Clair Thunes, PhD, Author at The Horse

Clair Thunes, PhD

Clair Thunes, PhD, is an equine nutritionist who owns Summit Equine Nutrition, based in Gilbert, Arizona. She works as a consultant with owners/trainers and veterinarians across the United States and globally to take the guesswork out of feeding horses and provides services to select companies. As a nutritionist she works with all equids, from WEG competitors to Miniature donkeys and everything in between. Born in England, she earned her undergraduate degree at Edinburgh University, in Scotland, and her master’s and doctorate in nutrition at the University of California, Davis. Growing up, she competed in a wide array of disciplines and was an active member of the U.K. Pony Club. Today, she serves as the district commissioner for the Salt River Pony Club.

What is a Nutraceutical?

Posted by Clair Thunes, PhD | Nov 2, 2020 | Commentary, Feeding Foals and Young Horses, Feeding High-Performance Horses, Herbal Supplements, Horse Nutrition Commentary Series, Joint Supplements, Nutrition, Other Supplements

Are you confused about nutraceuticals in your horse’s diet? Learn more from our equine nutrition expert.

Horse Hay Analysis: Dry Matter vs. ‘As Sampled’ or ‘As Fed’

Posted by Clair Thunes, PhD | Oct 26, 2020 | Commentary, Hay, Horse Nutrition Commentary Series, Nutrition

While nutritionists working with ruminants tend to focus on the nutrient content of feeds on a dry matter basis, in equine nutrition we mostly focus on the as-fed value of nutrients.

Feeding Equine Elders

Posted by Clair Thunes, PhD | Oct 23, 2020 | Article, Cushing's Disease, Dental Problems, Feeding Fats, Feeding Old Horses, Grains, Hay, Horse Care, Metabolic Problems, Metabolic Syndrome, Nutrition, Nutrition Basics, Older Horse Care Concerns

Dr. Clair Thunes, an independent equine nutritionist, answers some of our readers’ most common questions about feeding older equines. Learn about senior feeds, feeding older horses with metabolic disease, helping horses gain weight, and more.

Similar but Different Minerals in Horse Feeds

Posted by Clair Thunes, PhD | Oct 19, 2020 | Commentary, Horse Nutrition Commentary Series, Nutrition, Nutrition Basics, Vitamins & Minerals

Their names might sound the same, but their molecular makeups are different. Are organic or inorganic forms of trace and macrominerals better for horses?

Is Vitiligo in Horses Related to Copper Deficiency?

Posted by Clair Thunes, PhD | Oct 12, 2020 | Commentary, Horse Care, Horse Nutrition Commentary Series, Nutrition, Nutrition Deficiencies, Other Skin Problems, Skin Problems

Vitiligo results in depigmentation of a horse’s skin and might be related to stress or a nutritional deficiency. Research into the condition is limited. Here’s what we know.