Return to Website

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
This Forum is Locked
Author
Comment
Building Muscle

Dr. Getty, I will be getting two large ponies who have been in a small dry lot for three years. They are slightly thin, but the main issue is that they no longer have any muscle along their whole top-line. The owner is on a very tight budget, what would be the best supplement(s) to put them on to help them gain back the lost muscle. They will be living on a large pasture on a hillside, with good grass, so they will be getting some self-exercise, and I plan on putting them on a hill work program.
Thanks,
Kim

Where are you from? Clover, SC

Re: Building Muscle

Hi Kim,

The best supplement you can offer would be Body Builder. High in gamma oryzanol, a natural anabolic steroid, it helps horses build muscle mass. Of course, it requires exercise and you mentioned that they will be exercised regularly. I continue to have excellent results with this product.

In addition to Body Builder, however, be sure the ponies are receiving a high quality protein -- adding a legume (generally alfalfa or clover). Watch their weight, since overweight ponies are prone toward developing insulin resistance and resulting laminitis. So, no more than 10 to 20% alfalfa.

All the best,

Dr. Getty
Author of Feed Your Horse Like A Horse

Where are you from? Bayfield, CO

Re: Building Muscle

Thank you Dr. Getty, I will tell their owner about Body Builder.
Kim

Where are you from? Clover, SC

Re: Building Muscle

You're most welcome, Kim. If you have any other questions, let me know.

All the best,

Dr. Getty

Kim
Thank you Dr. Getty, I will tell their owner about Body Builder.
Kim

Where are you from? Bayfield, CO