Tag Archives: calories

The Facts About Feeding Straw

Posted on November 16, 2020 by Dr. Kellon

Straw is often recommended as an alternative to hay in a variety of scenarios – hay shortage, for weight loss, to decrease sugar/starch in the diet or simply to give the horse something to chew on for longer periods without … Continue reading →

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Skeletal Development in Young Horses

Posted on September 18, 2020 by Dr. Kellon

“You are what you eat” is never more true than with a gr0wing animal.  The mare will rob her own body if necessary to provide for the growing foal, but by 2 months, when he starts eating solid food, only … Continue reading →

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Fiber is Much More than Bulk

Posted on May 23, 2020 by Dr. Kellon

We humans are just starting to recognize dietary fiber benefits for ourselves in terms of preventing colon cancer, modulating blood glucose levels and supporting good bowel function.  In horses, there is even more to it.  Fiber is also a major … Continue reading →

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Spring Pastures

Posted on May 2, 2020 by Dr. Kellon

In most areas of North America, pastures are coming to their verdant peak.  This beautiful flush is also a powerhouse of nutrition for the horse. Spring grass has abundant supplies of  vitamins and omega-3 essential fats which likely contribute to … Continue reading →

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Mid-Pregnancy Nutrition

Posted on November 3, 2019 by Dr. Kellon

When an average size mare delivers she will have produced a 100+ lb foal, an 11 pound placenta, and as much as 16 pounds of fluid. She has also greatly increased the size and thickness of her uterus and blood … Continue reading →

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Nutrition for the Lactating Mare

Posted on May 4, 2019 by Dr. Kellon

There is a reason the horse evolved to foal in the Spring. The rich, tender, high moisture young vegetation provides the energy and protein dense nutrition the mare needs to make sufficient milk. In peak lactation the mare needs 1.8X … Continue reading →

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Immune Function

Posted on February 26, 2018 by Dr. Kellon

The immune system is truly an army, with Infantry, Special Forces and even an Intelligence division. Communications employs tens of thousands of different codes carried on the cytokines which also connect it to each and every organ function of the … Continue reading →

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Nutrition for Advancing Pregnancy

Posted on February 11, 2018 by Dr. Kellon

In the last half of pregnancy the foal grows from the size of a small dog to an average 100 lb foal. Nutritional needs ramp up significantly in late pregnancy and calories are the least of the concerns.  This means … Continue reading →

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Matching Feeding to Activity Level

Posted on October 15, 2017 by Dr. Kellon

Show season is winding down, vacations over, kids back in school, holidays on the horizon and many horses are getting less work as a result.   It’s important to scale back calories, and in some instances type of calories.  It’s equally … Continue reading →

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Late Summer Weight Loss

Posted on August 6, 2017 by Dr. Kellon

Weight loss in late summer is a fairly common problem. It can have many different causes and pinpointing the reason is obviously central to successful resolution. from: University of Minnesota Cumulative effects of dehydration is a common cause. With mild … Continue reading →

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