Ask the Nutritionist: Dr. Getty's Forum for Equine Nutrition
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All the best,
Dr. Getty
Hello Wendy,
I have a couple of recommendations for you that will help him lose weight and also meet his decreased need for potassium.
First and most important... do not restrict grass hay. If he runs out of hay, it is very stressful, leading to fat storage (because of stress hormone production). He will self-regulate and eat only what his body needs if you give him all the grass hay he wants. The key is not to feed more, but to feed all his wants -- free-choice -- and at first, he will eat too much but after a few days he will eat less and less and after a week or so, he will eat only a fraction of his original amount.
Next, he should not have grain (oats) because he is genetically predisposed to insulin resistance, which also causes fat storage. And it also leads to laminitis.
If you suspect that he has hyperkalemic periodic paralysis (if he has any QH in him), then low potassium is important. Instead of oats, go with Triple Crown Low Starch, which only has .75% potassium (less than oats).
In addition, give him magnesium and chromium from Quiessence to help with his insulin resistance. I recommend giving him 1 sccop per 250 lbs of body weight, not to exceed 5 scoops per day.
This will get you started and you're wise to be concerned about him developing laminitis and seeking ways to avoid it. If I can help you further, perhaps by visiting with you personally over the phone, please let me know. That way I can go over every detail of his life, environment, exercise, and diet to customize a plan that works for you and him, and reinforces a healthy future.
All the best,
Dr. Getty 
Where are you from? Bayfield, CO