Dr. Getty, I have two three year old quarter horses. I've been feeding them alfalfa hay and nutrena safe choice twice daily, with a supplement of Strongid C2X in the a.m. They both seem to be thriving. I've just moved them to a new barn, in which the owner only likes to feed supplements once daily. Isn't it better, nutritionally for them to be fed twice daily in order to keep the nutrition they receive from the feed "more constant" in their systems? If feeding one large amount instead of two smaller also harder for them to digest and utilize? I look forward to your response. Thanks, Cheri

Where are you from? Palm Desert, CA

How did you locate this forum? Looking up Nutrena Safe Choice

Hi Cheri,

The key with feeding horses is that they need to be able to graze on hay and/or pasture at all times. Horses that are kept for hours without anything to eat can and do develop problems, including ulcers and colic.

Having said that, if a horse has access to forage at all times, it is perfectly fine to feed one meal each day. If the meal contains concentrates (grain, seedmeals, etc.), its size needs to be limited to no more than 3 to 3 1/2 pounds due to the small size of the horse's stomach. And, most supplements can be added all at once.

If a horse is not allowed to graze throughout the day, it becomes more critical to feed them small, frequent meals.

All the best,

Dr. Getty

Where are you from? Bayfield, CO

Thanks, Dr. Getty. At the new place they are receiving alfalfa in the a.m., the safe choice in the middle of the day, and then more alfalfa in the p.m. One of the horses gets three 13 oz. coffee cans of safechoice, the other gets 4. Which ends up working out to Red getting approx. 2lbs. and Hidey getting 3 1/2 lbs. So this new schedule should be ok? Thank you!

Where are you from? Palm Desert, CA

How did you locate this forum? Looking up Nutrena Safe Choice

Hi Cheri,

I would suggest weighing the feed to be sure. A 13 ounce can can weigh between 1 and 1 1/2 pounds. So, four of these would be too much to feed at one time.

Also, is it possible to add some grass hay to this feeding regimen? Feeding only alfalfa is done, I know, but it is not the best idea. Adding grass will balance out the protein quality and also the mineral levels.

All the best,

Dr. Getty

Where are you from? Bayfield, CO