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 Billy,
Absolutely -- the digestive tract contains water, which makes DE ineffective. And, as I mentioned in response to Deb's question, it may also be harmful. So, use it on manure piles, but I don't recommend feeding it to your horse.
All the best,
Dr. Getty 
Where are you from? Bayfield, CO
Hello Deb,
I would rather not risk using DE since it may cause microscopic cuts in the lining of the digestive tract. There haven't been studies to confirm this, but if it destroys worms that way, who's to say that it won't harm the horse's delicate intestinal lining? My approach is to avoid it.
All the best,
Dr. Getty
Where are you from? Bayfield, CO