Ask the Nutritionist: Dr. Getty's Forum for Equine Nutrition
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Dr. Getty
Hi Dr. Getty,
My horse has had weight gaining problems in the past, and with his new switch in diet he has been vastly improving and is looking fantastic. YAY! He is currently getting 3lbs. Blue Seal's Hunter and a 1/2lb. of Nutrena's Empower (and Ration Plus) per feeding, and is fed twice a day. He also gets his free choice of a high quality second cutting hay and free pasture. I just wanted to make sure that his vitamins and minerals were up to par, making sure he is not getting too much or too little of anything.
Blue Seal's Hunter:
http://www.blueseal.com/equine/productpages/10_Hunter.pdf
Empower:
http://www.nutrenaworld.com/Screens/ProductDetails_Equine.aspx?ProductID=166
Thanks!
Where are you from? NY
Hi Spin's Mom!
You're doing a fine job with him. His vitamin and mineral intake will need improvement, however, once he is no longer on pasture. Hay loses nutrients and you are not feeding the Blue Seal feed in high quantities. So, rather than feed more than you are, I would recommend adding a complete vitamin/mineral supplement such as Mega Cell at a one ounce dose (instead of the recommended two ounces per day).
I'm pleased that you are feeding Ration Plus -- this is very important for the horse that needs to gain weight.
Keep up the fine work!
Dr. Getty
Where are you from? Bayfield, CO