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 Kasey,
Rice bran has hardly any omega 3 fatty acids in it -- less than 1%. It is high in omega 9 fatty acids (monounsaturated fatty acids) and omega 6 fatty acids (linoleic acid). So, there is no need to worry about giving too much omega 3s. Omega 3s are very necessary so feeding flaxseed meal is important. But, get a stabilized flaxseed meal with calcium added since it can easily go rancid if you grind them yourself. And, flaxseeds have an inverted calcium to phosphorus ratio, you need to have a commercial product such as Nutra Flax that has the corrected calcium level.
Also, rice bran is very high in phosphorus compared to calcium. So again, get a commercial product that is stabilized against rancidity and has added calcium.
Your horses would likely benefit from a good vitamin/mineral supplement to fill in the gaps. Glanzen or Reitsport both are flaxseed meal-based supplements that will support their immune function, hooves, joints, digestive tract, and haircoat.
All the best,
Dr. Getty 
Where are you from? Bayfield, CO
Thank you. I do get the stabilized rice bran and the Nutra-Flax.
