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 Dina,
You’re right about their overall health because the condition of the hair and hooves is a “snapshot” of what is going on inside the body.
I would suggest that you take a close look at the hay that they are receiving. A good quality hay mixture of grass and legume hays (alfalfa, clover, peanut) is ideal since they complement each other and provide a high quality source of protein. Legume hays are especially good for your mares because of their fat soluble vitamin content (Vitamins A, D, E, and K).
I would also suggest that you supplement their diet with a top dressing that will provide Omega 3 Fatty acids such as Omegatin or a Flaxseed Meal dressing.
Let me know how things progress.
All the best,
Dr. Getty
