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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
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feeding Pure C

I have several geldings in their 20's--one is 29. They are all healthy, but I have been reading about older horses benefitting from a vitaminC supplement. My question is: Will a discerning (read:picky) eater readily eat Pure C when top dressed, or mixed with regular pellets? If there is a way to incourage consumption, will you suggest any you might know about? None of these geldings are showing any signs of Cushings, but I also have some almost 20 year old broodmares which may also benefit from Pure C and some of them are starting to look a bit cresty.

Where are you from? Tallahassee

How did you locate this forum? web--looking for nutrition info. I have your wonderful book!

Re: feeding Pure C

Hello Rica,

Vitamin C, as you know, is very important for older horses since they no longer produce enough on their own (like they did when they were younger). Pure C is ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and has a slightly bitter taste. I suggest starting with just a pinch, mixed in thoroughly with moistened feed. And then very slowly, build up to higher levels. You can add a flavoring agent if you find that to be helpful such as apple cider vinegar (most horses enjoy this), or a flavored oil such as Aperti. But avoid anything sugary since they sound like they are insulin resistant (cresty neck) -- so no apple sauce, apple juice, etc.

Consider Quiessence for your horses with a cresty neck since that is a danger sign that laminitis could occur (it indicates that insulin levels are elevated in the blood). Quiessence is a magnesium/chromium preparation that will help lower circulating insulin levels.

Keep me posted. I'm delighted that you are enjoying my book.

All the best,

Dr. Getty
Author of Feed Your Horse Like A Horse



Rica Barrett
I have several geldings in their 20's--one is 29. They are all healthy, but I have been reading about older horses benefitting from a vitaminC supplement. My question is: Will a discerning (read icky) eater readily eat Pure C when top dressed, or mixed with regular pellets? If there is a way to incourage consumption, will you suggest any you might know about? None of these geldings are showing any signs of Cushings, but I also have some almost 20 year old broodmares which may also benefit from Pure C and some of them are starting to look a bit cresty.

Where are you from? Bayfield, CO