Many horse owners focus on choosing the best hay, grain, or supplements, but research shows that when you feed can also impact how well your horse utilizes protein and amino acids.

On this episode, co-hosts Dr. Tania Cubitt and Katy Starr and guest Dr. Sara Mastellar, equine nutrition researcher and professor at Ohio State ATI, break down her research on meal frequency and protein metabolism in horses, including:

• The difference between “just feeding protein” vs. ensuring your horse gets the right amino acids
• Why feeding multiple meals a day can improve your horse’s nutrient absorption
• Simple, practical ways to adjust your horse’s feeding routine for better health

As Dr. Mastellar mentions, “Observation is central to good horsemanship.” If you’ve ever wondered whether your feeding schedule is truly working for your horse, this is an episode you don’t want to miss!

🎧 Listen now on Beyond the Barn!

Have a topic idea or feedback to share? We want to connect with you! Email [email protected]

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Connect with Dr. Sara Mastellar on:

• University profile page with email address
• Ohio State – College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences on facebook
• Ohio State ATI Equine Center on facebook

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Scientific references – 

Full list of amino acids - https://thehorse.com/113117/amino-acids-101/

• Mastellar, S. L., E. R. Share, J. K. Suagee-Bedore, K. Bennett-Wimbush, N. R. Liburt, A. Krotky, B. Cassill, K. L. Urschel, and P. A. Harris. 2023. 74 Effects of meal frequency on plasma amino acid concentrations in horses of various body condition scores. Journal of Equine Veterinary Science 124:104376. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jevs.2023.104376
• Share, E. R., S. L. Mastellar, J. N. Rumble, and M. L. Eastridge. 2025. Feeding and housing management practices of the Ohio horse industry: A survey. Journal of Equine Veterinary Science. Accepted.
• Brown, A. V., E. R. Share, N. Liburt, J. K. Bedore, P. Harris, and S. L. Mastellar. 2024. Effects of Meal Frequency on Heart Rate in Horses American Society of Animal Science Midwest No. PSIV-A-8, Madison, WI.
• Link to “Evaluating Body Composition of Horses” factsheet: https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/as-1024

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*Views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the view of Standlee Premium Products, LLC.*

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