The Equine Connection Podcast

Do's and Don't of Soaking Horse Feed & Hay

This episode discusses the importance and methodologies of soaking feed for horses. The conversation highlights several reasons why owners might soak feed, including preventing choke, aiding horses with poor or missing teeth, and managing metabolic issues through reducing sugar intake in hay.

Dr. Nicole Rambo provides detailed advice on how to properly soak pelleted and textured horse feeds, hay pellets, and beet pulp, emphasizing the need to avoid nutrient loss and prevent mold and bacteria growth. She also covers the significance of monitoring soaked feed in various climates and offers tips on handling hay for metabolic horses, suggesting alternatives like tested low-NSC forages and stressing the importance of post-soaking care to ensure safety and nutritional adequacy. The episode wraps up by acknowledging the reality of choke in horses, stressing thorough post-feeding checks to catch and manage choke incidents quickly.

You can learn more about these topics by visiting our expertise page HERE

If you have any questions or concerns about your own horse, please contact us HERE

This podcast was brought to you by Tribute Superior Equine Nutrition

 

Constant Comfort® Gut Health Paste for Horses

In this episode, Dr. Nicole Rambo, alongside equine specialists Sarah and Heather, introduce a new product from Tribute Superior Equine Nutrition called Constant Comfort® Paste, an extension of their Constant Comfort® gut health supplement line.

The Constant Comfort® line supports horse gut health, a top concern among horse owners. The paste is designed for convenience and is particularly useful during travel or stressful events, offering a quick and effective way to support a horse's digestive system. The episode dives into the details of the Constant Comfort® system, which includes a supplement and a block, in addition to the new paste.

Each product's ingredients and their benefits are discussed, including a comparison between the new paste and other gut health products, like UlcerGard. It is stressed that the Constant Comfort® products, including the paste, are supplements with natural ingredients designed for buffering stomach acid and supporting the stomach lining, rather than drugs. The episode also addresses practical considerations for using these products in a horse's daily routine and in response to their stress levels, providing a comprehensive overview for horse owners on enhancing their horse's gut health.

You can learn more about these topics by visiting our expertise page HERE

If you have any questions or concerns about your own horse, please contact us HERE

This podcast was brought to you by Tribute Superior Equine Nutrition

 

Importance of Calcium/Phosphorus Ratios in Horses

In this episode, the team discusses the critical role of calcium and phosphorus balance in the diets of young, growing horses, as well as pregnant mares. Highlighting the importance of maintaining a calcium to phosphorus ratio between 1:1 and 2:1, Dr. Rambo explains how this balance impacts bone development and the prevention of skeletal deformities. She emphasizes the need for hay analysis to properly assess and adjust the equine diet, considering the potential for nutritional imbalances that could lead to conditions like developmental orthopedic disorders (OCDs) and big head disease.

The conversation also covers the risks of overfeeding calcium through high-alfalfa diets, the potential of phosphorus deficiency, and the significance of correct nutritional planning from gestation onwards to foster healthy growth and minimize developmental issues. Dr. Rambo advocates for testing forage as a proactive measure in equine nutrition management.

You can learn more about these topics by visiting our expertise page HERE

If you have any questions or concerns about your own horse, please contact us HERE

This podcast was brought to you by Tribute Superior Equine Nutrition

 

How the Heck Do I Feed this Horse: Elevated Liver Enzymes

In this episode, Dr. Nicole Rambo and equine specialists Heather and Sarah discuss a concern regarding equine liver health. They explore a case involving a nine-year-old racehorse with elevated liver enzymes and whether a diet change is necessary. The discussion covers potential causes of liver issues in horses, including viruses, parasites, unknown origins, and dietary impacts. They emphasize the importance of appropriate training and diet, debunk common misconceptions about diet causing liver enzyme elevations, and suggest practical approaches for managing horses showing signs of liver stress. The podcast aims to inform horse owners and trainers about managing and preventing liver health issues in horses, with a focus on racehorses.

You can learn more about these topics by visiting our expertise page HERE

If you have any questions or concerns about your own horse, please contact us HERE

This podcast was brought to you by Tribute Superior Equine Nutrition

 

How Horse Feeds Affect Emotional Health

In this episode, the discussion centers around 'emotional horse feeds' - horse feed ingredients that may cause horses to become hot, hyper, or excitable. Dr. Rambo explains how changes in diet, especially those involving sugar and starch, can significantly affect a horse's behavior. Exploring the reasons behind this, this podcast covers how diets high in sugar and starch can disrupt a horse's gut microbiota and potentially lead to digestive upset, resulting in what might be perceived as emotional behavior.

Additionally, the episode debunks myths surrounding protein's impact on behavior and discusses the role of forage and the importance of low-starch and high-fat diets in moderating a horse's energy levels. The dialogue further addresses common misconceptions about feed ingredients, offering practical advice for owners seeking to manage their horses' diet for more stable behavior.

You can learn more about these topics by visiting our expertise page HERE

If you have any questions or concerns about your own horse, please contact us HERE

This podcast was brought to you by Tribute Superior Equine Nutrition

How the Heck Do I Feed This Horse Series: Orphan Foals

In this episode, we discuss the critical aspects of caring for orphan foals. The focus is on the immediate nutritional needs following the loss of their mother, emphasizing the importance of colostrum in the first 12 to 24 hours of life, options for milk replacers, and strategies for managing feeding and socialization as they grow. The experts also touch on the hypothetical scenario of transitioning a mare that has lost its foal and address potential health issues, such as gastric ulcers in foals. They offer resources and support for breeders facing such challenges and encourage reaching out for personalized advice through various means provided by Tribute Equine Nutrition.

You can learn more about these topics by visiting our expertise page HERE

If you have any questions or concerns about your own horse, please contact us HERE

This podcast was brought to you by Tribute Superior Equine Nutrition

Forage-Based Diets for Horses

This week, we feature a discussion between co-host Kim Brown and equine nutritionist Dr. Nicole Rambo on forage-based diets for horses. They explore what constitutes a forage-based diet, emphasizing that while forage should be the bulk of a horse's diet, it does not mean excluding other nutritional sources.

Dr. Rambo addresses common misconceptions, the importance of balancing forage with other nutrients, and how to adapt diet plans for various scenarios like senior horses, drought conditions, or horses needing additional calories. They also discuss the role of ration balancers and specialized feeds in supplementing a forage-based diet, ensuring horses receive all necessary nutrients for optimal health and performance.

You can learn more about these topics by visiting our expertise page HERE

If you have any questions or concerns about your own horse, please contact us HERE

This podcast was brought to you by Tribute Superior Equine Nutrition

Introducing Synergize™, A Premium Horse Feed

In this episode of the Equine Connection podcast, Dr. Nicole Rambo and her team introduce a new horse feed from Tribute Equine Nutrition, Synergize™. This high-fat, low non-structural carbohydrate (NSC) blend is designed to increase the fat and fiber content in a horse's diet, while keeping low NSC levels.

They contrast Synergize™ with Kalm Ultra®, another high-fat horse feed, highlighting Synergize™'s higher fiber and lower NSC content. The hosts discuss the benefits of Synergize™, including its gut health package, which is comprised of Equi-Ferm XL® (a pre and probiotic) and Constant Comfort® (seaweed-derived calcium for additional stomach support), making it suitable for horses needing more calories, horses with specific dietary concerns like PSSM type 1, or for maintaining efficient digestive health.

You can learn more about these topics by visiting our expertise page HERE

If you have any questions or concerns about your own horse, please contact us HERE

This podcast was brought to you by Tribute Superior Equine Nutrition

What Blocks Does My Horse Need?

In this episode of The Equine Connection Podcast, co-hosts Kim Brown and Dr. Nicole Rambo, an equine nutritionist, delve into the world of equine supplement blocks, focusing on salt, mineral, and supplement blocks available in feed stores. They discuss the importance of free-choice salt for horses and explain the differences between various colored salt blocks, including white, red, and blue, and the nutritional value of each.

Emphasizing the need for simplicity and appropriateness when selecting supplement blocks for horses, Dr. Rambo introduces Tribute's unique supplement blocks designed specifically for horses, including the Grass Assist Block, the Fly Control Block, and the Constant Comfort Block. They provide tips for ensuring these blocks stay fresh and are placed strategically. The episode underscores the holistic approach to equine nutrition and offers practical advice for horse owners navigating supplement options.

You can learn more about these topics by visiting our expertise page HERE

If you have any questions or concerns about your own horse, please contact us HERE

This podcast was brought to you by Tribute Superior Equine Nutrition

Bonus Episode: What to Feed After Hygain Exits USA Market

In this bonus Equine Connection Podcast episode, hosted by Tribute Superior Equine Nutrition, the hosts discuss the recent departure of Hygain from the U.S. market. They delve into how this affects horse owners seeking alternative feeds and offer detailed recommendations and comparisons for substituting Hygain's popular products. The discussion includes specifics on feeds like Munga, High Gain Zero, Showtorque, Growtorque, Tru Breed, Meta Safe, and Hygain Release.

The hosts emphasize Tribute's role in assisting horse owners through this transition, providing insights into equine dietary needs and the nuances of choosing the right feed. The episode offers guidance on contacting Tribute Equine Nutrition for personalized feeding plans, aiming to help horse owners navigate their feeding challenges with tailored solutions.

You can learn more about these topics by visiting our expertise page HERE

If you have any questions or concerns about your own horse, please contact us HERE

This podcast was brought to you by Tribute Superior Equine Nutrition