Ask the Nutritionist: Dr. Getty's Forum for Equine Nutrition
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Dr. Getty
We grow our own grass hay and it has tested 12% protein. I also feed with it Ultium. The one horse in training/competion is 12 y.o. and will usually eat 12 lbs., with poor pasture at this time of year, and 6 lbs. of Ultium. The horse weighs about ll00 lbs. and in good flesh. I keep wondering if this diet supples enough quality protein. I don't want to get him run down.
This horse did have ulcers and I keep hay in front of him all the time to nibble. Do you feel it would be better during trailering and at shows he had some alfalfa? I was told the calcium in it is better. [:-
?]
Your site is really nice. It makes me stop and think what I am feeding or should be feeding! 
Where are you from? Idaho
How did you locate this forum? freind
Hi Kasey,
Adding ultium to a grass hay or pasture will boost the quality of the protein that he's eating. Adding additional alfalfa, say a flake per day, would give him additional vitamins, minerals, and lysine that the grass hay is lacking.
You might want to consider giving him Ration Plus to help ease the effects of his ulcer, along with helping him benefit from the hay that you're providing. You're very wise to keep hay in front of him at all times -- that's important.
Thank you for the lovely compliment!
All the best,
Dr. Getty 
Oh My! There is not enough vitamins and minerals for most performance horses in the Ultium formula? I need to add alfalfa in addition for assurance that there is plenty? Are you thinking of just balancing out the grass hay? 
Where are you from? Idaho
How did you locate this forum? freind
Hi Kasey,
I was merely balancing out the grass hay by adding a legume (alfalfa). Ultium will be fine for a performance horse. One thing you may wish to consider is additional vitamin E, however. I would recommend adding 1000 IU of vitamin E (not vitamin E and selenium, but a pure vitamin E supplement) for a horse that is working intensively.
As long as you're feeding the recommended amount of Ultium each day (no more than 4 lbs at each meal), your horse will get the vitamins and minerals necessary.
All the best,
Dr. Getty