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.
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All the best,
Dr. Getty
Hi Kasey,
If you are feeding Ultium according to directions, then you do not need to add alfalfa. The purpose of adding alfalfa is to boost the overall protein quality of the diet. But, Ultium contains alfalfa, along with added amino acids to complement the grass hay that they are receiving.
For horses that only receive grass hay and/or pasture, it is advisable to add some alfalfa to the mix to provide additional amino acids. Alfalfa is a legume and as such, it boosts the overall protein quality consumed.
But, in your case, it is not likely that additional alfalfa is needed. If however, you are only feeding a small amount of Purina Ultium, you may want to consider alfalfa.
Thanks for writing,
Dr. Getty 
Where are you from? Bayfield, CO