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 Jenni,
Your feed recipe is excellent. The only thing I would add is a comprehensive vitamin/mineral supplement to fill in any gaps since you won't be feeding a complete ration.
About the oil... Choose Canola oil rather than vegetable oil (which is usually soybean oil). Canola oil is better because it is not as high in omega 6 fatty acids (too many cause inflammation).
You can safely feed up to 2 cups of oil each day, but you really won't need to feed that much. Go with 1/2 cup twice each day until you see some results.
I would also recommend Ration Plus to help him benefit from his roughage. It boosts the health of the bacterial flora, making digestion more efficient and weight gain more likely.
And finally, offer him grass hay and/or pasture 24/7.
Keep me posted!
All the best,
Dr. Getty
Hi Jenni,
Ration Plus is likely very different than the probiotic you were giving him. It is not a probiotic, but rather a "prebiotic" because it does not contain live microbials. Instead, it feeds the existing bacteria, making all of them better able to digest forages. The result is weight gain.
About flax and sunflower seeds... they are good sources of protein, various trace levels of minerals, beta carotene, and omega 3 fatty acids (flax is higher). I don't know if your product is stabilized, but if it is on line, I'll be happy to look at the website for you.
You are doing the right thing by adding these fatty feeds. Stabilized rice bran is also an option.
Keep me posted!
Dr. Getty
Hi Jenni,
I would suggest soaking the pelleted beet pulp. The shredded is ok to feed dry.
How long? It really depends on the horse and the health of the bacterial flora. Weight gain is slow, so get a baseline weight so you can keep track of small increments.
All the best,
Dr. Getty
Hi Jenni,
I would not recommend feeding garlic -- this can induce anemia in horses.
You know, I would very much like to set up a phone appointment with you to help you go over all aspects of your horse's needs. If you are agreeable, let me know. I would like to approach this from a holistic perspective by taking a look at his overall health, possible deficiences, history, and so on. That way, I can offer you specific amounts to feed, what to look for, and how to approach any problems.
All the best,
Dr. Getty
Hi Jenni,
Your overall diet looks good. Beet Pulp will put on weight -- it has nearly as many calories as oats, without the negative aspects of grain.
You ought to be able to find a good multiple vitamin/mineral supplement. I believe Vita-Flex has a Canada branch -- look for their Accel product.
Flaxseed meal is excellent and high in fat content. This, too, will help with weight gain.
Keep me posted!
All the best,
Dr. Getty