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
Hi Sass,
Oh how adorable! You're right about the grain. I would suggest that you simply give him plenty of good quality grass hay, a salt lick, and clean water. You can add a small amount of alfalfa hay to the mixture just to make the protein quality higher.
Best regards,
Dr. Getty 
Hi Sass,
That's correct -- he really doesn't need oats, corn, or barley (grains) to be healthy. He needs mostly roughage and also some additional energy and roughage. This can best be supplied by feeding some alfalfa. I suggested pellets because that would be a good way to add any supplements you feed. A growing horse should have a vitamin/mineral supplement designed for growth.
All the best,
Dr. Getty