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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 

 



Ask the Nutritionist: Dr. Getty's Forum for Equine Nutrition
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When should you feed grain?

Dr. Getty,

We have 5 horses and keep them on pasture. During the winter we have always fed them some grain (a mix we do ourselves) w/biotin along with hay. The horses always keep a great weight, but I'm wondering if the grain is necessary? We primarily give it to them to supplement the biotin. None of the horses have any special needs (ages: 4, 7, 10, 15, 19).

Christy

Where are you from? Colorado

How did you locate this forum? google

Re: When should you feed grain?

Hi Christy,

I prefer to provide a nutritional supplement that fills in the gaps -- a comprehensive multiple vitamin/mineral supplement that also provides essential omega 3 fatty acids. Fresh grass provides some omega 3s, but hay no longer has this important nutrient (it is lost during drying and storage). So, Glanzen Complete would be the best choice for horses on hay. This also contains support for hooves (biotin and other hoof-related nutrients) so you would not need to add additional biotin.

You do need a "carrier" so grain can fit this role. However, unless your horses are exercised regularly throughout the winter months, there is no need to add more than a minimal amount of grain. And, as long as they are not prone toward any insulin-related diseases (metabolic syndrome, cushings, PSSM, laminitis, etc.) they can have a small amount (less than 2 pounds per day) of cereal grain.

Thanks for writing.

All the best,

Dr. Getty

Where are you from? Bayfield, CO

Glanzen 3 w/trace mineral salt block?

Dr. Getty,

You mentioned giving Glanzen 3 to our horses w/hay. Would I still need to provide the trace mineral block and salt block? Would Glanzen 3 work for all ages of horses?

Where are you from? Colorado

Re: When should you feed grain?

Hi Christy,

Actually, I recommended Glanzen Complete, not Glanzen 3. Glanzen Complete is Glanzen 3 with added nutrients for horses that do not receive fresh pasture. It is a custom supplement made by the same folks (Horsetech) as Glanzen 3.

When feeding Glanzen Complete (or Glanzen 3 for that matter), you would not provide a mineralized salt block since this supplement contains minerals. You would, however, provide a plain, white salt block at all times.

Yes, Glanzen3 or Glanzen Complete work well for all ages. However, for growing horses it is best to have your hay analyzed for its lysine content to make sure it's up to par.

All the best,

Dr. Getty

Where are you from? Bayfield, CO

Re: When should you feed grain?

Hello again, Christy,

I should mention if you have a horse under the age of two, it's best to provide a supplement designed for his particular growth needs in regard to several minerals. For that reason, I would go with Mare/Foal IIP and add Nutra Flax for omega 3 fatty acids.

But, for two to four years of age, the Glanzen line is fine.

Lysine should be at least 44 grams for all growing horses.

Dr. Getty

Where are you from? Bayfield, CO