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Types of Hay for Horses

View nutrition analyses for different hay types for horses in the Mad Barn Equine Feed Database. This category includes grass hay, legume hay, mixed hay, chopped hay, hay cubes, hay pellets, and other dried forage sources used in equine diets.

Compare nutrient profiles for hay types such as alfalfa, timothy, bermudagrass, orchardgrass, teff, brome, and mixed grass. Review calories, protein, fiber, starch, sugar, minerals, and digestibility to choose hay options that match your horse’s workload, body condition, metabolic needs, and overall feeding program.

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Hay 168 entries
Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) Hay Brazil Fine Chop
FiberFiber
ForageForage
NutritionNutrition
ProteinProtein
Alfalfa hay is a forage source commonly used in the equine diet to provide protein, minerals, vitamins, and energy. It is well-suited for broodmares and mature working horses but should be avoided by metabolic horses.
Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) Hay Brazil Long
FiberFiber
ForageForage
NutritionNutrition
ProteinProtein
Alfalfa hay (medicago sativa) is higher in protein than grass hays and is commonly fed to growing, lactating and working horses. This hay provides high nutrient density and calcium content.
Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) Hay Brazil Medium Chop
FiberFiber
ForageForage
NutritionNutrition
ProteinProtein
Alfalfa hay is a high-protein, nutrient-dense forage that is commonly fed to growing, lactating or performance horses. It should not exceed 20% of the total forage content of the diet to avoid over-supplying energy.
Alfalfa Cube – 20% CP 44% NDF
FiberFiber
Gut HealthGut Health
Hay StretcherHay Stretcher
ProteinProtein
Alfalfa cubes are a high-fibre, high-protein forage commonly used in equine diets. This feed is high in calcium and appropriate for broodmares and growing horses. Alfalfa cubes can account for some of the horse's roughage intake.
Alfalfa Hay Pellets (Mountain Sunrise Feed Co)
FiberFiber
ForageForage
Gut HealthGut Health
Low NSC FeedsLow NSC Feeds
Alfalfa Hay Pellets by Mountain Sunrise Feed Co is a pelleted forage that is meant to provide no less than 17% protein. Alfalfa contains lysine, calcium, and fibre needed in growing horses, lactating mares, and older horses.
Alfalfa Pellet – 17% CP 46% NDF
FiberFiber
Gut HealthGut Health
NutritionNutrition
ProteinProtein
Alfalfa pellets are a high-protein, high-calcium feed intended for broodmares and growing horses. Pellets containing 17% crude protein provide nutritional value equivalent to mature alfalfa hay.
Alfalfa Pellet – 20% CP 38% NDF
FiberFiber
Gut HealthGut Health
NutritionNutrition
ProteinProtein
Alfalfa pellets are an equine feed that provides a good source of protein, fibre and calcium. Typically, the pellets are soaked before feeding to slow down feed intake and improve ease of chewing for older horses.
Bermudagrass (C. dactylon) Hay Brazil Fine Chop
FiberFiber
ForageForage
Gut HealthGut Health
NutritionNutrition
Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon) is a rhizomatous grass that is resistant to drought and heavy grazing. The hay typically has lower nutritional value compared to fresh Bermuda grass.
Bermudagrass (C. dactylon) Hay Brazil Long Hay
FiberFiber
ForageForage
Gut HealthGut Health
NutritionNutrition
Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon) is a tropical grass with medium nutritional value. It is valuable as a forage crop because it is high-yielding and is resistant to drought and heavy grazing.
Bermudagrass (C. dactylon) Hay Brazil Medium Chop
FiberFiber
ForageForage
Gut HealthGut Health
NutritionNutrition
Bermuda grass hay is a moderate-quality forage with a lower energy content that grows widely in tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world. It is chopped for hay and fed to horses, cattle and other livestock species.
Bermudagrass (C. dactylon) Hay Florida Fine Chop
FiberFiber
ForageForage
Gut HealthGut Health
NutritionNutrition
Bermuda grass hay is a tropical forage used for horses and other livestock species. It supplies moderate nutrient content, with 10% crude protein when chopped for hay.
Bermudagrass (C. dactylon) Hay Florida Long Hay
FiberFiber
ForageForage
Gut HealthGut Health
NutritionNutrition
Bermuda grass is a tropical perennial grass found throughout the world. It provides medium nutritional value with moderate protein content.
Bermudagrass (C. dactylon) Hay Florida Medium Chop
FiberFiber
ForageForage
Gut HealthGut Health
NutritionNutrition
Bermuda hay is a high-fibre forage for horses that grows well in tropical regions, such as the southern USA. Because it contains lower protein content, it is typically fed mixed with legume hay.
Black Oats (Avena Strigosa) Hay Brazil Fine Chop
FiberFiber
ForageForage
NutritionNutrition
ProteinProtein
Black oat (Avena Strigosa) is a fast-growing forage grass that is used in Brazil as hay for livestock animals, such as dairy cows. It contains high protein content and is well digested in the rumen.
Black Oats (Avena Strigosa) Hay Brazil Long Hay
FiberFiber
ForageForage
NutritionNutrition
ProteinProtein
Black oat hay is a grass forage that originates from Spain and Portugal. It provides high crude protein content and is commonly fed to ruminants in tropical and temperate regions.
Black Oats (Avena Strigosa) Hay Brazil Medium Chop
FiberFiber
ForageForage
NutritionNutrition
ProteinProtein
Black oat hay is an annual grass with good protein content used as a forage in South America. It is commonly fed to cattle and goats.
Buffelgrass (Cenchrus ciliaris) Hay Brazil Fine Chop
FiberFiber
ForageForage
Gut HealthGut Health
NutritionNutrition
Buffel grass is a tropical forage grass that is chopped for hay or grazed by cattle. This hay should not be fed to horses as it may cause calcium deficiency and big head disease.
Buffelgrass (Cenchrus Ciliaris) Hay Brazil Long Hay
FiberFiber
ForageForage
Gut HealthGut Health
NutritionNutrition
Buffelgrass is a tropical pasture grass that is chopped for hay to feed to ruminants. It contains high levels of oxalates and should not be given to horses due to the risk of nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism.
Buffelgrass (Cenchrus Ciliaris) Hay Brazil Medium Chop
FiberFiber
ForageForage
Gut HealthGut Health
NutritionNutrition
Buffelgrass is a perennial grass used for pasture and hay in tropical regions. It is a valuable feed source for cattle, but should not be fed to horses because it contains high levels of oxalate.
Congograss (B. ruziziensis) Hay Brazil Fine Chop
FiberFiber
ForageForage
Gut HealthGut Health
NutritionNutrition
Congo grass (B. ruziziensis) is a tropical forage that is fed to ruminants in Africa, Thailand and Brazil. The pasture grass can be chopped for silage or hay.
Congograss (B. ruziziensis) Hay Brazil Medium Chop
FiberFiber
ForageForage
Gut HealthGut Health
NutritionNutrition
Congo grass (Brachiaria ruziziensis) is a tropical forage crop that is native to Africa but can now be found in South America and parts of Asia. This palatable hay provides good nutritional value for ruminants.
Enterolobium Hay Honduras Fine Chop
EnergyEnergy
FiberFiber
ForageForage
ProteinProtein
Foilage from the Enterolobium cyclocarpum tree is readily consumed by horses in tropical parts of America. The leaves can also be harvested for hay. This legume forage is a good source of protein and carbohydrates.
Enterolobium Hay Honduras Long
EnergyEnergy
FiberFiber
ForageForage
ProteinProtein
Enterolobium hay comes from the leaves of the Enterolobium cyclocarpum (Guanacaste) tree in tropical America. The hay is palatable to horses and has high protein and NSC content.
Enterolobium Hay Honduras Med
EnergyEnergy
FiberFiber
ForageForage
ProteinProtein
Enterolobium cyclocarpum is a forage tree that grows in tropical America. This legume hay is high in protein and sugar content and can be used to supplement other forage sources.
Erragrostis Hay
FiberFiber
ForageForage
Gut HealthGut Health
NutritionNutrition
Erragrostis Hay (Tef) is a warm-season annual grass native to Ethiopia and now grown in many regions of North America. This fast-growing forage is highly palatable, has variable sugar levels, and is high in nutrients.
Gamba Grass Hay Honduras Fine Chop
EnergyEnergy
FiberFiber
ForageForage
ProteinProtein
Gamba grass is a fast-growing perennial grass native to Africa. It is now found worldwide and is used for pasture, hay, or fresh chop.
Gamba Grass Hay Honduras Long
EnergyEnergy
FiberFiber
ForageForage
ProteinProtein
Gamba grass is a perennial grass native to Africa used as a palatable forage for livestock worldwide. Gamba grass is hardy and fast-growing. It can grow up to 4 meters in height.
Gamba Grass Hay Honduras Medium Chop
EnergyEnergy
FiberFiber
ForageForage
ProteinProtein
Gamba grass is a fast-growing leafy grass native to Africa. It is resistant to drought and fire. Although it is a good source of pasture and hay for livestock, it is considered an invasive species in some countries.
Gliricidia Hay Hondorus Fine Chop
EnergyEnergy
FiberFiber
ForageForage
ProteinProtein
Gliricidia (Gliricidia sepium) is a perennial legume tree found in the tropics. It can be fed fresh or as hay to ruminants but is toxic to horses.
Gliricidia Hay Hondorus Long
EnergyEnergy
FiberFiber
ForageForage
ProteinProtein
Gliricidia (Gliricidia sepium) is a perennial legume tree found in the tropics. It can be fed fresh or as hay to ruminants but the leaves are toxic to horses.
Gliricidia Hay Hondorus Medium Chop
EnergyEnergy
FiberFiber
ForageForage
ProteinProtein
Gliricidia (Gliricidia sepium) is a perennial legume tree found in the tropics. The leaves are toxic to horses. It can be grazed or fed as hay to ruminants.
Golden Timothy Hay Brazil Fine Chop
DigestionDigestion
EnergyEnergy
FiberFiber
ForageForage
Golden Timothy Hay (Setaria anceps Stapf.) is a palatable forage for cattle. This tropical grass has good digestibility and is drought resistant.
Golden Timothy Hay Brazil Long
DigestionDigestion
EnergyEnergy
FiberFiber
ForageForage
Golden Timothy, also known as golden millet (Setaria sphacelata var. anceps), is a tropical and subtropical perennial grass used as livestock forage.
Golden Timothy Hay Brazil Medium Chop
DigestionDigestion
EnergyEnergy
FiberFiber
ForageForage
Golden Timothy Grass (Setaria anceps Stapf) is a tropical perennial grass native to West Africa. It is a palatable and digestible forage for cattle.
Guineagrass Hay Brazil Fine Chop
DigestionDigestion
FiberFiber
ForageForage
NutritionNutrition
Guinea grass (Megathyrus maximus) is a fast-growing growing tropical bunchgrass used for livestock silage and hay. It is less frequently used as pasture due to its growing requirements.
Guineagrass Hay Brazil Long
DigestionDigestion
FiberFiber
ForageForage
NutritionNutrition
Guinea grass (Megathyrus maximus) is a quick-growing tropical bunchgrass used for livestock pasture, silage, and hay.
Guineagrass Hay Brazil Medium Chop
DigestionDigestion
FiberFiber
ForageForage
NutritionNutrition
Guinea grass (Megathyrus maximus) is a fast-growing tropical bunchgrass commonly used for livestock pasture, silage, and hay.
Guineagrass Hay Honduras Fine Chop
DigestionDigestion
FiberFiber
ForageForage
ProteinProtein
Guinea grass (Megathyrus maximus) is a perennial bunch grass, that is commonly used for hay and silage in tropical regions.
Guineagrass Hay Honduras Long
DigestionDigestion
FiberFiber
ForageForage
NutritionNutrition
Guinea grass (Megathyrus maximus) is a fast-growing pantropical grass that can be used for livestock pasture, silage, and hay.
Guineagrass Hay Honduras Medium Chop
DigestionDigestion
EnergyEnergy
FiberFiber
ForageForage
Guinea grass (Megathyrus maximus) is a fast-growing tropical grass that can be used for livestock pasture, silage, and hay.
Hay – High Quality (Ontario Average)
DigestionDigestion
ExerciseExercise
FiberFiber
ForageForage
This represents the composition of a high-quality mixed legume/grass hay in Ontario, Canada. It contains 13% CP and 52% NDF. This is a suitable hay choice for breeding and performance horses.
Hay – Low Quality (Ontario Average)
Easy KeeperEasy Keeper
FiberFiber
ForageForage
Metabolic SyndromeMetabolic Syndrome
This represents the composition of a low-quality mixed grass hay in Ontario, Canada. It contains 7% CP and 65% NDF. This is a suitable hay type for easy keepers or horses with metabolic concerns.
Hay – Mid Quality (AB AVG)
DigestionDigestion
FiberFiber
ForageForage
HealthHealth
This represents the composition of a mid-quality mixed legume/grass hay in Alberta, Canada. It contains 10% CP and 57% NDF.
Hay – Mid Quality (BC AVG)
DigestionDigestion
FiberFiber
ForageForage
HealthHealth
This represents the composition of a mid-quality mixed legume/grass hay in British Columbia, Canada. It contains 10% CP and 57% NDF.
Hay – Mid Quality (Central US)
DigestionDigestion
FiberFiber
ForageForage
HealthHealth
This hay represents the composition of a mid-quality mixed legume/grass hay in Central US. It contains 10% CP and 57% NDF.
Hay – Mid Quality (MB AVG)
DigestionDigestion
FiberFiber
ForageForage
HealthHealth
This represents the composition of a mid-quality mixed legume/grass hay in Manitoba, Canada. It contains 10% CP and 57% NDF.
Hay – Mid Quality (NB AVG)
DigestionDigestion
FiberFiber
ForageForage
HealthHealth
This represents the composition of a mid-quality mixed legume/grass hay in New Brunswick, Canada. It contains 10% CP and 57% NDF.
Hay – Mid Quality (NE US)
DigestionDigestion
FiberFiber
ForageForage
HealthHealth
This represents the composition of a mid-quality mixed legume/grass hay in Northeastern US It contains 10% CP and 57% NDF.
Hay – Mid Quality (NL AVG)
DigestionDigestion
FiberFiber
ForageForage
HealthHealth
This represents the composition of a mid-quality mixed legume/grass hay in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. It contains 10% CP and 57% NDF.
Hay – Mid Quality (NS AVG)
DigestionDigestion
FiberFiber
ForageForage
HealthHealth
This represents the composition of a mid-quality mixed legume/grass hay in Nova Scotia, Canada. It contains 10% CP and 57% NDF.
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