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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

I also have a growing number of recordings on "Teleseminars on Nutrition Topics that Concern You" as well as the new, Spotlight on Equine Nutrition Series -- printed versions of favorite teleseminars.

And finally, look for my articles in a variety of local publications and online newsletters, as well as the Horse Journal, where I am the Contributing Nutrition Editor.  

 

All the best,

 Dr. Getty 

 



Ask the Nutritionist: Dr. Getty's Forum for Equine Nutrition
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Paprika

I was wondering if the myth about paprika enhancing coat color is true. Also, is there enough beta carotene, or vitamin A, in paprika to push a horse to the toxicity level for vitamin A. I have been feeding my horse about one tablespoon daily, with about 1/4 cup corn oil, on the hay. These are the only suppliments I have been giving.

Where are you from? Powell, Wyoming

How did you locate this forum? Search Engine

Re: Paprika

Hi Jessica,

There are lots of stories about using paprika to enhance dark hair coats. But, they usually go hand in hand with adding flaxseed meal or flaxseed oil, so it’s really difficult to say with any scientific certainty that it has any effect.

It’s important to note that paprika contains low levels of Capsaicin (found in peppers) which is banned for most competitions.

About the vitamin A content – dried paprika contains some beta carotene (not vitamin A) so there is no risk of a vitamin A toxicity. And, about the corn oil – not the best choice for your horse. You would be better off feeding flaxseed oil or rice bran oil since corn oil can aggravate inflammation.

Hope this is helpful!

Dr. Getty