06/01/2026
🐴 Equine Nutrition Tip of the Day 🐴
Did you know that not all horse feeds are created equal?
Many commercial grain-based feeds are high in starches and sugars, which can place unnecessary stress on a horse’s digestive system. Horses are designed to consume forage throughout the day, and large grain meals can sometimes contribute to digestive upset and metabolic challenges.
⚠️ Potential concerns with high-grain diets may include:
• Increased risk of digestive disturbances such as colic and hindgut imbalance
• Greater likelihood of gastric ulcer development
• Blood sugar and insulin fluctuations that can impact metabolic health
• Excess energy that may present as excitability or difficult behavior
• Reduced nutritional value due to heavy processing
• Added sugars and sweeteners that offer little nutritional benefit
🌾 A forage-first approach, combined with a balanced nutrition program tailored to your horse’s individual needs, is often the foundation of long-term health, performance, and digestive wellness.
Every horse is different, and nutrition should never be a one-size-fits-all approach. If you have questions about your horse’s diet, we’re here to help!
Note: Some horses, especially performance horses, growing horses, and those with increased caloric needs, may benefit from carefully selected concentrates. Nutrition plans should always be individualized for the horse’s age, workload, body condition, and health status.
📍 Klepinger Equine Dentistry & Nutrition
💻 equinedentist01.com
📞 904-327-9116