Ask the Nutritionist: Dr. Getty's Forum for Equine Nutrition
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All the best,
Dr. Getty
Hello Savannah,
There are several causes of diarrhea. First, diarrhea can be caused by worm infestation, including encysted larvae which need to be eliminated by giving a 5 day double dose of fendbendazole (Panacur Power Pak). Also, diarrhea can be caused by a change in the diet, thereby affecting the bacterial flora. I recommend that you be consistent in your feeding and not give him many carrots -- first, because he would have to have them every day to keep his bacterial flora in good health. And, second, as an "easy keeper" he is likely somewhat insulin resistant and should not have carrots due to their high sugar content. A good treat to consider is Skodes Treats.
Stress can also cause diarrhea, so if he's not happy in his surroundings perhaps due to the loss of a buddy, a change in his environment, or the addition of another horse, this, too can affect the digestive track.
My first approach would be to try something called BioSponge -- here is the link: http://www.platinumperformance.com/animal/equine/products/productcategories/product.cfm?category_id=162 It's made by Platinum Performance and I am not able to carry their products on my website, but I recommend that you go to their website and see it this product helps. I've heard good things about it. And, I see that you're using Platinum Performance, so you're likely familiar with it.
I would also consider adding more B vitamins to his diet since he is not able to product enough on his own while he's experiencing this problem. And, the B vitamins will help reduce the inflammation in his digestive tract. Consider BPlex in addition to what you're feeding. Stay away from sunflower seeds -- they are high in omega 6 fatty acids and will increase inflammation.
So, those are a few suggestions. Please keep me posted!
Dr. Getty
Where are you from? Bayfield, CO
Hi Savannah,
Bermuda hay is a much better choice for an insulin resistant horse, so go with that if you have it available. Oat hay is not at all nutritious and is also high in starch. So, avoid that one if possible.
The Skode's treats are certainly more expensive than carrots, but not as much as you mentioned. I believe you were looking at the combo price of more than one 2 lb tub. Nevertheless, an "easy keeper" should not have carrots because of their high sugar content. So, one carrot, once in a while -- but you really aren't doing your horse any favor, even though they are so well liked! Alfalfa cubes are fine as treats, broken into small pieces.
About the worming, most horses benefit from the Power Pak so the timing in not as significant. But, I would use the biosponge first and and see how that works before doing the worming.
All the best,
Dr. Getty
Where are you from? Bayfield, CO