Thank you for such a helpful website. I am just getting back into horses after 15 years and need some advice on what to feed. I live in Western Washington now and since the pastures are green all winter, I'm not sure what to supplement with or if I need to at all. I have a four year old mare and a yearling that will be gelded shortly.They are paints. The yearling has a big pot belly. They were both being fed about two sections of alfalfa twice a day at their previous home. Can you make any recommendations?
Thank you,

Where are you from? Western Washington

How did you locate this forum? dogpile search

Hello Heather,

Congratulations on your new horses! I am very pleased for you.

You do want to add more to their diet that simply grass pasture, since grasses do not provide a high quality protein. To do this, you can continue to offer alfalfa.

The yearling’s pot belly can be due to worm infestation, or if you your horses on a good worming program, it is likely due to excessive fermentation. To reduce this gas formation, you should provide him with a prebiotic such as Ration Plus to boost the health of the bacterial flora, so that can adequately produce enough B vitamins.

I would also suggest that you offer them a good multivitamin/mineral supplement to balance out any deficiencies. There are many on the market. I like Select, Accel, Grand Complete, Vita-Key Antioxidant Concentrate, and Platinum Performance.

Have fun! Keep me posted about their progress.

All the best,

Dr. Getty