Ask the Nutritionist: Dr. Getty's Forum for Equine Nutrition
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All the best,
Dr. Getty
Hi Pam,
Thank you for writing. Regarding the metabolic syndrome, Nutrena Safe Choice is not "safe" because its %NSC is close to 25%. It is lower in starch than oats, but not nearly low enough for an insulin resistant horse. Go with Purina Wellsolve L/S, or Triple Crown Lite, or ADM Alliance feeds (there are others).
It's important to have magnesium and chromium, so if your current supplement is not providing these two minerals, go with Quiessence or CarbX.
About DE -- I am very uncomfortable with feeding it. It is fine for fly larvae control by putting it on top of manure piles, but to feed it to horses is uncertain. I get the impression that you feel ok with it -- but over the long term -- who knows? And feeding it to remove sand is not effective -- go with Chia Seeds and/or psyllium.
Finally, insulin resistant horses benefit from omega 3 fatty acids, so a supplement that is flaxseed meal based, such as Glanzen Lite Complete or another supplement plus flaxseed meal (such as Nutra Flax) or Chia seeds, are good choices.
All the best,
Dr. Getty 
Author of Feed Your Horse Like A Horse
Where are you from? Bayfield, CO
Hi Pam,
I've answered your questions below each one...
1 - How much on the Mag. & Chron. Supplements?
There are several sizes of each type, so I suggest looking at the websites:
Quiessence: http://gettyequinenutrition.biz/products/quiessence.htm
CarbX: http://gettyequinenutrition.biz/products/carbx.htm
2- How do you feel about Bentonite Clay vs. D/E?
OR The combination of the two?
To my knowledge, bentonite clay is used as a buffer to raise the pH of the hindgut and therefore, reduce cecal acidosis in horses. As far as a colic preventive, it would do so by preventing the destruction of the bacterial microbes living in the cecum and large colon. But, it also can neutralize stomach acid, which has problems of its own (depressed immune function, inefficient protein digestion).
I know the Psyllum works well for some horses but others it seems to clog up...without the added probiotics they say? It is very expensive and I see many vets adding the d/e now into their formulas so I thought I was on the right track there.
I have horses that I know would have coliced (living in FL. without adding the D/E into their feed daily - I used to breed and raise horses and have gone threw colic on more than one occassion with so many horses. Some have been fatal, I have gone the surgery route also which I would never do again.
For the last 6 years - I can say I have not had the 1st bout (knock on wood) but the routines are the same (don't breed anymore) and they are still eating behind one another (bottom feeders) in the pastures. It is the only thing I can attribute it to. I do keep a 2 bottles of: Equine Colic Relief America on the emergency shelf as a precautionary measure. But, have only had to give it to neighbor's horses when they coliced and they don't use D/E.
I can certainly understand your concern, having been through tragic cases of colic -- so I am reluctant to have you change if what you're doing is working. But bottom line -- horses with a good quality hay that is not too high in indigestible fiber, offered free choice, along with eating off the ground (like you're doing), exercise, low starch diet, water, and a source of soluble fiber (such as psyllium or Chia seeds) will he protect horses from colic.
3- I do have Chia seeds - how much per day?
I recommend 1/2 cup per 400 lbs of body weight.
4- If I give the Chia seeds do I still incorporate the (flaxseed meal based supplements- omega 3 fatty acids or would they consure that with the Chia Seeds?
No flaxseed would be unnecessary since Chia is also very high in omega 3 fatty acids.
5- Are you saying to use the Chia insteasd of D/E to prevent colic?
Yes, along with the other dietary things I mentioned. Free choice grass hay is probably the most significant because an empty stomach can lead to hind gut microbial destruction (from the acid that is continuously produced). It also keeps the motility up since the gastrointestinal tract is made of muscles and if empty, torsion and intusseptions can occur.
6- About the APF - which he has been on forever...
I tried to take him off of it one time and obviously is body needs it now. Is there Chasteberry or something that can be used in place of that is similar and provide the same effects?
Yes -- Balance EQ is excellent: http://gettyequinenutrition.biz/products/cushalleve.htm
I will change his feed immediately, I would like to get them all off of feed and just go to forage only. 7- Is that something you would recommed? Are there supplement's or a vitamin pack to offer in place of the feed given?
Forage, plus Chia, plus High Point is an excellent route: http://gettyequinenutrition.biz/products/highpointgrass.htm
I will take all of your suggestions and put them to work for Final...and the other horses.
I Thank-You for all your help!!
Pam
I believe you should be on the right track with these changes and suggestions. But, if you need more detail, the best way I can help you would be to set up a private phone consultation. Here is the link for more info: http://gettyequinenutrition.biz/talktodrgetty.htm
All the best,
Dr. Getty
Author of Feed Your Horse Like A Horse
Where are you from? Bayfield, CO