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Horses need enough forage in their diet for their physical and mental well-being, but not all hay is equal. So how do you choose the right hay for your horse that meets their need for foraging while also taking into account their nutritional needs?

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To know what kind of hay is best for your horse, we need an estimate of their nutrient needs. We can get this from looking at their age, exercise level, and physiological status. For example, horses that are gestating, lactating, or growing have higher energy demands than horses at maintenance. These horses would benefit from higher-quality hay that meets their needs.

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We can also look at their health and body condition as an indicator of their needs. Horses that are overweight or have metabolic concerns would be better served by lower-quality hay. For some horses, dietary sensitivities also come into play, such as allergies. Gut health and coat and skin quality can also be indicators that your horse might not be getting the right forage or that their diet is not adequately balanced. For these horses, changing the forage might be beneficial.

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There are two main types of forage: grass hay and legume hay. Examples of grass hay are timothy, bermudagrass, and orchardgrass. Examples of legume hay are alfalfa and clover. Alfalfa and clover are typically much more nutrient-dense with higher protein content than grass hays. Access to hay supports your horse's natural foraging behaviors. For most horses, hay alone will meet their protein and energy requirements and provide some vitamins and minerals. However, hay alone will not provide everything your horse needs.

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For example, hay that is low in protein may be lacking in key amino acids. Hay is also low in several important vitamins and minerals, including zinc, copper, vitamin E, and biotin. Over time, deficits in these nutrients can lead to issues with hoof and coat quality, joint health, topline condition, and digestive problems. Depending on where the forage is grown, it might also be low in selenium, an important antioxidant mineral.

Types of Hay

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Timothy hay is the most popular hay in North America. The second cut is typically higher quality than the first cut and has higher nutritional value when cut pre-bloom, before seed heads are present.

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Bermudagrass hay is a perennial forage common to the southern U.S. It has several variants; the shorter type is better for grazing pasture, and the longer type is better for making hay. Protein ranges from 5% to 15%, with fiber content increasing as protein decreases. High fiber levels may affect digestibility in some horses.

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Orchardgrass is a cool-season forage common in the Midwest, eastern U.S., and Canada. It is suitable for grazing and hay but must be monitored for moisture content, as it is prone to mold. Ideally, moisture should not exceed 15%.

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Alfalfa hay is a popular legume hay with high protein and calcium content, making it a good choice for heavily exercising horses, lactating mares, and growing horses. Because it is nutrient-dense, it should not be the main forage for most horses.

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Clover hay is another legume hay, usually grown in mixture with grass hays. Like alfalfa, clover is high in protein. Red and white varieties exist; red clover can cause excess salivation in horses, which is harmless. Clover is also a good option for heavily exercised horses, lactating mares, and growing horses.

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Grain hay comes from oats, barley, wheat, and rye cut before seed heads form. It is low in protein, high in fiber, and low in sugars, making it suitable for overweight horses or those with metabolic concerns. If seed heads have formed, palatability is reduced, and the hay may be unsuitable. Nitrate levels should be measured with a hay analysis.

Common Mistakes

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Feeding too much alfalfa can provide excessive protein, calcium, and calories, and cause imbalances. Avoid alfalfa for overweight horses or those with metabolic concerns. High-quality grass hay can also provide too many calories for most horses. If feeding this type, soak the hay to reduce sugars or use slow feeder hay nets. Mixing in straw or lower-quality hay can also help. Avoid feeding tall fescue to pregnant mares, as endophytes can produce toxins leading to abortion, stillbirth, or lack of milk production.

How to Choose Hay

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Step 1: Look for soft hay. Horses prefer soft stems and green leaves, which improve palatability. Avoid stalky, rough hay, especially for seniors or horses with dental issues.

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Step 2: Check color, stem, and leaf condition inside the bale. Avoid mature hay that has gone to seed, as it will be higher in fiber and less digestible. Avoid dusty hay to prevent respiratory issues and damp hay that can develop mold. Remove dirt and debris to protect gut health. For alfalfa, check for blister beetles, which can be toxic.

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Step 3: Avoid heavy bales that may indicate high moisture content, which increases mold risk. Hay should have a moisture content below 15%.

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Step 4: Store hay in a cool, dry place, buying only as much as you can store safely. Avoid hay older than one year to minimize nutrient loss. Choose bale formats based on storage and handling capabilities.

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Step 5: Consider round bales for group feeding, using hay nets to reduce waste and dust. Wrapped bales should be used quickly once opened. Hay pellets or cubes can supplement forage if storage or quality is a limitation.

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Step 6: Submit a hay sample for analysis. Take at least one pound from multiple bales to get a representative sample. The analysis will show moisture, protein, fiber, macro minerals, and micro minerals, helping to balance your horse’s diet.

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Our nutritionists at Mad Barn are always happy to help you choose hay and design a feeding program around your forage. Contact us at info@madbarn.com with any questions.