Ask the Nutritionist: Dr. Getty's Forum for Equine Nutrition
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Dr. Getty
Hi Alice,
12 lbs of feed per day is not enough for a 950 lb horse. I would recommend closer to 20 lbs per day and 75% of that from forage.
Triple Crown does make a hay cube that can be used instead of grass hay. And, you can continue adding alfalfa cubes or pellets, that have been soaked.
Are you still providing Vitamin E and C? Let's kick this up a notch and go with Pre Ox -- 2 ounces per day. This will be very helpful for the immune system. In addition, I would feed Daily Start because it will provide oligosaccharides, which further help the body fight infection.
Keep me posted,
Dr. Getty 
Where are you from? Bayfield, CO
Wow, been awhile since I caught up on here! lol, anyway, I am not sure if you know, but there are a couple of manufacturers that make automatic "grain" feeders. If you bought one (they aren't cheap) you could set it to feed her little bits of her "bucket" all day long. It's too bad your vet wants her completely off hay, but a feeder that lets her nibble all day long (could be why she enjoys hay so much) might make the transition easier for her. Watch it though, check out the manufacturers because I have heard that some types bind up or clog up more than others.
good luck!
-Jamie
Hi Jamie,
Yes, my experience with automatic feeders is that they do tend to clog, causing horses much frustration. So, before buying one, I would investigate it thoroughly.
Instead of grain, hay pellets can be used, to provide the forage that would normally be supplied by hay.
Thanks for writing!
Dr. Getty
Where are you from? Bayfield, CO