DiscoverHappy Horse Nutrition19. Does My Horse Need Grain?
19. Does My Horse Need Grain?

19. Does My Horse Need Grain?

Update: 2025-09-23
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Description

Join PhD equine nutritionist Dr. Nerida as she tackles one of horse owners' most pressing questions: does my horse actually need grain? This comprehensive equine nutrition episode breaks down the science behind horse grain feeding, revealing why most horses don't need grain at all - and the specific cases where they do.


What You'll Learn:

  • The ONLY reason to feed grain to horses (it's simpler than you think)
  • Which horses should NEVER have grain (insulin dysregulation, PPID, metabolic syndrome)
  • How grain feeding can cause laminitis, colic, behavioral issues, and gut dysbiosis
  • The "Absolutely Not, No, Maybe, Yes" framework for determining if YOUR horse needs grain
  • Safe grain feeding amounts: maximum limits to prevent hindgut damage
  • Why cooked grains are essential (except for oats) and which processing methods work best
  • Real-world examples from racehorses, yearlings and broodmares


Key Takeaways: Dr. Nerida reveals her ideal maximum of just 0.5kg grain per 100kg body weight (that's only 2.5kg for a 500kg horse!) and explains why performance actually improves when grain is reduced, not increased. She also busts the myth that overweight, lazy horses need more grain - often it's exactly the opposite.

Perfect for horse owners who want evidence-based nutrition advice without the confusion. Whether you're dealing with a good doer, a hard keeper, or a performance horse, this episode gives you the tools to make informed feeding decisions.


Discover and download the MyHappy.Horse app: https://www.myhappy.horse

And ask your nutrition questions 24/7 with Dr Nerida AI: https://www.myhappy.horse/nerida-ai 

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a rating and review! It really helps us to get grounded, science-based information to horse owners… and it is their horses who benefit the most! ❤️

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19. Does My Horse Need Grain?

19. Does My Horse Need Grain?

MyHappy.Horse