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
Hello Ginger and Pam,
I empathize with your predicament, having been there myself during an extreme drought in Texas. I did what you did, Pam, and ordered a large amount of hay from out of state (California) and split it with a few of my horsey friends.
But, to answer your question, Ginger, you will need to get a "hay extender" which is not necessarily a complete, commercial feed. These feeds are fortified with vitamins and minerals, which are fine to feed as a meal, but not to replace hay in most cases because you would have to feed too much. Even the high fiber ones need to be fed in meal sizes no more than 4 lbs for the average 1000 lb horse. So, it is best to add a hay replacer.
To replace hay, get hay cubes -- such as timothy, alfalfa, or even both. Feed them in amounts similar to what you'd feed for hay -- approximately 2% of body weight. But, it is best to moisten them because they are very dry and can cause choke.
I wish you well and hope this situation doesn't last too much longer.
Best regards,
Dr. Getty 
Where are you from? Bayfield, CO