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 George,
Thank you for bringing up this very important issue. Oats are very high in starch (more than 50% non-structural carbohydrates) and are not appropriate for most horses, and especially those who are genetically predisposed to insulin resistance.
I highly recommend switching to either beet pulp or a low starch commercial feed.
I have an article on beet pulp in my library -- go to my home page -- www.gettyequinenutrition.com and click on the "Dr. Getty's Nutrition Library" at the top of the page. The article is called "Consider Beet Pulp instead of Oats."
All the best,
Dr. Getty 
Author of Feed Your Horse Like A Horse
Where are you from? Bayfield, CO