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
Hello Alexia,
Instead of feeding barley, your horse will gain weight more easily two ways:
1. Restore the bacterial flora in the hind gut to normal levels by giving him a probiotic. The stress of the accident likely had a negative effect on the health of the digestive system, and
2. Feed fat instead of grain. Fat has more calories per gram than carbohydrates (from grain). So, feed a weight gaining supplement or offer a high fat feed made from flaxseed and/or stabilized rice bran.
All the best,
Dr. Getty
