Ask the Nutritionist: Dr. Getty's Forum for Equine Nutrition
Welcome to my forum.
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All the best,
Dr. Getty
Hi Jan,
Yes you got it right! And, you do not need to add any additional pro- or pre- biotics since your horse gets plenty of beneficial microbes by grazing on pasture.
If you notice that he's losing weight, then you can consider a pre-biotic, such as Ration Plus. But, if he is healthy, keep doing what you're doing (which is excellent!).
All the best,
Dr. Getty 
Author of Feed Your Horse Like A Horse
Should my horse be on both pre & probiotics?
The way I understand these are: Prebiotics feed the normal existing bacteria in the gut? Probiotics supply this bacteria? Kinda Right?
My 7yr old gelding is out w/40 others 24/7 on 75 acres during the summer months, lucky him! I bring him in daily for 1.5 lb of Triple Crown Light,free choice hay and salt. I know that the TCL has Lactobacillus Acidophilus 2.0 million CFU/gm.
Is this enough or should he be on something else?
Thanks for your time!
Where are you from? Bayfield, CO
Hi Jan and thank you for your patience,
4 lbs of Triple Crown Lite will cover all of the vitamin and mineral needs so there is no need to add an additional supplement. And I believe it also contains probiotics. So the only reason you would consider Purina Wellsolve L/S would be for the additional magnesium. I recommend staying with TC Lite and if your horse show any signs of insulin resistance (cresty neck, crease going down the spine, fatty tail head and shoulders) then you can add additional magnesium (and chromium) by feeding Quiessence. Otherwise, sounds like you're on the right track!
All the best,
Dr. Getty
Author of Feed Your Horse Like A Horse
Hope this finds you well and ready for winter.
Winter is coming and horses (my gelding and my new mare) will be coming into the dry lot soon and off of pasture, stalled at night. They are in very good shape and easy keepers. I will up the TC Lite to 4lbs divided into two feedings, add 1/4 measured cup Horseshine flax (has B Vits)again, and free hay,salt,water.
Do I need to supplement A,E or B Vit? Add pre-biotic?
Also have been reading about the Wellsolve L/S, would this be a better solution than TC Lite with the added Vitamins? They do not love the taste of TC and sometimes leave some of it, and wonder if they would like the Wellsolve better.
Any other suggestions would be appreciated by me and my horses!
Thank you for all of your help.
Where are you from? Bayfield, CO