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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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What to feed a miniature donkey

Dear Dr.Getty,
2 months ago we got a miniature donkey gelding as a
companion for our horse. He is 2 years old and pretty
skinny. I tried to feed him a little beetpulb along
with glaenzen lite and ABC-plus. However he won't eat
it. Doesn't even touch his hay. My vet suggested to
feed him small amounts of sweet feed to gain weight.
The donkey is on pasture 24/7 and loves it. I've done
some research about feeding a mini donkey and it says
to be really careful with sweet feed as donkeys get
fat so easily and you can hardly reverse it. It also says not to feed any horse supplements to donkeys- they don't need it. Please give me some advise what
to feed my 2 year old donkey and if I should feed
sweet feed, what kind of brand would be best for him.
Thank you so much in advance.
Ursula Kleimeier

Where are you from? Charlotte, NC

How did you locate this forum? browsing the net

Re: What to feed a miniature donkey

Hello Ursula,

You're correct in avoiding sweet feed. Miniature donkeys (and all donkeys for that matter) are prone toward insulin resistance.

I recommend a low starch feed such as Triple Crown Lite. It's also low in fat and only has 12% protein. Feed 1 lb per 500 lbs of body weight. No other supplementation is necessary except a plain white salt block and plenty of clean water.

Feed a grass hay -- all he wants -- that has no more than 10% protein. See if he'll eat some alfalfa -- but not much -- no more than a small flake each day.

Do not add fat to his diet. Be sure he is properly wormed and that his teeth are in good condition.

Keep me posted.

All the best,

Dr. Getty



Ursula Kleimeier
Dear Dr.Getty,
2 months ago we got a miniature donkey gelding as a
companion for our horse. He is 2 years old and pretty
skinny. I tried to feed him a little beetpulb along
with glaenzen lite and ABC-plus. However he won't eat
it. Doesn't even touch his hay. My vet suggested to
feed him small amounts of sweet feed to gain weight.
The donkey is on pasture 24/7 and loves it. I've done
some research about feeding a mini donkey and it says
to be really careful with sweet feed as donkeys get
fat so easily and you can hardly reverse it. It also says not to feed any horse supplements to donkeys- they don't need it. Please give me some advise what
to feed my 2 year old donkey and if I should feed
sweet feed, what kind of brand would be best for him.
Thank you so much in advance.
Ursula Kleimeier

Where are you from? Bayfield, CO