Hi Dr Getty
Looks like we are going to have trouble finding hay this year. I still have about a months worth of hay left for Troy. He is getting coastal free choice. I was looking at TC Safe Choice, what are your thoughts on using this as a complete feed for Troy? I'm not sure that I can afford to feed at the recommended rate. How would you feed this, I would think it would have to be fed multiple times a day. Do you know if it is a pelleted feed? If I have to use this I need to start weaning him on to it while I still have hay. Please let me know what you think.

Thanks
Elyce and Troy

Hi Elyce,

I believe you mean Triple Crown Safe Starch and it can replace hay in the diet but you have to feed the same amount as hay. In other words, you would feed between 1.5 and 2.5 percent of his body weight. I believe, though I'm not certain, that it is an extruded feed (not pelleted) because it is meant for older horses whose teeth are not the best and therefore, cannot eat hay.

It's a fine hay replacer, but if you're not able to feed it at the same rate as hay, Troy will not do as well. Plus, he won't get the "chew value" that hay provides.

When I lived in Texas, there were several seasons when hay was quite scarce and I had to have it imported from California at $17 a bale. So, while that option is not exactly favorable, perhaps you can find some hay that is imported from elsewhere -- even Canada.

Good luck and please keep me posted.

Dr. Getty

Where are you from? Bayfield, CO