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

Dr. Clair Thunes and Jill Jackson
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Dr. Clair Thunes and Jill Jackson dish up the science and weigh the facts about equine nutrition, horse care, and industry topics.

  1. 3D AGO

    Ep. 59: Chew on This: Equine Teeth, Dentistry & Nutrition (Part 1)

    In part 1 of our 2 part series on the impact of equine dental health on equine nutrition, we focus on what makes equine teeth unique and why having a qualified equine dental professional as part of your horse's care team is vital to their health and well-being. Our expert guest, Kai Yun Lai, a certified equine dental provider with a master's in equine nutrition, shares invaluable insights on: The fascinating evolution of horse teeth over millions of years.How your horse's teeth change over their lifetime.The important roles that the different types of teeth play. Common dental problems and signs horse owners should watch out for.The link between poor dental health and emergencies like choke and colic.Why annual dental checks should occur at least annually, and what a routine appointment entails.Key differences between equine dentists and veterinarians and what they're legally allowed to do.Don't miss this essential episode to ensure your horse's optimal health and well-being through proper dental care.  To learn more about or to contact Kai Yun Lai click HERE Evolution of the Horse  Information and Graphics Do you have questions about feeding your horse? Contact us at info@scoopandscale.com Thanks for riding along with us!

    1h 7m

  2. SEP 15

    Ep. 58: Poisonous Plants and Horses: How to Spot and Manage Risks

    Trees can be beautiful in the Fall but those pretty leaves and seeds may be toxic to your horse. In this episode of Scoop and Scale, we sit down with Dr. Krishona Martinson, Professor and Equine Extension Specialist at the University of Minnesota, to talk about poisonous plants and how to keep horses safe. You’ll learn: Some common trees, shrubs and pasture plants that are poisonousWhy some plants are more dangerous than othersSymptoms to watch for if your horse ingests something toxic  What to do if you suspect poisoningHow to manage your pastures reduce risksWhat to do if there are toxic weeds in your hay Practical steps you can take to prevent exposure in everyday settingsA must-listen for horse owners who want peace of mind heading into fall and all year round.  To learn more about Dr. Krishona Martinson click HERE  UMN Equine Extension Program Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/UMNExtEquine    UMN Equine Extension website: https://extension.umn.edu/horse/horse-pastures-and-facilities#plants-that-can-be-harmful-in-the-pasture-1241413   UMN Equine Extension YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgKrdVlbGmFtwWDqlI_h87Q   UMN Poisonous Plant Poster https://www.facebook.com/share/p/16G3KaV2jP/  UMN Poisonous Plant Book: https://bookstores.umn.edu/product/book/plants-poisonous-or-harmful-horses-midwest-book-2020-edition    Do you have questions about feeding your horse? Contact us at info@scoopandscale.com Thanks for riding along with us!

    1h 26m

  3. SEP 1

    Ep. 57: Not All Equine Nutritionists Are Created Equal: How to Find Qualified Advice

    What does it really mean to be an equine nutritionist, and how can horse owners tell if the advice they’re getting is coming from an appropriately qualified expert? In this episode, Jill and Dr. Clair Thunes are joined by Dr. Rachel Mottet of Legacy Equine Nutrition to discuss the often confusing world of equine nutrition credentials. In this episode we discuss: -Why “Equine Nutritionist” is not a protected title and what that means for horse owners -The difference between formal degrees (BS, MS, PhD) and non-credentialed programs -Why some PhDs believe the term “equine nutritionist” should be reserved for doctoral-level professionals -What to ask before hiring someone to evaluate your horse’s diet -The role of certified equine nutrition advisors and how they differ from nutritionists -How to spot red flags when seeking nutrition advice online  -Practical steps to ensure you and your horse gets expert, evidence-based nutritional guidance If you’ve ever wondered how to separate expertise from opinion in equine nutrition, this episode will give you the tools to make informed decisions for your horse’s health. Do you have questions about feeding your horse? Contact us at info@scoopandscale.com Thanks for riding along with us!

    1 hr

  4. AUG 18

    Ep. 56: Horse Feed Tags Demystified: How to Read and Compare Feeds

    Ever found yourself in the feed store (or deep in a late-night Google search) wondering if there’s a better horse feed out there for your equine partner? With so many options and so much marketing jargon, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. In this episode, we take you through how to read and understand horse feed labels, so you can cut through the noise and make confident, informed choices for your horse’s nutrition. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: - Why a feed's name can be misleading - How to find and understand the feed's purpose statement  - What the guaranteed analysis really tells you  - Why reading an ingredient list beyond the first few items is important - Why feeding rate and bag weight can drastically change the real cost per day - Common marketing buzzwords and product names designed to sway your decision (and how to look past them). By the end of this episode, you’ll have a clear framework to evaluate your horse feed so you can confidently answer the question: Is this the right feed for my horse?  Do you have questions about feeding your horse? Contact us at info@scoopandscale.com Thanks for riding along with us!

    1h 19m

  5. AUG 4

    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 deeper understanding of hay pellets and cubes, this episode will give you the insight and confidence to feed smarter. Mentioned in this episode: Ep. 38: Body Weight, Condition Scoring and Equine Nutrition https://scoopandscale.com/ep-38-body-weight-condition-scoring-and-equine-nutrition/  Ep. 49: Beyond Diarrhea: Identifying and Managing Free Fecal Water Syndrome (FFWS) in Horses https://scoopandscale.com/ep-49-beyond-diarrhea-identifying-and-managing-free-fecal-water-syndrome-ffws-in-horses/  Pre-Vent Feeder https://youtu.be/VVUMjg5ENc4?si=i4HghUJKBy99QBbq iFeed Automatic Feeder https://ifeednaturally.com/  Do you have questions about feeding your horse? Contact us at info@scoopandscale.com Thanks for riding along with us!

    51 min

  6. JUL 21

    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 for metabolic horses? Or have we been grazing on myths?  In this powerful, research-backed episode, we sit down with Dr. Michelle DeBoer of Equine, PhD, the voice behind the viral post that ignited over 1,500 likes, 400+ comments, and 1,200 shares—and shook up everything we thought we knew about grass height, NSC (non-structural carbohydrates), 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 needed Whether you're managing a pony with metabolic issues, a performance horse on turnout, or just want to feed smarter with science, this episode will challenge 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 Levels https://www.facebook.com/share/p/16sC8Xeqoo/ Do you have questions about feeding your horse? Contact us at info@scoopandscale.com Thanks for riding along with us!

    1h 13m

  7. JUL 7

    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 marketing When 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 info@scoopandscale.com Thanks for riding along with us!

    37 min

  8. JUN 20

    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 info@scoopandscale.com Thanks for riding along with us!

    1h 1m
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4.9
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Dr. Clair Thunes and Jill Jackson dish up the science and weigh the facts about equine nutrition, horse care, and industry topics.

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