Hi, Dr. Valentine ... if oats that are digested in the hind gut become lactic acid, what do oats that actually get digested in the stomach become?

Actually, there is very little digestion going on in the equine stomach. It is the small intestine, along with pancreatic enzymes, that digest and absorb the starch and sugar in oats. The starch is broken down to simple sugar by pancreatic and intestinal amylase. The large intestine is designed to ferment indigestible fiber - this is accomplished by bacteria and other microorganisms. These microrganisms are what act on any starch and sugar that is not completely digested and absorbed by the small intestine and form acid such as lactic acid.

Thanks. I have to say, I started feeding "the diet" in 1997 because of my one horse Mike, now some 12 years later, everybody is on "the diet" ... and have been. I'm loving it and their bodies are loving it.

Though I will say I do tire of the discussion with some friends (and a young vet) about not feeding fat as my horses are in good weight ... I just smile and continue doing it my way.

Dianna, my experiences are the same as yours. My horses are aging very gracefully on a high fat and low starch and sugar diet! And, it is getting closer to the point when people will stop thinking we are doing something strange :)