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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: feed for high energy horses (behavior problems)

Hi Christina,

Barrel horses are highly prone toward developing ulcers because running causes the upper region of the stomach to be exposed to stomach acid.

So, I would avoid oats, or any feed made from oats (or any other cereal grain) because of the high starch content. Starch causes an increase in acid production. Plus your mare appears to have a behavior response to highs and lows in insulin levels caused by high starch diets. So, choose a low starch feed, and give your horse as much hay as she wants, including some alfalfa.

Feeding oats is truly "old school" because it is one of the main reasons we see man-made disorders such as ulcers, laminitis, colic, and insulin resistance. So, it is best to avoid them and give a low starch feed that is high in fat to meet her energy needs.

Thanks for writing.

All the best,

Dr. Getty

Where are you from? Bayfield, CO