Horse nutrition can feel complicated.

Grain, hay, supplements, fiber, protein … it's easy to get overwhelmed trying to do the best for your horse.

In this episode, Dr. Beth Barrett breaks down the fundamentals of equine nutrition so horse owners can make confident, practical feeding decisions. From why fiber is the foundation of a horse's diet to common feeding mistakes and supplement myths, this conversation brings clarity to what horses actually need to stay healthy.

Whether you're caring for a performance horse, a pasture companion, or your child's pony, this episode will help you better understand what belongs in the feed bucket—and what doesn't.

In This Episode

Dr. Beth explains:

• Why fiber is the cornerstone of equine nutrition

• The important role hay and forage play in digestive health

• How the equine digestive system works and why it matters when feeding

• When horses actually need grain or concentrates

• Common feeding mistakes horse owners make

• The truth about supplements and whether they're necessary

• How to evaluate your horse's body condition and diet

• Practical tips for creating a balanced feeding routine

Key Takeaways

1. Horses are designed to eat fibre firstA horse's digestive system is built to process forage throughout the day. High-quality hay or pasture should form the majority of their diet.

2. More grain isn't always betterMany horses get more concentrates than they actually need, which can create digestive issues and metabolic problems.

3. Small, consistent meals matterHorses naturally graze throughout the day. Feeding large meals infrequently can disrupt digestion.

4. Supplements aren't always necessaryMany horses receiving balanced feed and good forage don't need additional supplements.

5. Every horse is differentAge, workload, health conditions, and metabolism all influence the right feeding plan.

Why This Matters

Feeding decisions impact everything from digestion and energy levels to long-term health. Understanding the basics of equine nutrition can help prevent common problems like colic, obesity, and metabolic disorders.

About Dr. Beth Barrett

Dr. Beth Barrett is a veterinarian and the owner of Barrett Veterinary Practice, where she focuses on helping animals live healthier, happier lives. Through The Independent Vet podcast, she shares practical veterinary insights to help pet and animal owners make informed care decisions.

Feed & Nutrition Brands Mentioned in This Episode

During the conversation, Dr. Beth referenced a few products and resources horse owners may want to explore when building a balanced feeding program.

Mad Barn – Omneity® Ration BalancerA vitamin and mineral supplement designed to fill nutritional gaps in forage-based diets and help balance a horse's overall nutrition.https://madbarn.ca/product/omneity/

Kentucky Equine Research – EO-3™An omega-3 supplement that provides DHA and EPA from fish oil to help improve the omega-3 to omega-6 ratio in a horse's diet and support overall health.https://ker.com/hoof-coat/eo-3/

United Farmers of Alberta (UFA)A common place for horse owners to purchase farm supplies, including bulk salt often used in horse diets. https://ufa.com

Bulk BarnAnother place Dr. Beth mentioned where plain salt can often be purchased inexpensively. https://www.bulkbarn.ca

LINKS FROM EPISODE

• Barrett Veterinary Practice (https://barrettvet.ca)
• American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) Vaccine Guidelines (https://www.aaha.org)
• Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) (https://www.canadianveterinarians.net)
• ASPCA Pet Care Resources (https://www.aspca.org/pet-care)