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 Nikki,
You are correct about the price factor -- low starch/low sugar feeds tend to be more expensive than high starch feeds because the ingredients are more expensive. Oats, corn, and molasses are cheap and commercial feeds made with these cereal grains and sugar are the least expensive available.
There are many low starch feeds available and just about every feed company offers at least one -- they are all gaining understanding of the importance of avoiding high amounts of starch unless a horse is work extensively and requires the extra carbohydratres -- but even then, they should be fed in small quantitites (no more than 2 lbs at a time for a 1000 lb horse).
Check to see what brands you have available in your area. You may be pleasantly surprised. For example, Kent Feeds has recently come out with a moderately priced option that I find worthwhile -- called Dynasty Secure.
All the best,
Dr. Getty 
Author of Feed Your Horse Like A Horse
Where are you from? Bayfield, CO