Nutrition and obesity in horses is the topic of the latest episode of Morris Animal Foundation’s “Fresh Scoop” podcast, available November 17. Host Dr. Kelly Diehl, the Foundation’s Senior Director of Science and Communications, speaks with Dr. Patricia Harris, a specialist in veterinary and comparative nutrition.
In the episode, Dr. Harris discusses the equine obesity epidemic and how to determine a horse’s body condition. She also offers advice for owners on how to help their horse lose weight as well as strategies to prevent obesity.
Obesity is a globally recognized welfare issue in horses, impacting about a third of the equine population. It is associated with an increased risk of health issues including laminitis and colic, and carries direct negative consequences on horses’ skeletal and immune systems.
Dr. Harris is the Director of Science for Mars Horsecare UK Ltd., and Head of the Equine Studies Group at the Waltham Petcare Science Institute. She also is on the board of the American Academy of Veterinary Nutrition.
“Fresh Scoop” is Morris Animal Foundation’s monthly veterinary science podcast designed to appeal to practicing veterinarians, veterinary technicians or students, as well as animal-loving science geeks. Episodes are available on iTunes, Spotify, Google Play Music and Stitcher, as well as the Foundation’s podcast page.
Morris Animal Foundation, headquartered in Denver, is one of the largest nonprofit animal health research organizations in the world, funding more than $136 million in studies across a broad range of species.