Timothy vs alfalfa and inflamation

[Bopper]

I have a 12 year old QH with some issues including EPM, stifle issues, borderline insulin resistant and overweight. I just started turning him out with a muzzle because he eats so obsessively that I can’t keep him at a good weight.

A friend that studied a lot on equine nutrition recommended taking him off of the ration balancer that he is on (has some alfalfa in it) and switching to timothy pellets and a non alfalfa ration balancer because alfalfa can increase general inflammation.

Thoughts on this assessment of alfalfa? So many people feed alfalfa hay or cubes, and I don’t remember ever hearing that Timothy is a better choice.

[JB]

There’s no science that supports “alfalfa can increase general inflammation” outside of a horse who is allergic or sensitive to it. I do know of several sources that teach that though, which is incredibly frustrating

You CAN try the switch, as it may be soy that his IR doesn’t really like, and there are several soy-free ration balancers. Triple Crown Balancer Gold, Purina Omega Match (though double the feeding rate, not necessarily what you want), Tribute Wholesome Blends Balancer, Hygain Balanced are some. There are another couple I think their names escape me

[Bopper]

Thanks for the suggestions. I want to see how the horse does with a muzzle first. He is such an obsessive eater that I think the weight gain is more about how much he consumes more than how his body reacts to the feed. He never lifts his head from eating when he is out, never takes a break to just stand and doze, he just EATS.

[LCDR]

I have one with similar problems. My local equine vet group had me switch TO alfalfa from grass hay. And reduce my ration balancer to 8 ounces twice daily. Also started him on InsulinWise in January, and he has dropped 250 pounds (1550 to 1300).

[RhythmNCruise]

Aside from the alfalfa concern (which I’m not sure is much to worry about with just the small amount in a ration balancer), it is possible that a small amount of soaked Timothy pellets and a forage balancer like Vermont Blend or KIS Trace could be an option if calories are a concern.