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
Hi Ursula,
Yes, it would be best to switch to the TC Lite. TC Low Starch is too high in sugars and starch -- at 16%. TC Lite's level is 9.5%.
So, that would be the first step. But, the next thing would be to reduce his feed to a minimal level, only enough to serve as a carrier for his supplements. So, one to two cups per meal is fine.
He really doesn't need this concentrated feed but you need something to add his supplements to. But, he does need hay -- I'm glad you're giving him all that he wants so he can self regulate his intake.
He's a big boy, so you should be giving him 4 ounces of Quiessence per day (4 scoops). If you can have your hay analyzed, it would be preferable so you can determine the exact amount of magnesium he is getting. Also, analyzing your hay for its sugar and starch levels would be useful since he may be getting too much of these carbohydrates. Send a hay sample in to Equi-Analytical Labs at www.equi-analytical.com or contact your local county extension service.
And, finally, exercise is very important. If you can't ride every day, at least walk him on a lead rope, or lunge him.
Keep me posted!
All the best,
Dr. Getty
Where are you from? Bayfield, CO