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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: IR HORSE THAT IS TOO THIN

Hello Marie,

The answer may simply be that he is not getting enough calories. For a working horse, he would need far more than a small amount of beet pulp and alfalfa pellets.

He also needs alfalfa hay, along with grass hay (grass hay offered free choice -- all day, all night, 24/7). And a supplement to fill in the gaps, along with flaxseed meal. I highly recommend Glanzen Complete - feed three scoops per day.

You mentioned that he is insulin resistant -- it is best to have your hay analyzed for its sugar and starch levels.

In addition to feeding him enough and filling in nutritional gaps, give him a good prebiotic to help his hind gut bacterial population. This will allow him to better digest forage, thereby giving him more calories. I recommend Ration Plus.

All the best,

Dr. Getty
Author of Feed Your Horse Like A Horse

Marie
hello, I have an IR horse that is on beet pulp one handful and alfalfa pellets one handful twice daily. Hay is good quality and turnout limited to 2 hrs. He is working dressage and becoming too thin. Any suggestions?? Thanks

Where are you from? Waverly, Ohio