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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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Re: Horse growth

Hello Laura,

I had a similar experience with my paint and I have since heard that some paints take longer to grow than other breeds. I'm not sure if that is really true, but it seemed to be for my horse -- he was under
14 hh for what seemed like forever and now that he's 5 years old, he is 15.3 hh.

But, having said that, it is very important that your horse have all the nutrients she needs to grow. The fist thing is quality protein. Make sure that your grass hay (fed free-choice) is of good quality and then add approximately 30% of her hay ration as alfalfa. This will boost the overal quality, giving her body the amino acid building blocks he needs to synthesize tissues.

She also needs adequate minerals, especially zinc and copper. The best way to ensure this is to give her a comprehensive vitamin/mineral supplement, preferably one that is flaxseed meal based to provide valuable omega 3s. I really like Glanzen Complete to fill in all the nutritional gaps.

Exercise, fresh air, reduced stress, clean water, and plain, white salt -- and I expect she'll be fine!

All the best,

Dr. Getty
Author of Feed Your Horse Like A Horse





Laura
Hi my Paint horse is around 2.5 years old, and she doesn't seem to be growing, she barely 14 hands and I'm worried. (she's supposed to be about 15.2 hands) Do you have any recommendations?

Where are you from? Bayfield, CO