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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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Re: To Feed or Not to Feed?

Hi Tamara,

I can certainly understand your concern about overfeeding, so you are wise to pay close attention to how much your foal receives.

Yes, Evolution appears to be fine (based on their website) for a growing foal since it is low in starch (starch can increase the incidence of osteopathic disorders in growing horses). So, you can feed it in small quantities in a creep feeding situation. However, I do not recommend feeding minerals free choice. Horses cannot assess their need for most minerals, with the exception of a few electrolyte, so it is better to feed them according to need. For that reason, I would recommend a vitamin/mineral supplement designed for growing horses, such as Mare/Foal IIP.

It's true that Evolution is fortified, but you would likely need to feed too much to get enough vitamins and minerals.

So, bottom line... feed all the hay she wants, no oats, 30% alfalfa, and you can use the Evolution as a "carrier" for a supplement. Also, you need to pay close attention to lysine content, so having your hay analysed is your best bet. Otherwise, you may need to supplement this essential amino acid.

Congratulations and if you need further assistance, please consider visiting over the phone so we can go over the big picture and customize a proper feeding plan.

All the best,

Dr. Getty

Where are you from? Bayfield, CO