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 Lisa and Kasey,
Performance horses do need more carbohydrates in the diet and therefore, adding some oats is fine in most cases. However, horses that have ulcers, are insulin resistant, are prone toward laminitis, etc., should not have oats or any other grain.
And, if you do feed oats, it is best to limit it to no more than 2 to 3 lbs per day. Too much, if it hits the hind gut, can lead to colic and even laminitis.
Horses' digestive systems are not designed to consume large amounts of grain. They get carbohydrates from grass, hay, and other forages that are typically found in horse rations (such as beet pulp, soybean hulls, etc.).
All the best,
Dr. Getty 
Where are you from? Bayfield, CO