Clare MacLeod


	What is an independent equine nutritionist?


		Put simply, an independent equine nutritionist is an expert in horse nutrition and feeding who works freelance ie is not employed by a company who makes feed or supplements. Therefore they can offer you unbiased, professional advice. Using an independent nutritionist who is registered means you will get the best possible service with advice that is honest, unbiased, up to date, and in the best interests of you and your horse/s. No products will be pushed nor will misinformation about products be given. Correct nutrition supplied by a balanced diet is vital for good health and optimal performance. With so many feed and supplement products available for horses nowadays, it can be complicated to make the best choices for your horse. In addition, horses tend to be fed forage plus compound feeds and supplements rather than complete feeds like dogs and cats are fed. Independent equine nutritionists can help you make the best choices.
	find out more	To find out more about what independent equine nutritionists do, see Consultation Services, and to find out how they can help horse owners, see Powerful Results. Equine Nutritionists are probably more accurately described as Equine Dieticians, because they apply the science of nutrition to diet formulation and feed selection. So what's the difference between a nutritionist and a dietician? ’Nutrition’ is “the study of nutrients in food, how the body uses nutrients, and the relationship between diet, health and disease. Nutritionists create and apply scientific knowledge to promote an understanding of the effects of diet on health and well being in humans and animals” (BNF, 2005)¹. ’Dietetics’ is “the application of the science of nutrition to the construction of diets and the selection and preparation of foods in health and disease" (BNF, 2005)¹. Human dieticians have graduated from a course recognised by the Health Professions Council, and could be described as ‘practical nutritionists”. ¹ download pdf from www.nutrition.org.uk