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 Dede,
The meal that you described is too large to be safe. Horses' stomachs are relatively small. Their meal size should be limited 3 to 4 pounds.
Alfalfa pellets can be fed instead of hay. A pound of hay is equivalent to approximately 1/2 pound of pellets. So you would feed half as much of the pellets.
Thanks for writing!
Dr. Getty
Hi Dede,
Beet pulp does provide roughage, but it is not necessary to feed it as long as you are providing hay and/or pasture 24/7. Beet pulp is excellent when you need additional calories in the diet or as a carrier for supplements and top dressings.
All the best,
Dr. Getty