Ask the Nutritionist: Dr. Getty's Forum for Equine Nutrition
Welcome to my forum.
Here you will find more than 6 years of questions and my answers. It is searchable and offers a great deal of information.
Currently, I am discontinuing new questions. This may change in the future, but in the meantime, please know that It has been a true pleasure serving you.
Take a look at my Nutrition Library and Tips of the Month for a variety of answers on selected topics. Be sure to sign up for my monthly e-newsletter, Forage for Thought.
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All the best,
Dr. Getty
Hi Claire,
Congratulations on your new horse. You really need not be concerned about laminitis while grazing at night. The grass, during the night hours, has the lowest sugar (fructan) content. This sugar, in high quantities, can cause laminitis in susceptible horses, so taking such a horse off a rich pasture in the late afternoon (when fructan levels are at their highest) is something to consider.
But, in your case, if you can let him graze 24 hours a day, that would be the healthiest way to keep him.
To supplement the grass hay, give him some alfalfa. You can use hay, or packaged alfalfa products. To add energy for riding, you’ll want to add a low starch feed. Are you in the UK? Dodson and Horrell makes a horse feed called Safe and Sound, which is low in starch and fructans and high in fiber. That would be a good choice.
You’ll also want to add a good multiple/vitamin mineral supplement, fresh, clean water at all times, and a salt lick.
Hope this helps!
All the best,
Dr. Getty
