Denali Equine Nutrition (2025)

27/08/2025

Hello, my name is Michelle Travisano, and I’m a Certified Equine Nutrition Advisor through Legacy Equine Nutrition. My passion is helping horses thrive by creating nutrition programs that are truly tailored to their unique needs—whether they’re high-level performance horses or beloved pasture companions.

When I work with clients, I take the time to really understand each horse: their health history, current diet, environment, and even their personality. From there, I build a balanced, science-based plan that fits both the horse and the owner’s goals. I’m brand-neutral, which means I don’t sell feed or supplements, nor do I work for a feed company. My recommendations are always unbiased, and many times I’m able to save clients money by cutting out unnecessary extras.

For horse owners who just want some guidance without a long-term program, I also offer one-time nutrition consults. These include a full review of your horse’s current diet, environment, and health, with practical recommendations for feed, forage, and supplements. This is a great option if your horse doesn’t have complex needs but you’d still like expert advice.

Helping horses feel and perform their best is what I love most, and I’d be honored to be part of your horse’s journey. Feel free to take a look at my website, and don’t hesitate to reach out—I’d love to hear about your horse!

12/08/2025

I didn’t set out to become an Equine Nutrition Adviser~

It started with a horse I rescued from a kill pen in East Texas—a horse who just never seemed quite right. He was severely underweight and had some behavioral issues. I eventually treated him for EPM. I listened to feed store advice, read articles, tried supplements, and still… nothing really put the weight on him the way I wanted.

The learning curve~

So I decided to take what I’d learned on my own to the next level. I signed up for Legacy Equine Nutrition’s Essentials Course to educate myself on how I could take Denali’s nutrition to the next stage. After that, I went on to become a certified Equine Nutrition Adviser through Legacy Equine Nutrition.

I learned how sugar and starch affect metabolism, how a gut works when it’s healthy—and how it suffers when it’s not. I learned how to evaluate supplements and concentrates, choose the right hay for the right horse, and what not to waste money on. Slowly, Denali changed. His eyes brightened. His stride lengthened. His coat gleamed in the sun. This horse was finally at his ideal weight, and I couldn’t have been happier.

That transformation lit a spark~

If I could do this for one horse, why not more?

For me, equine nutrition isn’t just numbers and charts.
It’s the quiet satisfaction of watching a horse reach its ideal weight.
It’s the relief in an owner’s voice when they say, “He’s finally gaining weight.”
It’s knowing that the right feed plan can give a horse not just more years—but better years.

Why I do it~

Because every horse deserves a diet as unique as they are.
And because sometimes, the right nutrition isn’t just about feeding a body—it’s about healing a life. Helping horses thrive with nutrition plans as unique as they are.

https://denaliequinenutrition.com/

Michelle Travisano
Denali Equine Nutrition
Balanced nutrition for the life of your horse

08/08/2025

Balanced nutrition for the life of your horse.

29/07/2025

What’s in Your Hay? Don’t Guess — Test!

Your horse’s health starts with what’s in the hay — but looks can be deceiving.
Just because it’s green doesn’t mean it’s balanced.

A simple hay analysis tells you:

✅ Protein and fiber levels
✅ Sugar + starch (NSC) — crucial for metabolic horses
✅ Mineral content
✅ If your hay is actually meeting your horse’s needs — or leaving gaps

Why it matters:
• Prevent laminitis, ulcers, and metabolic flare-ups
• Balance minerals for stronger hooves and toplines
• Save money on unnecessary supplements and feed

Whether you’re feeding seniors, easy keepers, broodmares, or performance athletes — a hay test gives you the data to feed smart.

⸻

Sampling Your Hay

• Use a hay probe (not just hand-grab samples).
• Sample 10–15 bales randomly across the batch or stack.
• Place cores into a clean plastic bag.

Interpreting results

• Dry Matter (DM)
• Crude Protein (CP)
• ADF & NDF (fiber content)
• Water-Soluble Carbohydrates (WSC)
• ESC (sugar)
• Starch
• Calcium, Phosphorus, Magnesium
• Potassium, Sodium, Sulfur
• Trace minerals

What to Do With the Results

• Compare hay nutrients to NRC requirements for your horse’s weight and workload.
• Adjust with a balancer pellet or loose mineral to fill in gaps
• Watch NSC (ESC + Starch) if you have a horse with:
• Laminitis history
• IR or metabolic syndrome
• PPID (Cushing’s)

Message me to schedule your hay test today — because great nutrition starts with knowing what you’re feeding!

Michelle Travisano
Denali Equine Nutrition
Balanced nutrition for the life of your horse

20/06/2025

Blackjack is back!

60 day nutrition program has helped him tremendously he’s happy and his owner is happy!

20/06/2025

Managing Sugar in Hay:
A Critical Step in Equine Metabolic Care

Some horses are particularly sensitive to fluctuations in sugar content and require a highly managed feeding approach, while others may tolerate variations with less concern. Each horse is an individual and should be evaluated and managed based on their specific metabolic needs and health status. If EMS, ID, or PPID are suspected it’s time to get your veterinarian involved.

———

Sugar content of grass hay can have significant effects on a metabolically compromised horse, especially those with conditions like:
• Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS)
• Insulin Dysregulation (ID)
• Cushing’s Disease (PPID)

These horses are particularly sensitive to non-structural carbohydrates (NSCs), which include simple sugars, starches, and fructans. Grass hay is often a hidden source of NSCs that can trigger health issues when levels fluctuate unexpectedly.

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🔄 How Sugar Fluctuations Happen in Hay

Sugar levels in hay can vary due to:
• Grass species (e.g., ryegrass is high, while timothy or native prairie grass is lower)
• Stage of growth at harvest (early cut = more sugar)
• Time of day cut (afternoon cuts tend to have higher sugar content)
• Weather (sunny, cool days increase sugar storage in plants)
• Curing/drying process (slow drying can ferment sugars down a bit; fast drying may preserve more)

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💥 Impact on the Metabolic Horse

1. Insulin Spikes
• A sudden increase in sugar can cause a rapid rise in blood glucose and insulin.
• In insulin-resistant horses, this response is exaggerated and prolonged.

2. Increased Laminitis Risk
• Even small spikes in NSC can trigger or worsen laminitis in metabolically compromised horses.
• Horses may show mild signs (e.g., foot soreness, shifting weight) before a full flare.

3. Difficulty Maintaining Safe Diet
• Feeding hay that fluctuates between safe (under 12%NSC) and unsafe (over 15% NSC) makes management unpredictable.
• Owners may think their feeding is consistent, but the hay is not.

4. Weight Gain
• Higher sugar levels can mean more calories, leading to unintentional weight gain — especially dangerous for EMS horses who already struggle with obesity.

⸻

✅ Best Practices

1. Test Your Hay:
Send a sample to get tested and look for:
• WSC (Water Soluble Carbohydrates)
• ESC (Ethanol Soluble Carbohydrates)
• Starch
Add ESC + Starch for NSC total.

2. Target NSC Levels:
• For metabolic horses, NSC should be below 12% (ESC + starch).
• Ideally closer to 7-8% for high-risk cases.

3. Soak When Needed:
• Soaking hay for 30 minutes in hot water–60 minutes in cold water can reduce WSC though results vary.
• Discard soak water to remove sugars.

4. Stick With a Consistent Batch:
• Buy hay in bulk from the same cutting and field if possible.
• Avoid mixing random bales, which can vary dramatically in sugar content.

5. Avoid High-Risk Hays:
• Avoid lush, late-summer, or fertilized hays if you can’t test them.
• Steer clear of ryegrass and high-sugar orchardgrass unless tested and verified low.

Need help managing your metabolic horse? I’m here to assist. I provide the knowledge, support, and practical tools necessary to safely guide your horse through a customized diet plan—whether you’re starting fresh or facing an urgent dietary adjustment.

Michelle Travisano
Denali Equine Nutrition
Balanced nutrition for the life of your horse

13/06/2025

Forage Alternatives for Horses: Smart Solutions Beyond Hay and Pasture

When quality hay is hard to find, or your horse has special dietary needs, it’s good to know there are excellent alternatives that can still provide the fiber, calories, and nutrients your horse needs to thrive. Whether you’re managing a senior horse with dental issues, a hard keeper, or one that can’t be turned out on pasture, here are some proven forage alternatives worth considering:

⸻

1. Hay Cubes & Pellets

Compressed Forage That Packs a Punch
Available in alfalfa, timothy, or mixed varieties, hay cubes and pellets offer a dust-free, space-saving option that can fully or partially replace traditional hay.
✅ Pros: Consistent quality, great for horses with allergies or bad teeth
⚠️ Cons: Lack of long-stem fiber reduces natural chewing time

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2. Beet Pulp

Gentle on the Gut, Great for Weight Gain
Made from sugar beets with most of the sugar removed, beet pulp is a favorite for senior horses and hard keepers. Serve it soaked to boost hydration and digestion.
✅ Pros: Highly digestible fiber, easy on the digestive system
⚠️ Cons: Low in protein—needs balancing with other feeds

⸻

3. Chaff (Chopped Hay/Straw)

Soft, Chewable, and Customizable
Often enhanced with oil, molasses, or supplements, chaff is easier to chew and ideal for horses with dental issues.
✅ Pros: Versatile and mixable with grain or supplements
⚠️ Cons: Not a complete feed—needs careful balancing

⸻

4. Complete Feeds

All-in-One Nutrition—No Hay Required
Formulated to meet all forage requirements, complete feeds contain fiber sources like beet pulp and soy hulls. Great for horses who can’t chew.
✅ Pros: Convenient and balanced
⚠️ Cons: Costly and doesn’t mimic natural foraging behavior

⸻

5. Hulls (Soy, Peanut, etc.)

Affordable Fiber Fillers
Grain processing by-products, hulls offer bulk and fiber but lack nutritional density. Best used alongside more complete forage.
✅ Pros: Budget-friendly and fiber-rich
⚠️ Cons: Must be combined with higher-nutrient feeds

⸻

6. Legume Hays (Alfalfa, Clover)

Power-Packed Protein and Energy
Higher in protein and calcium than grass hay, legume hays are ideal for performance horses or those needing a nutritional boost.
✅ Pros: Supports weight gain, muscle, and milk production
⚠️ Cons: Too rich for easy keepers or horses with metabolic issues

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Things to Keep in Mind:

🦷 Dental Issues? Try soaked beet pulp, hay pellets, or cubes
⚖️ Weight Watchers? Choose lower-calorie options like chopped hay or chaff
🥕 Unsure What to Choose? Tailor the diet to your horse’s individual needs

⸻

Feeding alternatives can be just as effective as traditional forage when used wisely. Always make changes gradually—and consult with a qualified Equine Nutrition Adviser to ensure your horse’s diet is safe, balanced, and tailored to their unique lifestyle.

⸻

Michelle Travisano
Certified Equine Nutrition Advisor
🌿 Denali Equine Nutrition
Balanced nutrition for the life of your horse
🔗 denaliequinenutrition.com

30/05/2025

📞 Got a Quick Nutrition Question? I’ve Got You Covered! 📞

June 1 to June 30, 2025 , take advantage of my One-Time Phone Call Sessions – now!

Skip the lengthy 60- or 90-day programs. Get the answers you need in one convenient, personalized call.

🎉 Limited-time offer! Don’t miss out – book now!

https://denaliequinenutrition.com/

Michelle Travisano
Denali Equine Nutrition
Balanced nutrition for the life of your horse

21/05/2025

Unlock your horse's full potential by providing them with the opportunity to demonstrate their capabilities with optimal nutrition. Finding what works for them and what also works for you! The utmost imprortant piece of this is to put the weight back on safely. I’m very happy to see the progress that Blackjack is making on the 60 day nutrition program!

https://denaliequinenutrition.com/

Michelle Travisano
Denali Equine Nutrition
Balanced nutrition for the life of your horse

14/05/2025

Horses have unique nutritional requirements that are influenced by factors such as age, workload, breed, health status, and environment. Here are the key special nutritional considerations for horses:

Forage First
Forage should be the foundation of every horses diet.
• Foundation of the diet: Horses should consume at least 1.5–2% of their body weight in forage (hay or pasture) daily.
• Digestive health: Forage supports gut motility and reduces the risk of colic and ulcers.

Energy Requirements
• Varies by activity level:
• Maintenance: Lower energy needs; forage may suffice.
• Performance horses: May require energy-dense feeds (grains, oils, fat supplements).
• Avoid overfeeding starches to prevent issues like colic or laminitis.

Protein Needs
• Growing, lactating, or working horses require more protein.
• Good sources: Alfalfa, soybean meal, commercial feed mixes.

Vitamins and Minerals
• Salt (NaCl): Horses need daily access to salt, often via a salt block.
• Calcium & Phosphorus: Important for bone health, especially in young and pregnant animals.
• Electrolytes: Crucial for horses that sweat heavily (e.g., in hot climates or during intense work).
• Vitamin E & Selenium: Antioxidants important for muscle health—deficiencies common in selenium-deficient regions.

Hydration
• Clean, fresh water is essential at all times.
• Horses may drink 5–15 gallons/day, more if working or lactating.

Life Stage Considerations
• Foals: Need high-protein, energy-rich diets; may require creep feeding.
• Senior Horses: Often need easier-to-digest feeds (soaked hay cubes, senior feeds).
• Pregnant/Lactating Mares: Higher calorie, protein, and mineral needs.

Health-Related Diets
• Laminitis or Cushing’s (PPID): Low non-structural carbohydrate (NSC) diets.
• Insulin Resistance/EMS: Avoid high-sugar/starch feeds; feed low-NSC hay.
• HYPP: Low-potassium diet for horses with this genetic condition (common in Quarter Horses).

Feeding Practices
• Multiple small meals are better than one large meal to mimic natural grazing behavior.
• Avoid sudden feed changes, which can upset the gut flora and lead to colic.

https://denaliequinenutrition.com/

Michelle Travisano
Denali Equine Nutrition
Balanced nutrition for the life of your horse

09/05/2025

Unlock your horse’s full potential!

Only three weeks into a transformative 60-day nutrition program, Blackjack is already flourishing. I am deeply grateful to Julie Wallace for entrusting me with the care of her extraordinary horse!

https://denaliequinenutrition.com/

Michelle Travisano
Denali Equine Nutrition
Balanced nutrition for the life of your horse

03/05/2025

Is your horse’s nutrition program really working for them?

I’m Michelle Travisano, a certified Equine Nutrition Advisor. I help horse owners build science-based, balanced diets tailored to each horse’s unique needs—no matter the breed, discipline, or life stage.

I offer 30-, 60-, and 90-day programs that include:
• A full review of your horse’s diet, health, and environment
• Goal setting and custom feed/supplement recommendations
• Honest, unbiased guidance (I don’t sell or rep any products!)
• Money-saving tips by cutting unnecessary extras

Not ready for a full program? I also offer one-time consults—perfect for horses with simpler needs.

Let’s get your horse on the path to feeling and performing their best.
Check out my website to learn more!

https://denaliequinenutrition.com/

Michelle Travisano
Denali Equine Nutrition
Balanced nutrition for the life of your horse

Denali Equine Nutrition

27/08/2025

12/08/2025

08/08/2025

29/07/2025

20/06/2025

20/06/2025

13/06/2025

30/05/2025

21/05/2025

14/05/2025

09/05/2025

03/05/2025

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