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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 a Mini

May I first begin with, what a blessing you are and how much i have learned from you. Thank You so much. I've recently entered the mini world and I am slightly confused as to what to feed her. She is 4yrs old and I am in the process of training her to pull cart. Currently we are beginning driving. As of now she is fed one scoop of alfalfa pellets morning and night. Someone said timothy blend would be better. And once I start driving her supplement with oatbran. What is your advice.

Where are you from? Southern California

How did you locate this forum? Pomona Equine Affaire

Re: Feeding a Mini

Hi Karren,

Thank you for the very kind words. I'm delighted to help.

I recommend feeding a combination of alfalfa and timothy, rather than straight alfalfa. Alfalfa is too high in calories for a mini because they gain weight very easily. And of course, she should have a good quality, low %NSC grass hay, fed free-choice.

Avoid the oat bran -- it is too high in sugar and starch (%NSC) since minis are genetically predisposed toward insulin resistance.

All the grass hay she wants, a small amount of alfalfa/timothy pellets as a carrier (moistened is best), and a vitamin/mineral supplement to fill in the gaps that also contains omega 3 fatty acids -- such as Glanzen Lite Complete -- and you're all set!

All the best,

Dr. Getty
Author of Feed Your Horse Like A Horse

Karren
May I first begin with, what a blessing you are and how much i have learned from you. Thank You so much. I've recently entered the mini world and I am slightly confused as to what to feed her. She is 4yrs old and I am in the process of training her to pull cart. Currently we are beginning driving. As of now she is fed one scoop of alfalfa pellets morning and night. Someone said timothy blend would be better. And once I start driving her supplement with oatbran. What is your advice.

Where are you from? Bayfield, CO