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
Hello Catherine,
The only published information is what is found in the NRC and you are correct - they are minimal amounts. However, in the Nutrient Requirements of Horses that they publish periodically, they do describe research studies that go into optimal amounts and even maximum tolerable levels for some nutrients.
However, their charts are based on weight, age, and exercise levels, so it would not be feasible to put all of these charts in my book. In the future, I may consider including something for the "average" horse but that would only help those who have an "average" horse. 
If you have the NRC tables available, you could consider multiplying those values by 100 to 150% to get an idea of the optimal nutrient values. It's a ballpark figure, at best, since every horse is an individual and metabolizes nutrients somewhat differently depending on genetics, environment, digestive functioning, and overall health. And sometimes, nutrients are best used in a pharmacological manner as opposed to a physiological one where they are used more as medications than to maintain a certain level of already-existing health.
I am delighted that you are enjoying my book. My goal in writing it is to provide a simplified means of keeping horses healthy by respecting their need for a continuous supply of forage. At the same time, horses can benefit from increased nutrients when experiencing various illness, conditions, and life stages.
Thank you for your input and I will take this into serious consideration for my next edition.
All the best,
Dr. Getty
Love your book, but the one thing I find missing is a comprehensive chart with your recommendations on the minimum requirements for each vitamin and mineral. You sate a few, such as Magnesium,zinc and Selenium, but I can't seem to find any numbers for niacin,folacin, cobalt, copper, calcium, etc..
I am currently using the recommendations from the NRC. I know the NRC are minimum requirements, not necessarily an optimal amount. When you don't mention a specific amount, is it because you agree with the NRC chart? Do you plan on making this available in the future?
Thanks.
Where are you from? Bayfield, CO