Hi Sherry,

Since Purina Ultium has some molasses in it, you may want to switch to a low starch feed that does not contain this sweetener. Purina now makes a low starch product called Wellsolve L/S that does not contain molasses.

Hay can be a problem if you typically have timothy grass in your area. So, see what you can do about this. You can add more alfalfa to her diet, in moderation.

I strongly suggest adding Spirulina to her diet. This food has been shown to reduce allergy symptoms. Give her 20 grams per day -- that's 10 wafers, either as a treat or added to her meal.

You can also add additional vitamin C, since this acts as a natural antihistimine.

Keep me posted.

All the best,

Dr. Getty

Where are you from? Bayfield, CO

Thanks for getting back to me so soon. The Welsove is $25.00 a bag here. Are there other feeds that you also recommend without molasses? I know we have nutrena,blue seal around here.

I just have a question. My mare is an easy keeper. She keeps her weight well and besides all the bumps on her belly, she has a nice shiny coat. Instead of putting her on a low starch feed, would it be ok to put her on alfalfa pellets and mix in her flaxseed, pre ox, and a multi-vitamin??? This way I would know there is no corn, molasses, and anything else she is allergic too. What is a very good multi-vitamin to use if this diet is ok???

Hi Sherry,

I like the idea of mixing your own ingredients -- it's less expensive and you know what's going into your horse.

Alfalfa pellets are fine -- PreOx will serve the purpose of a good vitamin/mineral supplement -- feed at 2 ounces per day. Add spirulina wafers. And, you only need more flax (PreOx already has omega 3 fatty acids) if your horse needs more calories. Go with a stablized product that has added calcium to correct the high phosphorus levels naturally found in flax, such as Nutra Flax.

I like adding some beet pulp to this mixture, since you moisten it and it serves as a nice carrier for supplements.

Keep me posted,

Dr. Getty

Where are you from? Bayfield, CO

Thank you very much!! I currently have her on 2 scoops of Nutraflax a day along with 2 scoops of Preox!! I will replace the Ultium with Alfalfa pellets and add some beet pulp!! :)

Hi Sherry,

Excellent! Keep me posted on your progress!

All the best,

Dr. Getty

Where are you from? Bayfield, CO

Would I be able to feed rice bran instead of beat pulp??? I was looking into the shredded beat pulp around here and they all add molasses to it. She is allergic to molasses. How much rice bran would she get?? Is 2 scoops of Nutra Flax enough too?

Hi Sherry,

You really cannot substitute pound for pound, rice bran for beet pulp. You can feed rice bran, but be sure to get a stabilized product that has added calcium to correct the naturally inverted calcium to phosphorus ratio. I recommend ADM Alliance Natural Glo.

You can feed up to 1 lb of this rice bran per day, as long as whe is not overweight.

There is unsweetened beet pulp available -- usually it is pelleted and requires longer soaking. If you can find it and she doesn't like the bland taste, consider adding a flavored oil such as Aperti.

Two to three scoops (no more than 3) of Nutra Flax is appropriate for most full size horses (approximately 1000 lbs).

All the best,

Dr. Getty

Where are you from? Bayfield, CO