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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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Re: Flax

Hi Kasey!

I'm glad to help!

As Lynette mentioned, you can grind them yourself each day. Other than the fact that they need daily grinding (and even the whole seeds should be kept refrigerated, since they, too, can go rancid), it is important to note that flaxseed meal has an inverted calcium to phosphorus ratio. So, when feeding "home-ground" flaxseed meal, it is important to add a comparable amount of a high calcium feed such as alfalfa, to the diet.

All the best,

Dr. Getty

Where are you from? Bayfield, CO

Re: Flax

Hi Dr. Getty,
I normally steer clear of giving my 2¢ to anyones post... I am no expert!! Since they were talking about feeding whole flax seeds I thought I'd give an easy way to grind them. I didn't realize that a horse would need calcium added if feeding ground flax. You know I do feed alfalfa to my mare & her baby. I quit giving the gelding alfalfa because of his "touchy" feet, like you suggested and or course it worked. Does the SafeChoice have enough calcium for him? I am feeding the Accel too.
Thanks for your help and I hope my suggestion doesn't hurt anyone's horse!!
Lynette

Where are you from? Texas

Re: Flax

Hi Lynette,

I always welcome your comments!

Yes, the Safe Choice and Accel have calcium added to balance out additional phosphorus. Depending on the calcium content in your hay, and how much flaxseed you're feeding, it may be important to use a flaxseed product, such as Nutra Flax, because it has the added calcium.

To let you know specifics regarding the exact amounts of calcium and phosphorus, I would need to do some analysis for you.

Best regards,

Dr. Getty

Where are you from? Bayfield, CO