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 Joan,
All three of these ingredients (as well as canola meal) are low in non-structural carbohydrates. So, choose a feed that contains these products, as well as things like beet pulp, alfalfa meal, flax, and rice bran. And, avoid products that contain whole grains, such as oats, corn, or barley. Grain by-products are also low in NSC.
Thanks for writing!
Dr. Getty 
Hi Joan,
Soy meal is preferable because of it is a legume, and therefore, balances out the amino acid profile in the feed (making the protein quality better).
All the best,
Dr. Getty
Hi Jamie,
Non-structural carbohyrates (NSC) refer to starches and sugars and for many horses, can be problematic. Horses that have chronic laminitis, are prone to cushings diseases, or who are insulin resistant, should have diets that are low in NSC.
"Structural" carbohydrates are those found in forages -- fibers. There are six different types of fiber: cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, pectin, gums, and mucilages. They do not produce an insulin response like starch and sugars do. Instead, they are fermented (digested) by the bacteria living in the hind gut into volatile fatty acids, which horses can use for energy (calories to do work).
This is probably more than you asked for in an answer, but I thought I'd cover all the bases (that's the professor in me -- can never answer a question without giving a "lecture!")
Warm regards,
Dr. Getty