Ask the Nutritionist: Dr. Getty's Forum for Equine Nutrition
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Dr. Getty
Hello Charlie,
I think you are wise to change his diet since older horses often start developing hormonal imbalances, such as Cushings and Metabolic Syndrome. The first recommendation I would make is to remove grain from his diet. Grass hay, including alfalfa, along with a low starch feed, will be fine. So, you’ll want to stop feeding oats. Oats are high in starch, which causes a rise in insulin levels. In the Cushings or Pre-Cushings horse, the level of cortisol is elevated, which inhibits insulin’s action. So, the goal is to offer feeds that calm down the need for insulin.
Hay, grass and legume (such as alfalfa), should be the basis of his diet. To that, you can add either a complete ration that is low in starch, or depending on his energy need, you can add beet pulp, alfalfa pellets, or flaxseed meal.
Platinum Plus is fine – continue using this supplement.
I hope this is helpful. Keep me posted on his progress.
All the best,
Dr. Getty
