Ask the Nutritionist: Dr. Getty's Forum for Equine Nutrition
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Here you will find more than 6 years of questions and my answers. It is searchable and offers a great deal of information.
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All the best,
Dr. Getty
Hi Brandy,
Very often, as horses age, they have difficulty maintaining a healthy weight. There is a product called Reitsport(click on the link to read more about it)that will work wonders with him, if your pocketbook will allow it. It is a comprehensive top dressing that you would add to his feed that will boost his overall health, including his digestive system, so he can derive calories from the hay that he is eating. This will help him gain weight.
It will also help him because it in a flaxseed meal base, providing extra calories from omega 3 fatty acids. His hair coat will glow, his hooves will be healthy, his internal organs will function better, and he will joints will stay lubricated.
Which senior feed are you using? Some are easier to chew than others. You may have to moisten it to help him eat it better.
Keep me posted!
All the best,
Dr. Getty 
Hi Brandy,
Yes, it is a bit pricey -- not overpriced for what you get. I was mainly after a source of omega 3 fatty acids, microbials, and a comprehensive vitamin/mineral package. This is the best "all in one" supplement I have come across. However, there are other options you can consider.
Focus SR is mainly a mineral and microbe supplement, so it is not complete enough.
Take a look at Accel -- this is also a comprehensive supplement without the added hoof and joint supplementation that Reitsport adds.
Ration Plus is beneficial for weight gain because it boosts the health of the bacterial flora, so you could also go with this one. Accel, however, does provide microbials along with needed vitamins and minerals.
And, finally, you could simply add Nutra Flax -- a stabilized flaxseed meal -- that would add omega 3 fatty acids, extra calories, and significantly improve his coat's appearance.
So, those are a few options to consider. Let me know if you have any more questions.
All the best,
Dr. Getty
Hi Brandy,
The Accel would be excellent for your younger horses, as well.
You're doing great by letting them have all the hay they want. And, the addition of orchard/alfalfa will round out the protein quality.
As you likely can tell from reading this forum, I am not in favor of grain diets, except when a horse is heavily exercised. So, limit grain to no more than 2 lbs per day. And, if they need extra calories, you can add some beet pulp, alfalfa pellets, or even flaxseed meal.
All the best,
Dr. Getty
Hi Brandy,
I took a look at Seminole feeds. The Ultra Dynamix is not high enough in fiber for your older guy. I would suggest their Senior Formula, especially since he has trouble with his teeth. And, for your other horses, take a look at Seminole Spillers Horse and Pony pellets -- it is low in starch and a better choice than what you are currently feeding. This is a good feed for maintenance situations where your horses are not doing hard work. I'm not sure if this product is available in your area. So, if not, let me know.
And, then you would add Accel to their diets to ensure adequate levels of all the nutrients they need, along with all the grass hay they want. I would also recommend adding some alfafa to the mixture.
Dr. Getty