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!

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!

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!