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Re: [RC] Beet pulp questions - Susan Garlinghouse, DVM#1. My feed store only has beet pulp pellets and isn't willing to try to get shreds just for lil ol' me. I live in Central Maine, does anyone have any ideas for me? See if they carry and/or will obtain one of the beet pulp based feeds for you. The brands available vary with the region, but Purina's Complete Advantage, Buckeye's Sweet Rely and Nutrena's Unbeetable (I might have the brand names mixed up) are all beet pulp based. #2. Part of the reason I'm asking the first question is because my horse refuses to eat beet pulp if it's wet. Well, that's not strictly true, he'll eat it if I've JUST poured water on but once it starts to soak in he turns up his nose. Keep trying with him, but in the meantime, I'd strongly suggest the processed beet pulp products. Given that you're in Maine and presumably in cold weather, your horse may not be drinking as much water as he should, thus is at somewhat higher risk of choke than would otherwise be the case. I'd be a lot more comfortable if his beet pulp were soaked or at least the processed form that doesn't require soaking. need to know if I HAVE TO wean him down off the added molasses during the competitive season. I'll probably TRY to, but just in case it doesn't work... No, you could continue to mix in molasses. It depends on how he responds---does he get whacky on molasses, or just act the same old way? Some horses are alot more insulin resistant than others and so respond very differently when getting high molasses rations. I've been giving him a small amount (a full double handful or so, dry) about once a week over the winter, thinking that was enough to keep his system accustomed to it. But is it enough to do that? No, probably not. I don't really want to give him any more because I don't want him to gain weight and he's not really being worked much in this darn arctic weather. Given everything you've said, my suggestion would be to find some Complete Advantage (or comparable) and add a small amount of that during the winter. Once you're into riding season, you can increase the amount as needed to maintain weight. However, if you're going to add something new, do it consistently, not just once a wek. You need to make it part of the daily routine in order for the microbial bugs to adjust accordingly. PLEASE NOTE: I am aware that feeding *pellets* in the *dry form* can cause choke because of the size. I have not noticed any problems (and he eats really slow), but I am trying to remedy the situation nonetheless. ;) Good. :-) Be sure his teeth are in good working order as well. Good luck! Susan Garlinghouse, DVM =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Ridecamp is a service of Endurance Net, http://www.endurance.net. Information, Policy, Disclaimer: http://www.endurance.net/Ridecamp Subscribe/Unsubscribe http://www.endurance.net/ridecamp/logon.asp Ride Long and Ride Safe!! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
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