Gimmick or Good Groceries?

by: Ray Geor, BVSc, PhD, Dipl. ACVIM
The energy density in a performance horse's diet traditionally has been increased by adding grains such as oats, barley, or corn. However, most of the energy in grain is in the form of starch, and it is now recognized that excessive consumption of starch by horses can increase the risk of digestive upsets (e.g., colic) and some forms of exertional rhabdomyolysis (tying-up). This knowledge has ...