141 | Lowdown on Low Starch *SEMINAR REPLAY*

**EQUI-SUMMIT REPLAY **

Dr. Jyme Nichols breaks down one of the most misunderstood topics in equine nutrition: low-starch diets. She explains how the term “low starch” is widely used but lacks any true industry definition, leading to confusion among horse owners about what it actually means and when it matters. Throughout her presentation, Dr. Nichols clarifies key concepts like starch, sugar, and nonstructural carbohydrates (NSC). She highlights how inconsistencies in labeling can impact feeding decisions and emphasizes the importance of evaluating the total diet — especially forage, which is often overlooked.

She walks through practical examples to show how starch and sugar levels should be tailored based on the individual horse, particularly for those with metabolic conditions like equine metabolic syndrome or laminitis. Along the way, she outlines how to interpret feed tags, why testing hay is essential, and how feeding rates influence what’s truly safe for a horse. She also shares visual and clinical signs that may indicate a need to better manage starch and sugar intake.

Listen to this presentation to learn what “low starch” really means, how to confidently evaluate your horse’s diet, how to balance forage and feed, and how to make informed decisions that support long-term health and performance.

You can follow @drjyme on Facebook and Instagram! Please tell your friends how #feedroomchemist has made you an #empoweredhorseowner!

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If you have a topic or question you would like addressed on a future episode please email info@bluebonnetfeeds.com

Dr. Jyme Nichols, PhD is Director of Nutrition for Bluebonnet.