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 Beverly,
Thank you for writing. You are on the right track in your feeding regimen. I would recommend a few improvements...
First, the B vitamins work in concert, and while B1 is very important, it works with B2, Niacin, and Pantothenic Acid in providing energy to the tissues. So, a B Complex is a much more efficient approach. B Plex has all of the B vitamins in one supplement.
Magnesium is also very important and you are providing this. You didn't mention how much. I recommend 15,000 mg per day for a 1000 lb horse. Are you feeding Quiessence?
And, finally, adding a concentrated rice bran extract will add oil to his diet, which he needs more of in his condition, along with gamma oryzanol, to help calm him and allow his muscles to function more smootly without spasms. Take a look at Body Builder.
Make sure your hay is low in sugars and starches -- having it analyzed is always a good idea. If you don't have a local facility, I use Equi-Analytical for my analyses. Here is their website: www.equi-analytical.com
Salt is also essential -- at least 2 tablespoons of plain, white table salt each day, added to the diet (not the water).
Hope this is helpful!
All the best,
Dr. Getty
Where are you from? Bayfield, CO