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
Hello Renee,
Thank you for writing. I would fill in the gaps that exist with hay with a flaxseed meal based supplement that is lower in fat, called Glanzen Lite Complete. The omega 3 fatty acids found in flaxseed meal have been shown to reduce circulating insulin levels, which is very important for the IR horse. Give her 1 scoop per 500 lbs of body weight.
Secondly, I would add psyllium husks. SuPer Psyllium Pellets is a good, economical choice. Give her 1/8 cup per meal.
Finally, have your hay analyzed to make sure it is low in calories and low enough in NSC (below 12%) to be fed free choice. An empty stomach should be avoided since this causes a stress hormone response that can increase her risk of another laminitis relapse, as well as keep her heavy (if she has fat deposits). I suggest sending in a hay sample to Equi-Analytical Labs and ordering their Fast Track test. I believe they still only charge $16 for it -- money well spent.
All the best,
Dr. Getty 
Author of Feed Your Horse Like A Horse
I recently adopted an IR mini- she is a rescue and foundered in the past. Her weight is good and she is not lame. She is about 12 years old.
I am feeding her about 4.5 lbs of grass hay, no pasture grass, a Chro-Mag supplement from Green Mountain Nutritional and 1000 IU vitamin E. Would a ration balancer work for her or an additional vit/min supplement?
Thanks for your help,
Renee
Where are you from? Waverly, Ohio