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.
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All the best,
Dr. Getty
Hi Camille,
If you switch to TC 30%, you can stop feeding alfalfa, since this supplement is high in soybean meal (also a legume). The feeding directions state 2 lbs per day for a heavily exercised horse.
Take a close look at your horse's stress level. Stress is a major cause of obesity simply because the stress hormone, cortisol, causes insulin resistance. And an insulin resistant horse cannot efficiently burn fat for energy -- the cells simply will not let go of fat.
The fact that he has ulcers indicates that stress is likely a factor. Alfalfa pellets are not as good at buffering (for ulcers) as hay or even cubes. So, for now, go with the TC 30%, help your horse be a horse as much as is possible with as much turnout as possible, time with a buddy, and perhaps a break so he can recuperate. He'll be better in the long run.
One product I highly recommend is AmiQuell -- this herbal preparation soothes and heals the digestive lining.
Please keep me posted.
All the best,
Dr. Getty 
Author of Feed Your Horse Like A Horse
Where are you from? Bayfield, CO