Many horse owners are always looking for the best hay to feed their horses. It can be difficult to determine what type of hay will work best for your horse, so it’s important to learn more about all of your options before making a decision.
Hay comes in many different shapes, sizes, colors, textures, flavors, and mixtures. There are even types made from corn!
We will discuss some of the main types of hay in this article, including alfalfa, Timothy, Bermudagrass, and orchard grass and help you determine the best hay for your horses.
What is The Best Hay For Horses?
Horses are grazing animals who tend to eat large amounts of roughage or fibrous indigestible material. As such, it is important that they have access to good-quality hay in order to keep their digestive system functioning properly.
Horses need at least two flakes or bales per day, and if one cannot be made accessible, then alfalfa cubes are a good hay substitute. There are a variety of types of hay available on the market but not all of them are a suitable choice for horses.
The Different Types Of Horse Hay
The main types of hay we will look at are alfalfa hay, Timothy hay, Bermuda grass hay, and orchard grass hay.
Alfalfa Hay
Alfalfa is a perennial legume that grows in most climates. Alfalfa variety hay has a high protein content and can be used as part of a horse’s diet to aid with maintaining weight, muscle development, and energy content. It is one of the best hay for horses. However, alfalfa should not make up more than one-third of the total ration for a horse.
Timothy Hay
Timothy hay is cool-season grass hay that grows in most climates and is a popular choice of hay for horses. Timothy hay has a lower protein content than alfalfa, but it is high in digestible fiber content and is generally more palatable to horses. Timothy hay can be used as the sole source of forage for horses or mixed with other hay.
Bermuda Grass Hay
Bermuda grass is a warm-season grass that grows in most climates. Bermuda hay has a high sugar content and is generally less palatable to horses than other types of hay. However, Bermuda hay can be used as part of a horse’s diet to provide energy or grass mixed with other hays.
Orchardgrass Hay
Orchardgrass is a cool-season grass that grows in most climates. Orchard hay has a lower sugar content and is generally more palatable to horses than Bermuda hay. However, orchard hay can be used as part of a horse’s diet as an excellent source of energy or mixed with other hay.
Other Types of Hay
There are many other types of hay available on the equine food pyramid, such as meadow hay, straw, and grain straw. While these hays may not be as rich in nutrient levels as alfalfa, timothy, Bermuda grass, or orchardgrass, they can still provide important nutritional requirements to horses and should be considered when feeding a horse.
Horses should not eat clover hay, as it is high in sugar and can cause digestive problems. If you are not sure which type of hay is best for your horse specifically, consult your veterinarian.
Factors to consider when choosing hay for your horse
There are several factors you should consider when picking the right high-quality hay for your horse. Let’s look at these factors in detail:
- Not all hay is created equal and the right hay depends on the horse. For example, a racehorse needs more energy levels and will require a different kind of hay than a leisure horse. Make sure to pick the right hay for your specific horse’s needs.
- If you live in a hot climate, make sure to choose hay that is low in sugar and calories. Sugary hay can make your horse overweight and predispose them to metabolic problems.
- Different types of hay are available at different times of the year. Make sure to choose hay that is appropriate for the season and weather conditions.
- If you have a large horse, make sure to choose hay with high-calorie content. A large horse will need more energy than a smaller one.
- If you have a performance horse that is exercised regularly, they may require different types of hay compared to horses who are not as active or spend most of their time in the stable. This can be a difficult factor to consider, as the nutrient content depends on the individual horse’s needs.
- Hay can be expensive, so make sure to choose a type that fits your budget.
- Be mindful that some hays fill horses up faster than others so you may need to adjust the amount of hay you are feeding your horse.
- Young horses need more protein levels and minerals than older mature horses. Make sure to choose hay that is appropriate for the age of your horse.
- Hay comes in a variety of colors, such as green, gold, black or brown. You might want to consider picking a certain color depending on what your horse prefers to eat. Horses tend to like green over yellowish hays because they appear sweeter due to having more sugar.
- Some horses prefer a certain smell in their hay, such as a grassy or sweet smell. If your adult horse has a preference, make sure to choose hay that has that distinct smell.
- Some horses prefer a rougher texture in their hay while others prefer a softer one. Make sure to choose hay that has the right texture for your horse’s comfort level.
When choosing hay for your horse, it is important to consider all of these factors. Pay close attention to your specific horse’s needs and make sure to pick the right type of hay to keep them healthy and happy. Talk to your veterinarian or equine nutritionist if you have any questions about what type of hay is best for your horse.
Conclusion
The average horse owner wants to give their horse the best hay possible. There are many factors that go into finding this perfect hay for your horses. You need to find out what type of hay they prefer and how much they eat in one sitting.
If you have more than one horse, it is important to think about their dietary needs as well. It’s also important to consider the quality of the hay itself. If not fed properly, some types can lead to colic which can be deadly for animals like horses.
We hope this has been useful in helping you find the best hay for horses!