Guide to What Kind of Hay Do Horses Eat

Choosing the right hay for your horse is one of the most important decisions you’ll make as a horse owner. Hay forms the foundation of most equine diets and directly affects your horse’s health, performance, and well-being. With so many types of hay available, it’s natural to wonder: What kind of hay do horses eat?

In this guide, we’ll cover the main categories of hay, their nutritional values, the specific needs of different horses, and how to store and feed hay properly. Whether you're new to horse care or want to refine your feeding strategy, this guide has everything you need to make informed choices.

Understanding the Basics of Hay

Hay is dried grass or legumes harvested for animal feed. Horses are herbivores with digestive systems adapted to forage, meaning their diet should consist mostly of fibrous plant material.

There are two main categories of hay:

1. Grass Hay
2. Legume Hay

Each type has unique benefits and is suited to different kinds of horses depending on age, workload, and health.

Grass Hay: The Standard Choice

Grass hay is often the best choice for most adult horses, especially those at maintenance or light work. It is lower in protein and energy than legume hay but provides sufficient fiber for digestive health.

Common Types of Grass Hay:

• Timothy Hay: Widely used and highly palatable, timothy hay has a balanced fiber content and moderate nutrient levels. It's ideal for adult horses not in heavy work.
• Orchard Grass: A soft, leafy hay with a sweet smell, orchard grass is similar to timothy but tends to be a bit more nutrient-dense. It’s good for horses that need more calories.
• Brome Grass: Known for its fine stems and low dust content, brome hay is an excellent option for horses with respiratory issues.
• Bermudagrass (Coastal Hay): Common in warmer climates, bermudagrass hay is drought-resistant and cost-effective. However, quality can vary, so testing is essential.

Legume Hay: For High-Energy Needs

Legume hays are richer in protein, calcium, and energy. These are ideal for growing foals, lactating mares, or performance horses with higher nutritional demands.

Popular Legume Hays:

• Alfalfa Hay: The most popular legume hay, alfalfa is protein-rich and calorie-dense. It’s great for horses needing to gain weight, though not suitable as the sole feed for easy keepers.
• Clover Hay: Red and white clover hays are nutritious but harder to dry and more prone to mold. Red clover can cause slobbering due to a compound called slaframine.

Mixed Hay: Combining the Best of Both

Mixed hay contains both grasses and legumes, offering a balanced nutritional profile. For example, a 70/30 blend of timothy and alfalfa provides both the digestible fiber of grass and the protein of legumes.

Mixed hay is ideal for horses needing moderate nutritional support without the risk of overfeeding protein or calories.

Matching Hay to Your Horse’s Needs

Not every horse has the same dietary requirements. Selecting the right hay depends on several factors:

1. Age

• Foals and Young Horses: Require more protein, calcium, and energy for growth. Alfalfa or high-quality mixed hay is recommended.
• Adult Horses at Maintenance: Grass hay, like timothy or orchard, is usually sufficient.
• Senior Horses: May benefit from softer hays or soaked hay cubes if dental issues are present.

2. Workload

• Light to Moderate Work: Grass hay with good digestibility is typically enough.
• Heavy Work or Performance Horses: Need higher energy intake. Adding alfalfa or mixed hay supports muscle function and recovery.

3. Health Conditions

• Obese or Easy Keepers: Low-calorie grass hay with fewer soluble carbohydrates is ideal.
• Metabolic Issues (e.g., IR, Cushings): Choose hay with low non-structural carbohydrate (NSC) content. Soaking hay can help reduce sugar levels.
• Respiratory Sensitivity: Select dust-free hay or steamed hay.

How to Evaluate Hay Quality

Not all hay is created equal—even within the same category. Here’s what to look for in high-quality hay:

• Color: Bright green indicates good nutrient retention. Avoid brown or yellow hay unless it’s been properly cured.
• Texture: Soft and leafy is better for palatability and digestion.
• Smell: A fresh, sweet smell means the hay is mold-free. Avoid musty or ammonia-like odors.
• Mold and Dust: Visually inspect bales for mold spots or excess dust, which can lead to colic or respiratory issues.
• Foreign Objects: Check for sticks, plastic, or dead animals that could pose a danger.

Pro Tip: Consider getting your hay tested through a local agricultural extension service to assess its actual nutritional value.

How Much Hay Should Horses Eat?

A general rule of thumb is that a horse should consume 1.5–2.5% of its body weight in forage daily. For a 1,000-pound horse, that equates to 15–25 pounds of hay.

Adjust according to:

• Body condition
• Activity level
• Climate (horses eat more in colder weather)

Feeding smaller, frequent portions better mimics natural grazing behavior and reduces the risk of digestive upset.

Feeding Tips and Best Practices

Here’s how to make the most out of your hay:

• Use Hay Nets or Feeders: They reduce waste and slow down consumption.
• Avoid Feeding on the Ground: Prevents ingestion of sand and parasites.
• Store Properly: Keep hay in a dry, well-ventilated area to avoid mold growth.
• Rotate Stock: Use older hay first to maintain freshness.

Common Questions About What Kind of Hay Do Horses Eat

Can Horses Eat Lawn Clippings?

No. Fresh lawn clippings ferment quickly, risking colic and laminitis. Only properly dried hay should be fed.

Is Round Bale Hay Safe?

Round bales can be cost-effective, but must be stored properly to avoid mold. Ideal for larger herds with appropriate feeders.

What About Hay Cubes and Pellets?

These are great alternatives for horses with dental issues or poor hay availability. Be sure to soak them to prevent choking.

The Right Hay Makes All the Difference

Understanding what kind of hay do horses eat is essential for maintaining their health and happiness. From the type of hay to its quality and how it’s fed, every detail matters. Evaluate your horse’s age, activity level, and health status to select the most suitable hay.

When in doubt, consult with an equine nutritionist or veterinarian. Remember, a horse fed well thrives.