Performance Horse Nutrition: Fueling Health & Muscle Recovery with Karen Davison at Purina Animal Nutrition
Tue Jan 20 2026
Featured Guest: Karen Davison, Director of Equine Technical Sales at Purina Animal Nutrition
Episode Summary In this episode of Horse Talk, we sit down with Karen Davison, Director of Equine Technical Sales at Purina Animal Nutrition, to explore the complex world of fueling performance horses. Karen shares her journey into equine nutrition and discusses how the science behind feeding horses has evolved over the years. We discuss the importance of scientific data in equine nutrition research, while breaking down what truly matters for your horse's health.
From managing gastric ulcers to understanding the crucial role of amino acids in muscle recovery, this conversation covers the essential pillars of performance nutrition. Whether you are dealing with a hard keeper or a traveling competitor, this episode offers the roadmap to better health and performance.
Key Discussion Points ol]:!pb-0 [&>ol]:!pt-0 [&>ul]:!pb-0 [&>ul]:!pt-0" dir="ltr" value="1">The Science of Feeding: How equine nutrition research is expensive, complex, and distinct from human nutrition. ol]:!pb-0 [&>ol]:!pt-0 [&>ul]:!pb-0 [&>ul]:!pt-0" dir="ltr" value="2">Gut Health & Behavior: The link between gastric discomfort and behavioral issues, including the impact of stress on the microbiome. ol]:!pb-0 [&>ol]:!pt-0 [&>ul]:!pb-0 [&>ul]:!pt-0" dir="ltr" value="3">Purina's Innovation: An inside look at Purina's "Test Ride" process and the Equine MQ platform. ol]:!pb-0 [&>ol]:!pt-0 [&>ul]:!pb-0 [&>ul]:!pt-0" dir="ltr" value="4">Weight Management: Strategies for maintaining a healthy weight using calorie economics, including the debate between fat calories versus starch and sugar. ol]:!pb-0 [&>ol]:!pt-0 [&>ul]:!pb-0 [&>ul]:!pt-0" dir="ltr" value="5">Muscle Recovery: Why protein quantity isn't enough, and understanding the importance of essential amino acids. ol]:!pb-0 [&>ol]:!pt-0 [&>ul]:!pb-0 [&>ul]:!pt-0" dir="ltr" value="6">Hydration: The often-overlooked factor of water intake, especially for horses on the road. Specific Topics Covered ol]:!pb-0 [&>ol]:!pt-0 [&>ul]:!pb-0 [&>ul]:!pt-0" dir="ltr" value="1">Purina Outlast®: How gastric support supplements work to mitigate stress. ol]:!pb-0 [&>ol]:!pt-0 [&>ul]:!pb-0 [&>ul]:!pt-0" dir="ltr" value="2">Purina Amplify®: Using high-fat supplements for weight gain and energy. ol]:!pb-0 [&>ol]:!pt-0 [&>ul]:!pb-0 [&>ul]:!pt-0" dir="ltr" value="3">Purina SuperSport®: Supporting muscle performance and recovery. ol]:!pb-0 [&>ol]:!pt-0 [&>ul]:!pb-0 [&>ul]:!pt-0" dir="ltr" value="4">Purina RepleniMash®: Strategies for electrolyte balance and hydration. ol]:!pb-0 [&>ol]:!pt-0 [&>ul]:!pb-0 [&>ul]:!pt-0" dir="ltr" value="5">Henneke Body Condition Scoring: The industry standard for assessing horse weight. Actionable Advice for Horse Owners To wrap up, remember that the key to optimal horse nutrition is consistency paired with expert guidance. Always consult your veterinarian before making major health changes, and use tools like the Henneke body condition scoring system to maintain a healthy weight. Whether you're managing intake for an easy keeper or prioritizing hydration on the road, staying observant and establishing a steady feeding routine will ensure your horse is supported through every season and performance.
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Featured Guest: Karen Davison, Director of Equine Technical Sales at Purina Animal Nutrition Episode Summary In this episode of Horse Talk, we sit down with Karen Davison, Director of Equine Technical Sales at Purina Animal Nutrition, to explore the complex world of fueling performance horses. Karen shares her journey into equine nutrition and discusses how the science behind feeding horses has evolved over the years. We discuss the importance of scientific data in equine nutrition research, while breaking down what truly matters for your horse's health. From managing gastric ulcers to understanding the crucial role of amino acids in muscle recovery, this conversation covers the essential pillars of performance nutrition. Whether you are dealing with a hard keeper or a traveling competitor, this episode offers the roadmap to better health and performance. Key Discussion Points ol]:!pb-0 [&>ol]:!pt-0 [&>ul]:!pb-0 [&>ul]:!pt-0" dir="ltr" value="1">The Science of Feeding: How equine nutrition research is expensive, complex, and distinct from human nutrition. ol]:!pb-0 [&>ol]:!pt-0 [&>ul]:!pb-0 [&>ul]:!pt-0" dir="ltr" value="2">Gut Health & Behavior: The link between gastric discomfort and behavioral issues, including the impact of stress on the microbiome. ol]:!pb-0 [&>ol]:!pt-0 [&>ul]:!pb-0 [&>ul]:!pt-0" dir="ltr" value="3">Purina's Innovation: An inside look at Purina's "Test Ride" process and the Equine MQ platform. ol]:!pb-0 [&>ol]:!pt-0 [&>ul]:!pb-0 [&>ul]:!pt-0" dir="ltr" value="4">Weight Management: Strategies for maintaining a healthy weight using calorie economics, including the debate between fat calories versus starch and sugar. ol]:!pb-0 [&>ol]:!pt-0 [&>ul]:!pb-0 [&>ul]:!pt-0" dir="ltr" value="5">Muscle Recovery: Why protein quantity isn't enough, and understanding the importance of essential amino acids. ol]:!pb-0 [&>ol]:!pt-0 [&>ul]:!pb-0 [&>ul]:!pt-0" dir="ltr" value="6">Hydration: The often-overlooked factor of water intake, especially for horses on the road. Specific Topics Covered ol]:!pb-0 [&>ol]:!pt-0 [&>ul]:!pb-0 [&>ul]:!pt-0" dir="ltr" value="1">Purina Outlast®: How gastric support supplements work to mitigate stress. ol]:!pb-0 [&>ol]:!pt-0 [&>ul]:!pb-0 [&>ul]:!pt-0" dir="ltr" value="2">Purina Amplify®: Using high-fat supplements for weight gain and energy. ol]:!pb-0 [&>ol]:!pt-0 [&>ul]:!pb-0 [&>ul]:!pt-0" dir="ltr" value="3">Purina SuperSport®: Supporting muscle performance and recovery. ol]:!pb-0 [&>ol]:!pt-0 [&>ul]:!pb-0 [&>ul]:!pt-0" dir="ltr" value="4">Purina RepleniMash®: Strategies for electrolyte balance and hydration. ol]:!pb-0 [&>ol]:!pt-0 [&>ul]:!pb-0 [&>ul]:!pt-0" dir="ltr" value="5">Henneke Body Condition Scoring: The industry standard for assessing horse weight. Actionable Advice for Horse Owners To wrap up, remember that the key to optimal horse nutrition is consistency paired with expert guidance. Always consult your veterinarian before making major health changes, and use tools like the Henneke body condition scoring system to maintain a healthy weight. Whether you're managing intake for an easy keeper or prioritizing hydration on the road, staying observant and establishing a steady feeding routine will ensure your horse is supported through every season and performance.