deeperunderstanding of hay pellets and cubes, this episode will give you theinsight and confidence to feed smarter. Mentioned in this episode:Ep. 38: Body Weight, Condition Scoring and Equine Nutritionhttps://scoopandscale.com/ep-38-body-weight-condition-scoring-and-equine-nutrition/ Ep. 49: Beyond Diarrhea: Identifying and Managing Free Fecal WaterSyndrome (FFWS) in Horseshttps://scoopandscale.com/ep-49-beyond-diarrhea-identifying-and-managing-free-fecal-water-syndrome-ffws-in-horses/ Pre-Vent Feeder https://youtu.be/VVUMjg5ENc4?si=i4HghUJKBy99QBbqiFeed Automatic Feeder https://ifeednaturally.com/ Do you have questions about feeding your horse? Contact us at [email protected] Thanks for riding along with us!
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Ep. 54: Understanding Pasture Grass Sugar Levels — The Long and the Short of It with the Equine, PhD
Is short grass really sweeter? Is tall grass actually safer formetabolic horses? Or have we been grazing on myths? In this powerful,research-backed episode, we sit down with Dr. Michelle DeBoer ofEquine, PhD, the voice behind the viral post that ignited over 1,500likes, 400+ comments, and 1,200 shares—and shook up everything wethought we knew about grass height, NSC (non-structuralcarbohydrates), and sugar intake in horses.We dive into:-What current research really says about grass height and NSC levels-How time of day, weather, and pasture management impact sugar content-Why warm- vs. cool-season grasses behave differently-Why maturity doesn't always mean "safe" when it comes to NSC-Why forage testing and horse-specific data matter more than social media myths-How the equine research system works—and why more support is desperately neededWhether you're managing a pony with metabolic issues, a performance horse onturnout, or just want to feed smarter with science, this episode willchallenge what you know and empower you to make more informed decisions.Don’t miss the original post that inspired this episode:Tall Tales About Short Grass – Evaluating the Role of Grass Height & NSC Levelshttps://www.facebook.com/share/p/16sC8Xeqoo/Do you have questions about feeding your horse? Contact us at [email protected] Thanks for riding along with us!
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Ep. 53: The Forage Based Diet Trend: What You’re Probably Already Doing Right
Lately, we've noticed a growing number of horse owners online seeking advice on how to feed “forage-based” diets. But are they already doing this without realizing? In this episode, we dig into:- what constitutes a forage-based diet and how to know if you are feeding one- why terms such as “forage-based”, “grain-free” and “carb-free” when it comes to equine diets can be misleading- why using the wrong language can lead you to make unnecessary changes to your horse's diets, waste your time and potentially cause you unnecessary stress - how using these terms incorrectly opens the door for misinformation and falling prey to misleading marketingWhen it comes to equine nutrition, details matter. This includes how, and what words are used to describe our horse's diets. If you've ever felt confused by some of these nutrition buzzwords, or just want to make sure you aren't being misled, this episode is for you. Do you have questions about feeding your horse? Contact us at [email protected] Thanks for riding along with us!
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Ep. 52: Summer Heat and Your Horse Part 2: Nutrition and Management
In our last episode, we explored how horses manage their body temperature and what happens when they experience heat stress. Now, we're diving into how to adjust their diet during hot weather! In this episode we discuss:hay adjustments to reduce metabolic heat, the impact of high-protein diets on hydration, whether or not your horse needs a biotic,and so much more!Plus, we'll cover crucial summer nutrients like chromium, the difference between salt and electrolytes, and how to manage electrolyte needs. We'll also share tips for safe feed storage and the importance of keeping those feed tubs clean!Kemin Chromium for Horses https://www.kemin.com/na/en-us/markets/animal/products/kemtrace-chromium/horse#KTCRFINDNOW Do you have questions about feeding your horse? Contact us at [email protected] Thanks for riding along with us!
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Ep. 51: Summer Heat and Your Horse Part 1: The Science Behind the Stress
Join us as we dive into how horses handle hot weather and the internal changes they undergo when stressed by the heat. We answer critical questions about horse physiology in high temperatures. We'll explore why horses get hot, how they regulate their body temperature, and what happens when they can't. Other important topics discussed include:sources of heat stress, natural cooling strategies, signs of overheating and what to do, how heat stress negatively impacts your horse's gut,inflammatory and immune response to heat stress,just how much electrolyte your horse is losing when he sweats,how exercise compounds heat stress,This episode is crucial for understanding how heat negatively impacts your horse even when everything looks just fine. Do you have questions about feeding your horse? Contact us at [email protected] Thanks for riding along with us!
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