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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 

 



Ask the Nutritionist: Dr. Getty's Forum for Equine Nutrition
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Alfalfa Cubes vs. Hay stretcher

I have fed alfalfa/timothy cubes for several years as a way to supplement my horses' forage and, in the winter, to increase their water intake. My horses typically get 1.5-2.0% of their body weight in hay (including the cubes).

My vet recently said that he prefers hay stretcher to cubes. I should have asked him to explain further, because I'm not sure why they would be better. Is there a reason why you would feed the hay stretcher instead of soaked cubes?

Thanks.

Where are you from? Massachusetts

Re: Alfalfa Cubes vs. Hay stretcher

Hi Liz,

Perhaps your vet was referring to the fact that hay stretcher is typically in a pelleted form. Cubes, when fed dry, are responsible for many cases of choke. So vets would naturally like people to stay away from them.

But, you're feeding them correctly -- soaking them. So, there is no need to change to a pelleted form.

All the best,

Dr. Getty

Where are you from? Bayfield, CO