Tag Archives: pasture

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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The Real Cause of PAL – Pasture-Associated Laminitis

Posted on June 22, 2019 by Dr. Kellon

It isn’t fructan.  It isn’t hind gut acidosis.  Here’s the science. The AAEP’s Laminitis Working Group did a four year study with the goal of identifying laminitis risks. Other than diet, EMS pattern obesity, known EMS or PPID and use … Continue reading →

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Can EMS Horses Graze Dead Winter Pastures?

Posted on January 6, 2019 by Dr. Kellon

Unless you are living in an area with very mild winters, your pasture grasses will shrivel and turn brown over the winter. However, that plant is not dead and horses will be more than happy to eat it. This could … Continue reading →

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Understanding Fat and Fatty Acids

Posted on April 30, 2017 by Dr. Kellon

Fat is much more than a storage form of calories.  The membrane of all cells contains fat. Fatty substances form a waterproof barrier in skin and hooves.  Some classes of hormone are derived from fat/cholesterol.  Some fats help regulate the … Continue reading →

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Pasture vs Hay

Posted on May 4, 2016 by Dr. Kellon

Hay is just dehydrated grass but there are several differences between hay and the live plant that you need to take into consideration when adding pasture to the horse’s diet. Note:  References in the following discussion to calories, protein and … Continue reading →

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Spring Grass

Posted on March 13, 2016 by Dr. Kellon

Beautiful to look at, wonderful to smell and if you’re a horse there is nothing you would rather be eating and arguably nothing more natural you should be eating.  On the other hand, there are a few precautions. First, the … Continue reading →

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Transitioning from Pasture to Hay

Posted on September 9, 2015 by Dr. Kellon

Hay is just dried grass but there are several things to consider when making the transition from pasture to hay.                             Typical Fall Pasture with Grasses Going Dormant As grasses mature and develop their seed heads, fiber fractions progressively increase … Continue reading →

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It’s Time to Put the Fructan Theory to Rest

Posted on June 22, 2015 by Dr. Kellon

Despite the fact there is absolutely no proof that the level of grass fructan (levan) found in horse pastures and hays has ever caused laminitis, fructan continues to be touted as the cause of pasture laminitis.  Any mention of fructan … Continue reading →

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When Pasture Dies Off

Posted on November 28, 2014 by Dr. Kellon

Since hay is just dried grass, it may seem like switching from pasture to hay isn’t an issue.  On some levels this is true but there are important differences between hay and live grasses that have an impact on how … Continue reading →

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