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 Amanda,
Oh, poor little guy -- I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of your mare.
Yes, good quality grass hay is fine. But, you'll also want to give him alfalfa hay, pellets or cubes (soaked, please), to balance out his protein quality. In addition, he needs a multiple vitamin/mineral supplement designed to meet his additional requirements for growth. Mare/Foal IIP is one that I recommend. In your area, you can likely find something similar.
He doesn't need grain, nor do I recommend it since too much starch can lead to osteopathic disorders in growing horses.
So, prepare a meal each day that consists of alfalfa hay cubes or pellets, along with his supplement. Make sure he has a plain white salt lick available, and gets plenty of water.
Thanks for writing. Happy Holidays!
Dr. Getty 
Where are you from? Bayfield, CO