Scoop & Scale: An Equine Podcast (Mostly) About Nutrition

Donkeys are often treated like small horses, but their nutritional needs, behavior, and management requirements are very different. In this episode of Scoop & Scale, we’re joined by Dr. Amy McLean, an equine scientist and Associate Professor at the University of California, Davis, whose research focuses on equid management, behavior, and welfare, with a particular interest in donkeys, mules, hinnies, and working equids.

We explore what makes donkeys unique, from their evolutionary history and remarkable adaptations to their social behavior and specific health and welfare needs. We also take a deep dive into donkey nutrition, discussing why straw can be an important part of the diet, how to manage easy keepers, and why feeding donkeys alongside horses requires careful consideration. We discuss the risks of obesity, laminitis, and hyperlipaemia, and the practical steps owners can take to support donkey health and welfare.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Donkey evolution, domestication, and biology, including how donkeys differ from horses, the relationship between donkeys and zebras, and what makes mules and hinnies unique
• Donkey behavior and welfare, including social bonds, pain recognition, the truth about stubbornness, and the challenges facing working donkeys around the world
• Donkey nutrition and feeding, including the role of straw, choosing appropriate forage, managing pasture, feeding donkeys in mixed horse herds, and meeting their nutritional requirements
• Donkey health and management, including obesity, laminitis, insulin dysregulation, hyperlipaemia, safe weight loss, and the importance of recognizing subtle signs of illness
• Practical advice for donkey owners, from housing and companionship to hydration, treats, and long-term care, and so much more

Whether you own a donkey, keep donkeys alongside horses, care for mules, or simply want to better understand these often-misunderstood equids, this episode offers an evidence-based discussion of donkey nutrition, health, behavior, and welfare. Join us for this episode of Scoop & Scale, the equine nutrition podcast exploring the science behind better feeding, management, and care of horses and other equids.

Dr. Amy McLean is an Associate Professor at the University of California, Davis. She earned her PhD at the University of Michigan, where she studied donkeys, and her research focuses on equid management, behavior, and welfare, with particular emphasis on donkeys, mules, hinnies, and working equids in developing countries.

Dr. Amy McLean, PhD https://animalscience.ucdavis.edu/people/faculty/amy-mclean

The Donkey Sanctuary https://www.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk/

The Donkey Sanctuary Resource Hub https://www.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk/for-owners/owners-resources

The Donkey Sanctuary Donkey Academy https://www.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk/donkey-care/donkey-academy

The Donkey Sanctuary Donkey Body Condition Score Chart https://www.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk/for-owners/owners-resources/donkey-body-condition-score-chart

Donkey and Mule Medicine: Foundations, Breeds, and Management: A Practical Approach to the Treatment and Care of Long Ears - Volume I https://a.co/d/00wdytB5

Donkey and Mule Medicine: Clinical Medicine and Reproduction: A Practical Approach to the Treatment and Care of Long Ears - Volume II https://a.co/d/0dVsf8zk

Do you have questions about feeding your horse? Contact us at info@scoopandscale.com

Thanks for riding along with us!

Equine gastric ulcer syndrome (EGUS) is a common concern for horse owners, but not all gastric ulcers are the same. In this episode of Scoop & Scale, we’re joined by Dr. Ben Sykes, an equine internal medicine specialist and leading researcher on equine gastric ulcer disease. Together we discuss squamous gastric disease, glandular gastric disease, and the confusion surrounding so-called hindgut ulcers in horses.

We explore how these conditions differ, how veterinarians diagnose and treat gastric ulcers, and why some horses struggle to heal despite treatment. We also discuss current research on ulcer medications, nutrition, stress, management, and equine welfare, including practical steps owners can take to support digestive health and reduce ulcer risk.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Equine gastric ulcer syndrome (EGUS), including the differences between squamous and glandular ulcers
• Common signs of digestive discomfort, and why accurate diagnosis matters
• Gastric ulcer diagnosis and treatment, including gastroscopy, omeprazole, sucralfate, misoprostol, and newer treatment options
• Risk factors for gastric ulcers, including stress, exercise, nutrition, and daily management, plus why some ulcers are harder to treat than others
• Practical strategies for ulcer prevention and recovery, including management changes, equine welfare, supporting digestive health, and so much more

Whether your horse has been diagnosed with EGUS, has recurring gastric ulcers, is not responding to treatment, or is showing signs of digestive discomfort, this episode offers an evidence-based discussion of equine gastric ulcer diagnosis, treatment, nutrition, and management.

Dr. Ben Sykes is an equine internal medicine specialist and internationally recognized researcher in equine gastric ulcer syndrome. He was the lead author of the 2015 European College of Equine Internal Medicine (ECEIM) consensus statement on equine gastric ulcer syndrome, which helped establish the distinction between squamous and glandular gastric disease.

This episode is brought to you by Boehringer Ingelheim, makers of GASTROGARD® (omeprazole) oral paste. https://horseowner.boehringer-ingelheim.com/us/products/gastrogard

Do you have questions about feeding your horse? Contact us at info@scoopandscale.com

Thanks for riding along with us!

In Part 2 of our conversation on laminitis, we continue our discussion with Dr. François-René Bertin, DVM, MS, FHEA, PhD, DACVIM (LAIM), a Professor and Director of the Nancy Fair Link Laminitis Research Centre at Mississippi State University, focusing on what horse owners can actually do to manage horses at risk of, or actively dealing with, laminitis. We talk about diet, insulin dysregulation, supplements, medications, and hoof care, including some of the areas where there is still plenty of debate and confusion.

In this episode, we discuss:
• How diet and NSC fit into managing insulin dysregulation and laminitis
• Supplements and medications that may or may not have a role
• Managing pain and inflammation during an active laminitis episode
• Hoof care, therapeutic support, and getting your veterinary and hoof-care team on the same page
• Prognosis, recovery, and what to do when you suspect laminitis

If you haven't listened to Part 1, we recommend starting there. We discussed what causes laminitis, the role of hyperinsulinemia, identifying horses at risk, and testing before turning to the practical side of management in this episode.

Learn more about Dr. Bertin and his research HERE

Scoop & Scale is proudly sponsored by GG Equine. We’re excited to partner with GG Equine, makers of thoughtful slow-feed systems trusted by horse owners, veterinarians, and professionals.

Go graze! Scoop & Scale listeners receive 15% off GreenGuard muzzles with code SCOOPSCALE15

Shop GreenGuard & save 15%

Do you have questions about feeding your horse? Contact us at info@scoopandscale.com

Thanks for riding along with us!

Listen to our discussion as we go over Jill's horse's PPID and insulin results. In this short conversation, We sit down to go through Jill’s horse’s actual bloodwork and talk about what the results mean, what they can and can’t tell us, and how they fit into his overall management.

Do you have questions about feeding your horse? Contact us at info@scoopandscale.com

Thanks for riding along with us!

Laminitis is one of the most serious and misunderstood conditions affecting horses. But what actually happens inside the hoof when a horse develops laminitis?

Our guest for this two-part series is Dr. François-René Bertin, DVM, MS, FHEA, PhD, DACVIM (LAIM), a Professor and Director of the Nancy Fair Link Laminitis Research Centre at Mississippi State University. In Part 1 of this two-part series, we take a closer look at what laminitis is, which structures of the hoof are involved, what happens when those structures become damaged, and why laminitis can be so devastating to the horse. We also explore the causes of laminitis in horses and the different pathways that can trigger the disease. From metabolic dysregulation to systemic illness, when it comes to treatment and prevention, understanding the underlying cause matters.

You'll learn:

• What laminitis actually is and what happens inside the hoof
• The hoof structures involved, including the laminae and coffin bone
• How damage to these structures can affect the hoof
• The common causes and pathways that can lead to laminitis
• Why identifying the underlying cause matters for treatment and prevention

If you've ever wondered what laminitis really is, what is happening inside the hoof, or why a horse develops it in the first place, this episode will give you the foundation you need to better understand this complicated disease.

Learn more about Dr. Bertin and his research HERE

Scoop & Scale is proudly sponsored by GG Equine.

We’re excited to partner with GG Equine, makers of thoughtful slow-feed systems trusted by horse owners, veterinarians, and professionals.

Go graze! Scoop & Scale listeners receive 15% off GreenGuard muzzles with code SCOOPSCALE15

Shop GreenGuard & save 15%

Do you have questions about feeding your horse? Contact us at info@scoopandscale.com

Thanks for riding along with us!

If you have an older horse, you’ve probably heard of Cushing’s disease, but how much has changed in what we know about diagnosing and managing it? In this episode, we take a closer look at pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID), the condition commonly called Cushing’s in horses, and explore why fall is an especially important time to think about testing.

We discuss:

• The early signs of PPID that are easy to mistake for normal aging
• Why the seasonal rise in ACTH makes fall an important testing window
• How ACTH testing and TRH stimulation testing differ, and how results are interpreted
• Why insulin status matters alongside a PPID diagnosis, especially when it comes to laminitis risk and nutrition
• Current approaches to treatment, monitoring, and feeding the PPID horse

If you have a senior horse, suspect PPID, or already have a horse diagnosed with Cushing’s, this episode offers an updated look at what horse owners should know about recognizing, testing, and managing this common endocrine disorder.

Scoop & Scale is proudly sponsored by GG Equine.

We’re excited to partner with GG Equine, makers of thoughtful slow-feed systems trusted by horse owners, veterinarians, and professionals.

Go graze! Scoop & Scale listeners receive 15% off GreenGuard muzzles with code SCOOPSCALE15

Shop GreenGuard & save 15%

Do you have questions about feeding your horse? Contact us at info@scoopandscale.com

Thanks for riding along with us!

What are amino acids, why do they matter, and does your horse actually need an amino acid supplement? In this episode we break down the science behind amino acids, protein quality, muscle development, and the many claims surrounding equine amino acid supplements.

You’ll learn:

• The difference between essential and non-essential amino acids
• What a limiting amino acid is and why lysine, methionine, and threonine are important
• Why amino acids matter for muscle, hooves, hair, and more
• How to evaluate amino acid supplements and what meaningful doses actually look like
• What BCAAs and leucine can really do for muscle
• How much we actually know about amino acid requirements in horses, and more!

If you've ever wondered whether your horse needs more protein, an amino acid supplement, or a product marketed for topline and muscle development, this episode will help you understand what the research supports and what may be more marketing than science.

Do you have questions about feeding your horse? Contact us at info@scoopandscale.com

Thanks for riding along with us!

How much salt does your horse really need? Are salt blocks enough? When should you feed electrolytes and do you actually need them if you're already feeding salt? In this episode we answer your biggest questions about horse salt, electrolytes, and hydration, separating fact from fiction with practical, research-backed advice.

In this episode we explore:

• How much salt your horse actually needs
• Salt blocks vs. loose salt vs. electrolytes and which to use when
• Different types of loose salt and which are best
• Whether salt and electrolytes cause gastric ulcers?
• ...and more!

Whether your horse is competing, trail riding, or simply coping with summer heat, you'll walk away with practical tips to help support hydration, performance, and overall health.

Do you have questions about feeding your horse? Contact us at info@scoopandscale.com

Thanks for riding along with us!

When a wildfire, flood, hurricane, or other disaster threatens your horses, every minute matters. In Part 2 of our disaster preparedness series, we walk through what a real horse evacuation looks like from receiving the first warning to loading horses, navigating chaotic roads, and arriving at an evacuation facility. Joining us is Amy Hausmann, who shares her firsthand experience during California's devastating Tubbs Fire and the lessons she learned from living through multiple subsequent wildfire evacuations.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The Ready, Set, Go evacuation system and why horse owners should leave at Level 1
• How to prepare your horses, trailer, go-bags, documents, feed, and emergency contacts before disaster strikes
• What happens when evacuation plans fall apart, including horses that won't load and situations where animals must be left behind
• What to expect at evacuation centers, how to care for stressed horses, and common health risks after a disaster
• The critical role of volunteers, community response teams, and evacuation networks during large-scale emergencies

Whether you live in wildfire country, flood-prone areas, hurricane zones, or tornado alley, this episode provides practical, real-world guidance that could help save lives when disaster strikes.

Watch Duty - https://app.watchduty.org/

Fleet of Angels - https://www.fleetofangels.org/

Do you have questions about feeding your horse? Contact us at info@scoopandscale.com

Thanks for riding along with us!

Every year, natural disasters force horse owners to make critical decisions with little warning. In Part 1 of this two-part series, we cover the essential steps you can take now to prepare your horses, property, and support network before an emergency happens.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Why every horse needs permanent identification and up-to-date records
• Building an emergency support network and connecting with local resources before disaster strikes
• Creating an evacuation plan, including destinations, routes, and transportation logistics
• Preparing emergency supplies, feed, medications, and essential paperwork for your horses
• Why practicing trailer loading and emergency procedures can make all the difference when time is limited

Whether your risk is wildfire, flood, hurricane, tornado, derecho, or another natural disaster, the best emergency plan is the one you create before you need it. This episode will give you the tips you need to get that done.

Do you have questions about feeding your horse? Contact us at info@scoopandscale.com

Thanks for riding along with us!

Summer means horse shows, trail rides, vacations, and long days on the road with our horses. But are you prepared for the unique challenges that come with trailering horses in hot weather? In this episode we discuss how to keep your horse safe, comfortable, and healthy while traveling during the summer months.

In this episode, we cover:
• Trailer safety and pre-trip checks
• Preventing heat stress during travel
• Hydration, salt, and electrolytes
• Emergency gear every trailer needs
• Biosecurity and travel paperwork

Whether you're heading to a horse show, trail riding destination, clinic, or summer getaway, this episode will help you travel safely and confidently with your horse.

Do you have questions about feeding your horse? Contact us at info@scoopandscale.com

Thanks for riding along with us!

Hay season is here! While most horse owners focus on buying and feeding hay, few have firsthand experience with what it actually takes to grow, harvest, and store quality horse hay. In this episode, Jill shares her journey from boarding barns in Arizona to purchasing hay in Colorado and ultimately becoming a hay producer in Iowa. Along the way, we discuss the realities of hay farming, the challenges of producing quality forage, and answer listener questions about hay testing, nutrition, storage, and feeding.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Jill's journey from horse owner to hay farmer

• The challenges of growing and harvesting horse hay

• Hay testing, cuttings, and nutrient differences

• Feeding fresh hay and evaluating hay quality

• Hay costs, production realities, and so much more

Whether you're buying a few bales, storing a year's worth of hay, contemplating growing your own, or simply curious about where your horse's forage comes from, this episode offers valuable insights into the world of hay production and equine nutrition.

Do you have questions about feeding your horse? Contact us at info@scoopandscale.com

Thanks for riding along with us!

Seasonal itching, hives, and respiratory issues: equine allergies can be frustrating, confusing, and difficult to manage. In this episode we’re joined by special guest Dr. Rosanna Marsella. Dr. Marsella is a board-certified veterinary dermatologist and professor at the University of Florida. She has authored more than 150 peer-reviewed articles, written several books and contributed to numerous others. She has also served as president of the American College of Veterinary Dermatology and co-editor of Veterinary Dermatology.

Together, we unpack the most common causes of allergies in horses, how they present clinically, and what horse owners need to know about diagnosis and treatment especially regarding widely misunderstood topics like food allergies and blood testing.

In this episode, we cover:

• The most common types of equine allergies (insects, environment, and more) and how they show up clinically
• When to call your veterinarian and what to expect during diagnosis and treatment
• Why blood allergy testing is often unreliable (especially for feed-related allergies)
• Practical management strategies, from fly control to environmental changes and nutrition support
• And so much more

Equine allergies are often misunderstood, and this conversation helps separate common myths from what the science actually shows.

To learn more about Dr. Marsella https://www.vetmed.ufl.edu/profile/marsella-rosanna/

Consensus Statement https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/vde.13168

Do you have questions about feeding your horse? Contact us at info@scoopandscale.com

Thanks for riding along with us!

Ration balancers are one of the most commonly recommended feeds in the horse world but what are they really doing, and does your horse actually need one?

If your horse is living on pasture or hay looking good and maintaining weight, it’s easy to assume their diet is “complete". In reality, many diets fall short in key nutrients that support long-term health, topline, and performance. The effects of these deficiencies may not show up for a long time.

In this episode, we break down what ration balancers are, how they work, where they fit into your horse’s feeding program, and some of the most common misconceptions we see.

We discuss:

• What a ration balancer is and how it differs from other feeds and supplements
• Why forage-only diets are often missing key nutrients
• The role of protein, minerals, and vitamins in balancing the diet
• Ration balancer vs. ration-balancing supplements: what’s the difference
• When you may need to add a ration balancer to other feeds that you are feeding
• And so much more

Whether you’re feeding a performance horse, an easy keeper, or anything in between, this episode will help you better understand how to support your horse’s nutrition without adding unnecessary calories.

Do you have questions about feeding your horse? Contact us at info@scoopandscale.com

Thanks for riding along with us!

Foal nutrition and young horse development set the foundation for a lifetime of health, soundness, and performance.

From birth through weaning and into early training, feeding young horses correctly is critical, but often misunderstood. Nutrition during this stage directly impacts growth, joint health, metabolism, and long-term success.

In this episode, we break down foal nutrition, weanling feeding strategies, and young horse development, including how the broodmare supports early growth through lactation, when to introduce feed, and how to avoid common mistakes that can impact soundness.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Foal nutrition from birth,
• The important roles of protein and calcium in early growth
• When to introduce feed to foals and how to choose the right growth feed for weanlings
• How nutrition and growth rate influence developmental orthopedic disease (OCD) and joint health
• Best practices for weaning, diet transitions, and maintaining steady, consistent growth
• And so much more

Whether you’re raising a foal, buying a weanling, or managing young performance horses, this episode will help you make more informed feeding decisions to support healthy growth, soundness, and long-term success.

Do you have questions about feeding your horse? Contact us at info@scoopandscale.com

Thanks for riding along with us!

Mare nutrition plays a far bigger role in foal development than most horse owners realize and the science is now showing that what happens during pregnancy can influence a foal for life. In this episode, we break down and explore how broodmare diet shapes foal growth, metabolism, and long-term soundness.

From epigenetics and fetal programming to practical feeding strategies for pregnant mares, this conversation connects cutting-edge research with real-world feeding decisions for horse owners, breeders, and equine professionals.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Why broodmare nutrition is critical before conception and during pregnancy
• How epigenetics and fetal programming influence foal development
• The role of energy intake, body condition score, and metabolic health in mares
• What research shows about overfeeding, restriction, and long-term foal outcomes
• And so much more

Whether you’re breeding performance horses, managing a small broodmare herd, or simply want to better understand equine nutrition science, this episode will change how you think about feeding mares and raising foals.

Do you have questions about feeding your horse? Contact us at info@scoopandscale.com

Thanks for riding along with us!

Spring means more riding and possibly more oxidative stress for your horse. After a winter on hay, many horses may be low in vitamin E, a key antioxidant for overall health.

In this episode, we cover:
-What vitamin E is and why it matters
-Why hay and limited pasture diets can lead to deficiency
-Signs of low vitamin E and related issues
-How to test and supplement correctly
-Choosing the right form, dosing, and so much more

Whether you have a performance horse, a pasture companion, or a horse recovering from illness, this episode will help you make informed decisions about equine nutrition, supplementation, and long-term health.

Do you have questions about feeding your horse? Contact us at info@scoopandscale.com

Thanks for riding along with us!

Equine asthma is one of the most common respiratory conditions affecting horses, yet many owners miss the early warning signs. In this episode we speak with Dr. Laurent Couëtil, DVM, PhD, DACVIM, about equine asthma in horses, including symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment options.

Dr. Couëtil, director of the Donald J. McCrosky Equine Sports Medicine Center at Purdue University, shares his expertise on equine respiratory health and why lung function is critical for performance horses.

In this episode we discuss:
-Early signs of equine asthma and what horse owners should watch for
-Why coughing during exercise isn’t normal
-How veterinarians diagnose respiratory disease, including BAL testing
-Treatment and management options, from environmental changes to medications
-New research, emerging therapies, and more

Whether your horse occasionally coughs or you simply want to better protect your horse’s respiratory health, this episode offers practical insights backed by veterinary research.

You can learn more about Dr. Couëtil and his research on the following website https://vet.purdue.edu/directory/person.php?id=12. You can find his published researched HERE

Do you have questions about feeding your horse? Contact us at info@scoopandscale.com

Thanks for riding along with us!

Cracks, chips, weak hoof walls, and soft soles are common concerns for horse owners. But do hoof supplements actually work, and does nutrition really improve hoof quality?

In this episode, we break down the biology of hoof growth and explain why strong feet start with a balanced diet, not just another supplement. We cover how hooves grow, the key nutrients involved in building durable hoof horn, and how to determine whether your horse actually needs additional support.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• What the hoof wall and sole are made of and why keratin matters
• How nutrition impacts hoof growth and long-term hoof strength
• The role of biotin, amino acids, zinc, and copper in hoof quality
• Why balancing the whole diet is more effective than stacking supplements
• Realistic timelines for improving hoof health

Strong hooves are not built with quick fixes or magic ingredients. They are the result of consistent management, balanced nutrition, and patience. Understanding the science behind hoof growth will help you make smarter decisions and support long-term soundness.

Do you have questions about feeding your horse? Contact us at info@scoopandscale.com

Thanks for riding along with us!

In this episode we discuss a challenge many horse owners face: fat or overweight horses. From disciplines where a “round” horse is seen as ideal to the health risks of carrying extra weight, we cover why managing body condition matters.

Our guest, Madeline Boast, MSc, PAS, equine nutritionist and founder of Balanced Bay Nutrition, shares her research on safe weight loss programs for horses and explains how diet, exercise, and metabolic health work together to support long-term wellbeing.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why overweight horses are so common, especially easy keepers
• How to check body condition and spot risky fat deposits
• Safe ways to help horses lose weight with diet and exercise
• How fat affects inflammation, laminitis, and metabolic health
• Tips for forage management, slow feeders, and practical weight control

To learn more about Madeline and Balanced Bay Nutrition you can visit her website here https://balancedbaynutrition.com/

Here is an episode to Ep. 38: Body Weight, Condition Scoring and Equine Nutrition https://scoopandscale.com/ep-38-body-weight-condition-scoring-and-equine-nutrition/

Do you have questions about feeding your horse? Contact us at info@scoopandscale.com

Thanks for riding along with us!