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Identify gaps in your horse's nutrition program to optimize their well-being.
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FeedBank
Feed Type
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 – Mid Quality (Ontario Average)
Digestion
Fiber
Forage
HealthThis represents the composition of a mid-quality mixed legume/grass hay in Ontario, Canada. It contains 10% CP and 57% NDF.
Hay – Mid Quality (PEI AVG)
DigestionFiberForageHealthThis represents the composition of a mid-quality mixed legume/grass hay in Prince Edward Island, Canada. It contains 10% CP and 57% NDF.
Hay – Mid Quality (QC AVG)
DigestionFiberForageHealthThis represents the composition of a mid-quality mixed legume/grass hay in Quebec, Canada. It contains 10% CP and 57% NDF
Hay – Mid Quality (SE US)
DigestionFiberForageHealthThis represents the composition of a mid-quality mixed legume/grass hay in Southeastern US. It contains 10% CP and 57% NDF
Hay – Mid Quality (SK AVG)
DigestionFiberForageHealthThis represents the composition of a mid-quality mixed legume/grass hay in Saskatchewan, Canada. It contains 10% CP and 57% NDF.
Hay – Mid Quality (Western US)
DigestionFiberForageHealthThis represents the composition of a mid-quality mixed legume/grass hay in Western US. It contains 10% CP and 57% NDF
Hay Alfalfa – 17% CP 43% NDF
Fiber
Gut Health
Nutrients
ProteinAlfalfa hay, also called lucerne, is a legume hay that is good source of protein and calcium. Alfalfa can help meet high energy and protein requirements for growing, lactating or performance horses. It usually should not exceed 20% of the total forage content of the diet.
Hay Alfalfa – 17% CP 46% NDF
FiberGut HealthNutrientsProteinAlfalfa is a perennial legume that is a good source of protein and calcium. Alfalfa hay can help meet the needs of horses with high energy and protein requirements such as during growth, lactation, or competition. Feeding alfalfa can easily exceed the calorie and protein requirements for horses with lower energy demands.
Hay Alfalfa – 20% CP 37% NDF
FiberGut HealthNutrientsProteinAlfalfa hay contains high levels of protein and calcium, which makes it beneficial for horses with high energy and protein needs. Alfalfa can easily exceed the nutrient requirements for horses at maintenance or easy keepers. It typically does not need to exceed 20% of the total forage content of the diet.
Hay Alfalfa – 20% CP 40% NDF
FiberForageGut HealthProteinAlfalfa hay is a nutrient-dense legume forage that has a high protein content. It is a good forage choice for horses with higher protein requirements including breeding mares and growing horses.
Hay Alfalfa – 25% CP 32% NDF
FiberForageGut HealthProteinAlfalfa is a perennial legume that provides higher levels of digestible energy, protein and calcium compared to grass hays. It is appropriate for underweight and growing horses.
Hay Alfalfa – 25% CP 35% NDF
FiberForageGut HealthProteinAlfalfa is a legume forage with higher digestible energy compared to grass hays. It is appropriate for horses with higher protein and nutrient requirements, but may be too calorie-dense for horses at maintenance.
Hay Barley – 9% CP 57% NDF
FiberForageGut HealthNutrientsBarley hay is made when barley is cut at an early growth stage rather than being harvested for grain. Barley hay is a low-protein, low-starch, high-fibre forage that is intended for easy keepers.
Hay Bermuda – 10% CP 70% NDF
FiberForage
NutritionProteinBermuda hay is commonly grown in the Southern US. Bermuda is a high-fibre, low-starch forage that is suitable for most horses. Protein content will be higher when cut at lower maturity.
Hay Bermuda – 15% CP 55% NDF
FiberForageNutritionProteinBermuda hay is a high-fibre, low-sugar forage commonly grown in the Southern US. When cut at an earlier growth stage, the protein content is approximately 15% making this forage suitable for growing or performance horses.
Hay Bermuda – 5% CP 80% NDF
FiberForageNutritionProteinBermuda hay is a warm-season grass forage commonly grown in the Southern US. Bermuda hay harvested at a mature growth stage is typically low in protein and high in fibre. This may be a suitable forage for easy keepers.
Hay Grass – 10% CP 67% NDF
FiberForageGut HealthNutritionGrass hay from various grass species is a common forage source in equine diets. Grass hay with 10% crude protein would be appropriate for horses in moderate work.
Hay Grass – 16% CP 55% NDF
FiberForageGut HealthProteinGrass hay harvested at an early stage of growth typically has higher protein content. This hay profile is an appropriate forage for hard keepers, growing, gestating and lactating horses.
Hay Grass – 7% CP 72% NDF
FiberForage
HindgutNutritionHay from grass species is commonly fed to horses. When harvested at a mature stage of growth it will have relatively low protein and high fibre content. This hay is a suitable choice for easy keepers or horses at maintenance.
Hay Mixed – 13% CP 56% NDF
FiberForageGut HealthProteinMixed legume and grass species hay is a common forage source for horses. Moderate-quality mixed hay with 13% crude protein and 56% NDF is a suitable choice for hard keepers, performance horses, as well as gestating, lactating and growing horses.
Hay Mixed – 18% CP 48% NDF
FiberForageGut HealthProteinHigh-quality mixed hay with 18% crude protein is suitable for gestating, lactating, and growing horses. Mixed hay provides higher calcium content than pure grass hay.
Hay Mixed – 9% CP 64% NDF
FiberForageGut HealthProteinMixed hay containing legume and grass species is commonly fed to horses. Mature mixed hay that contains 9% crude protein and 64% NDF is a suitable choice for easy keepers.
Hay Oat – 9% CP 60% NDF
FiberForageNutritionProteinOat hay is a high-fibre forage suitable for mature horses at maintenance. Oat hay should be harvested before the seedhead develops to ensure lower starch content and improved palatability.
Hay Orchard – 13% CP 59% NDF
FiberForageGut HealthProteinOrchard hay is a cool-season grass commonly grown in North America. Soft and palatable, orchard hay harvested at an earlier growth stage has higher protein content and lower NDF. It is suitable for hard keepers and performance horses.
Hay Orchard – 8% CP 65% NDF
FiberForageHindgutNutritionOrchard hay is a common forage source for horses. It has a soft texture and is typically highly palatable. Orchard hay with 8% crude protein and 65% NDF is suitable for easy keepers and horses with metabolic concerns.
Hay Pangola – 9% CP 70% NDF
EnergyFiberForageNutritionPangola is a tropical grass used to make hay and silage for ruminants. Pangola hay contains soluble calcium oxalates and should not be fed to horses.
Hay Reed Canary – 10% CP 65% NDF
FiberForageGut HealthProteinReed Canary hay is a cool-season hay used in equine diets. Native species contain high levels of alkaloids which may reduce palatability for horses. It can be fed in place of timothy hay but may result in lower intake.
Hay Rye Grass – 12% CP 60% NDF
FiberForageGut HealthProteinRye grass is typically used as pasture or silage for cattle. When cut for hay, protein and fibre content varies depending on the stage of harvest. Rye grass hay can have high fructan content and should not be fed to horses prone to laminitis. The seedheads can contain endophyte fungus that can cause equine neurological symptoms known as rye grass staggers.
Hay Sorghum Sudan – 9% CP 68% NDF
EnergyFiberForageNutritionSorghum Sudan is a grass hybrid most often used for hay and pasture. Horses should not graze on sorghum Sudan grass as they may develop a colic-like condition known as Cystitis Syndrome from chronic ingestion of cyanide.
Hay Timothy – 11% CP 61% NDF
EnergyFiberForageProteinTimothy hay is derived from curing timothy grass. It is commonly grown in the Northern US and Canada. Medium-quality timothy hay is composed of approximately 11% crude protein and 61% fibre.
Hay Timothy – 14% CP 55% NDF
EnergyFiberForageProteinTimothy is a grass hay frequently fed to horses in North America. High-quality timothy hay with approximately 14% crude protein and 55% NDF is a suitable choice for growing or performance horses.
Hay Timothy – 8% CP 69% NDF
EnergyFiberForageNutritionTimothy is a grass hay commonly grown in the North America. It can be a suitable forage source for most horses. When harvested in later growth stages it will be low in protein and high in fibre.
Hay Wheat – 9% CP 63% NDF
Easy KeeperFiberForage
Weight IssuesWheat hay is made by curing wheat cut early before the seedhead matures. This is not commonly used as a forage source for horses.
High Fibre (HorseHage)
FiberForage
Low NSC FeedsNutritionHigh Fibre from HorseHage contains a mixture of mature ryegrasses, high fiber, and low protein. This feed is ideal for all riding horses, native ponies, veterans, and those in recovery.
Jaragua Grass Hay Brazil Fine Chop
DigestionEasy KeeperFiberForageJaragua (Hyparrhenia rufa) is a tall perennial grass grown in East Africa and Latin America. It is a low-protein, high-fibre forage used for pasture, hay, or silage typically fed to ruminants.
Jaragua Grass Hay Brazil Long
DigestionEasy KeeperFiberForageJaragua (Hyparrhenia rufa) is a tall perennial grass grown in East Africa and Latin America. It is a low-protein, high-fibre forage used for pasture, hay, or silage.
Jaragua Grass Hay Brazil Medium Chop
DigestionEasy KeeperFiberForageJaragua (Hyparrhenia rufa) is a tall perennial grass grown in East Africa and Latin America. It is used for pasture, hay, or fresh chop for ruminants.
Klein Grass Hay 11% CP 68% NDF 7% LNDF
FiberForageGut HealthNutritionKleingrass hay is a warm-season perennial grass commonly used for cattle. Long-term consumption of this grass can result in liver damage in horses.
Klein Grass Hay 14% CP 65% NDF 7% LNDF
FiberForageGut HealthNutritionKleingrass (Panicum coloratum L.) is a warm-season perennial bunchgrass used as a forage for cattle. Horses consuming kleingrass have developed photosensitization and liver damage.
Klein Grass Hay 1st Cut
FiberForageGut HealthNutritionKleingrass hay is a perennial bunch grass that provides good quality forage for cattle. Saponins in the grass can lead to liver damage in horses and its intake should be restricted.
Klein Grass Hay 2nd Cut
FiberForageGut HealthNutritionKleingrass hay is a warm-season grass used to make hay for cattle. Horses should not consume large amounts of this forage due to potential liver damage. Nutritional content of the hay varies depending on stage of maturity when cut.
Klein Grass Hay 9% CP 70% NDF 7% LNDF
FiberForageGut HealthNutritionKleingrass is a warm-season grass that was introduced to North America from Africa. It is good for grazing cattle, but may cause liver damage in horses if consumed in large amounts.
Koronivia Grass Hay Brazil Fine Chop
Easy KeeperFiberForageNutritionKoronivia (Brachiaria humidicola [Rendle] Schweick) is a low-protein, high-fibre perennial grass found in tropical regions. Oxalate levels should be monitored if intended for horses.
Koronivia Grass Hay Brazil Long
Easy KeeperFiberForageNutritionKoronivia (Brachiaria humidicola [Rendle] Schweick) is a tropical, perennial grass commonly fed to ruminants. Oxalate levels should be monitored if intended for horses as they may impede calcium absorption and cause a calcium deficiency.
Koronivia Grass Hay Brazil Medium Chop
Easy KeeperFiberForageNutritionKoronivia (Brachiaria humidicola [Rendle] Schweick) is a tropical perennial grass. It may contain high levels of oxalate which can bind to calcium and lead to "big head disease" in horses.
Kudzu Hay Brazil Fine Chop
EnergyFiberForageProteinKudzu (Pueraria montana) is a climbing vine native to warm climates in Asia. It is considered an invasive species in North America. It can be used for hay if other options are limited.
Kudzu Hay Brazil Long
EnergyFiberForageProteinKudzu (Pueraria montana) is a climbing vine native to warm climates in Asia. It is considered an invasive species in North America but can be used for hay if alternatives are limited.
Kudzu Hay Brazil Medium Chop
EnergyFiberForageProteinKudzu (Pueraria montana var. lobata [Willd] Maesen & S. Almeida) is an invasive climbing vine that has been used as a forage in parts of the southern United States with limited hay selection.
Legume Hay (Alfalfa – AB Avg)
FiberForageGut HealthProteinAlfalfa hay from Alberta is a nutrient-dense legume forage that has a high protein content. It is a good forage choice for horses with higher protein requirements including breeding mares and growing horses.
Legume Hay (Alfalfa – BC Avg)
FiberForageGut HealthProteinAlfalfa hay from British Columbia is a nutrient-dense legume forage that has a high protein content. It is a good forage choice for horses with higher protein requirements including breeding mares and growing horses.
