Hello Dr,
Thank you for your advice earlier on what to feed my possibly Cushings syndrome Morgan. I was told that flax seed meal is only efective if the seeds are freshly ground. If this is so why do so many supplements include this meal?
Also I was talking to a race horse breeder who told me that alfalfa hay that is very rich can be harmful to the kidneys of young horses. Is this true?
Thank you so much.

Where are you from? Cave Creek, Arizona

How did you locate this forum? internet search

Hi Charlie,

Flaxseeds should be ground, not fed whole. Freshly ground? Well, they are high in omega 3 fatty acids, which are highly vulnerable to going rancid. So, if you grind your own, you should grind small quantities since they spoil easily. However, when flaxseed meal is added to feeds, or when it is purchased commercially, it is “stabilized.” This means that vitamin E has been added. Vitamin E is an antioxidant, and it protects omega 3 fatty acids from oxidative damage.

About the alfalfa – I would never suggest giving only alfalfa to a young horse. But, it is a good idea to offer some alfalfa to a young horse because it provides the additional lysine that growing horses need, along with additional calcium.

Thanks for writing.

All the best,

Dr. Getty