HI Dr. Getty,

I have a 12 year old Hanoverian mare who is a VERY easy keeper. She's definitely quite overweight but not to an obese degree (vet agrees). She is not super cresty, but definitely has more than your average horse. No fat pockets elsewhere on body but she is very round.
Her diet consists of 1/4 lb of whole oats and 3 flakes local grass (orchard grass mostly) hay Am and PM. SHe gets an additional 2 flakes at 10 pm. As for supplements, she is on Vita Plus and Ration Plus and seems to do well on them. Her coat is super bright and dappled, her feet are extremely good, even barefoot as they never chip.
She is on a sparse pasture 8-10 hours every day in Late Fall/Winter but MUST be dry lotted in Spring/Summmer as she WILL get obese if allowed to eat grass all night.

I am very worried about her weight and think Quiessence might help her. I have also read about D Carb Balance. Which supplement would you suggest and why.

Thanks so much!
Amy

Where are you from? Franklin, TN

How did you locate this forum? I have used your store before (and thank you!)

Hi Amy,

I would suggest the Quiessence for her, at a minimum dosage (1 scoop per day). Carb Balance is designed for a horse with chronic laminitis and contains additional vitamins and minerals which you are likely already offering in your supplement.

Quiessence also contains chromium, which Carb Balance does not. So, since she is only slightly overweight, go with Quiessence.

Also, if I may... I would replace the oats with beet pulp since oats will increase her insulin response more dramatically, making her more prone toward storing fat.

Thanks for asking!

All the best,

Dr. Getty