Best Hay for Horses: A Comprehensive Guide

Last updated: January 28, 2025

By: Miles HenryFact Checked

For horse owners, hay is a cornerstone of horse care and a major expense. With over 25 years in the horse racing industry and decades of managing horses in Louisiana, I’ve seen firsthand how choosing the best hay for horses can impact both budgets and equine health.

This guide will help you navigate the many options available, breaking down hay types, quality factors, and nutritional benefits. Drawing on my experience, insights from equine nutritionists, and practical knowledge, you’ll gain the tools to confidently select the best hay for your horse while ensuring they stay healthy and thriving.

Why Hay Matters: Nutrition & Health Benefits

Hay is a cornerstone of a horse’s diet, providing essential fiber, energy, and nutrients critical for healthy digestion, weight management, and overall vitality. It also satisfies a horse’s natural need to chew, promoting saliva production and gut health.

Choosing the right hay isn’t just about cost; it’s about selecting the type that best meets your horse’s unique nutritional requirements, whether they’re a growing foal, a performance horse, or a senior companion.

How to Identify High-Quality Hay

Selecting high-quality hay is crucial for maintaining your horse’s health and performance. Here’s what to evaluate:

• Color: Look for green, leafy hay with minimal brown or yellow stems. A bright green color indicates higher nutrient retention, particularly Vitamin A and E, and suggests proper curing. Overly brown or sun-bleached hay may have lost essential nutrients (University of Kentucky – Choosing Hay for Horses).
• Smell: Fresh hay should have a clean, grassy scent. A musty, moldy, or ammonia-like odor signals spoilage, which can lead to respiratory issues and digestive problems in horses.
• Texture: High-quality hay should be soft and pliable, free from excessive dust and coarse, woody stems. If the hay feels overly sharp or prickly, it may irritate your horse’s mouth and be harder to chew.
• Moisture Content: Ideal hay moisture is between 10-15%. Excess moisture increases the risk of mold growth and spontaneous combustion in storage.
• Contaminants: Inspect for mold, excessive dust, weeds, and foreign objects. Weeds can introduce toxins, while dust and mold can cause respiratory distress. For more insights on what to avoid, check out our guide on Will Horses Eat Moldy Hay?.

💡 Pro Tip: Store hay in a dry, well-ventilated area and off the ground to prevent contamination and moisture buildup.

Best Types of Hay for Horses (Legume vs. Grass)

There are many types of grass and legume hays available, each with unique nutritional profiles and benefits. Below, we highlight the most popular options to help you make an informed choice for your horse.

Legume Hays

• Alfalfa: This legume hay is high in protein, energy, and calcium, making it ideal for growing foals, pregnant mares, and performance horses. It tends to be more palatable than other hay types. I’ve found that my performance Thoroughbreds thrive on a mix of alfalfa and grass hay during intense training periods—the extra protein helps maintain their muscle tone and energy levels. Learn more about the pros and cons of alfalfa in our guide: Alfalfa Hay for Horses: Good, Bad, and Not Good.
• Clover: Clover hay is another legume rich in protein and minerals. However, it is prone to mold and can be too rich for some horses, leading to digestive issues. Red clover, in particular, is often dusty due to fine hairs on its stems. It’s best to inspect clover hay closely for dust and moisture before feeding.

Grass Hays

There are many types of grass hay available, but the following are the most popular and widely used:

• Timothy: Timothy hay provides a balanced mix of fiber and nutrients, making it suitable for most horses. Its palatability and digestibility make it a favorite for horse owners.
• Orchardgrass: This grass hay features long, broad leaves that are softer and more pliable than other grass hays. Horses find it highly palatable, and its lower sugar content makes it a good choice for horses with metabolic issues.
• Bermudagrass: Common in the southern U.S., Bermudagrass is a good source of fiber but may be less palatable than Timothy or Orchardgrass. Proper harvesting and curing are critical to avoid overly coarse or dusty batches (Colorado State University – Hay is for Horses).

Mixed Hays

• Mixed Grass and Legume Hays: These hays combine grasses and legumes, offering a balanced nutrient profile. They are often a cost-effective option for horses needing a mix of energy, protein, and fiber.

Teff Hay: A Low-Sugar Option for Special Diets

• Teff hay is a low-sugar hay that’s particularly beneficial for horses with laminitis or insulin resistance. Its high fiber content supports digestive health while minimizing sugar intake. From my experience, Teff hay was a game-changer for a laminitic mare in my care—it not only helped manage her condition but also kept her weight stable. Read more about Teff hay.

The table below summarizes key hay types and their benefits, helping you choose the best option for your horse.

Species	Region It Grows	Cost	Weed Content & Palatability	Nutrition & Health Benefits	Best For
Timothy Grass	North-Central U.S.	Expensive due to shipping	Moderate weed content	High fiber, moderate protein, good for digestion & laminitis	Most horses, metabolic-prone horses
Orchardgrass	Eastern & Pacific Northwest	Less expensive than Timothy	Low weed content, very palatable	Higher protein & calories than Timothy, balanced calcium/phosphorus	Working horses, performance horses
Bermuda Grass	Southern U.S., Coastal areas	Moderate to high due to labor costs	High weed content, coarse stems	Low protein, best when mixed with legume hay	Easy keepers, low-energy horses
Oat Hay	South & North Dakota	Affordable, cheaper than alfalfa	Horses often leave stems	High fiber, moderate calcium/phosphorus, easy to digest	Senior horses, horses with dental issues
Alfalfa Hay	Northwestern U.S.	Very expensive	Virtually weed-free, highly palatable	High protein & calcium, excellent for energy but can lead to overfeeding	Performance horses, lactating mares, growing foals
Clover & Grass Hay	Nationwide	Cheaper than alfalfa	Prone to fungus, may cause excess salivation	Rich in protein & fiber, good calcium content	Young horses, horses needing extra weight

Hay Cuttings Explained: What’s Best for Your Horse?

The number of hay cuttings in a year depends on factors such as rain, heat, and geography. Typically, growers cut their fields up to three times per year. Each cutting varies in fiber, protein, and digestibility, affecting its suitability for different horses.

Understanding Hay Cuttings

• First Cutting: This cutting is usually coarser, with more stems and lower energy content. It tends to be higher in fiber and may contain more weeds. While first-cutting hay is not ideal for performance horses, I’ve found it works well for easy keepers or horses prone to weight gain, as it provides bulk without excessive calories.
• Second Cutting: Generally considered the best hay cutting, the second cutting is greener, more nutrient-dense, and has a good balance of leaves and stems. Its moderate fiber and higher nutrient content make it suitable for most horses, including those with higher energy needs.
• Third Cutting: This cutting is often very soft, leafy, and higher in protein and energy. It’s an excellent choice for young or growing horses and performance horses requiring additional nutrients. However, I’ve noticed that some horses find third-cutting hay too rich, so it’s important to evaluate your horse’s specific needs.

💡 Pro Tip: Research from the USDA emphasizes that the stage of maturity at harvest is more important than the cutting itself, as it significantly affects nutrient content.

Leaf-to-Stem Ratio: How It Affects Hay Nutrition

The leaf-to-stem ratio and stage of maturity greatly influence the nutritional value of hay.

• Leaf-to-Stem Ratio: Leaves hold most of the nutrients, while stems contain more fiber but fewer digestible nutrients. A higher leaf-to-stem ratio means more protein, vitamins, and minerals, making hay more nutritious. When selecting second-cutting hay, look for bales with plenty of leafy material for optimal nutrients.
• Maturity: Younger plants have a higher nutrient density, while hay harvested at later stages of maturity tends to have thicker stems, fewer leaves, and reduced nutritional value. Mature hay may still work for horses needing higher fiber but lower calories, such as overweight horses.

If you’re looking for a step-by-step guide to selecting hay, check out our article: How to Choose the Best Hay for Your Horse.

Hay Analysis

To accurately assess the nutrient content of hay, conducting a chemical analysis is highly recommended. A hay analysis report provides detailed insights into the quality of hay, helping you make informed decisions about your horse’s diet.

For example, moisture levels above 15% not only increase the likelihood of spoilage but can also lead to spontaneous combustion if stored improperly. This highlights the importance of evaluating hay beyond just appearance.

Reports typically include the following key metrics:

• Moisture Content: Indicates how much water is in the hay and directly impacts storage safety and mold risk.
• Crude Protein: Measures the protein content essential for muscle development and overall health. Performance horses often benefit from hay with higher protein levels.
• Acid Detergent Fiber (ADF): Evaluates fiber content, which affects digestibility. Lower ADF values indicate hay that is easier for horses to digest.
• Neutral Detergent Fiber (NDF): NDF measures the total fiber content, relating to how much hay a horse can consume. High NDF levels can reduce intake due to decreased palatability.
• Calcium and Phosphorus: These minerals are critical for bone health and must be balanced correctly. A proper calcium-to-phosphorus ratio (2:1) ensures optimal metabolic and skeletal health for most horses.

💡 Pro Tip: If your horse has specific needs, such as laminitis or metabolic issues, consider consulting a hay analysis report to make more precise adjustments. For more information on how nutrient content like moisture and fiber levels can vary, the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture’s Guide on Haylage provides valuable insights.

Practical Tips for Selecting Hay

While hay analysis is the most accurate way to evaluate nutrient content, these practical tips can help you assess quality at a glance:

• Visual Inspection: Look for green, leafy hay that is free of mold, dust, and contaminants. Brown or yellow hay often lacks nutrients and indicates over-maturity or poor storage.
• Smell Test: A fresh, grassy scent signals high-quality hay, while musty or moldy smells can indicate spoilage and potential health risks for your horse.
• Touch: High-quality hay has a soft, pliable texture without sharp points that could irritate your horse’s mouth.
• Avoid Hot Hay: Never buy hay that feels hot to the touch, as it can harbor moisture that leads to mold or even spontaneous combustion.
• Reputable Source: Buying hay from a trusted supplier ensures proper storage and consistent quality. For example, understanding how much a bale weighs can also help you estimate costs and feeding amounts. Learn more in our guide: How Much Does a Bale of Hay Weigh?.
• Hay Analysis Report: Ask your supplier for a hay analysis report if available—it’s a valuable tool for tailoring your horse’s diet to their specific needs.

When I first used hay analysis, I discovered how much nutrient content can vary within the same hay type. A second-cut Timothy hay that looked perfect turned out to have low protein levels, requiring me to supplement my racehorses’ diet. This taught me the value of going beyond visual inspection to ensure proper nutrition.

Specific Needs

Different horses require different types of hay based on their nutritional needs and physical condition:

• Horses with Higher Nutritional Needs: Growing foals, pregnant mares, and performance horses benefit from legume hays like alfalfa, which are rich in protein and calcium. I’ve relied on alfalfa during training seasons to maintain my performance horses’ muscle tone and energy levels, especially when preparing for demanding events. For more insight into selecting the right hay for active horses, read our guide on Feeding Horses Hay.
• Insulin-Resistant Horses: Horses with insulin resistance or metabolic issues thrive on low-sugar hays like Teff hay. Soaking hay for 30 minutes before feeding can further reduce sugar content, making it safer for these horses. A scientific study published in PMC provides valuable insights on incorporating low-sugar hay into diets for horses with metabolic conditions.
• Senior Horses: Softer, leafier hay is easier for older horses to chew and digest. For seniors with dental challenges, soaking hay or switching to hay cubes may be beneficial to avoid unnecessary strain on their teeth.

Best Practices for Storing Hay Correctly

Proper hay storage is essential for maintaining its quality and ensuring your horses receive the nutrients they need. Here are some tips for effective storage:

• Choose a Dry, Ventilated Area: Store hay in a well-ventilated space to reduce moisture buildup and prevent mold growth.
• Keep Hay Off the Ground: Use pallets or a hay loft to keep hay off damp floors, minimizing the risk of mold and contamination.
• Protect from Moisture and Pests: Cover hay with tarps or store it in a barn to shield it from rain, rodents, and other pests. I once stored hay on an uncovered trailer during unexpected rainfall—it ruined half the load and taught me the importance of proper covering, especially in Louisiana’s humid climate.
• Buy in Bulk to Save Money: If you have adequate storage space, purchasing larger volumes of hay can be a cost-effective option. Bulk purchases often come at a lower price per bale and ensure a consistent supply of high-quality hay throughout the year. Learn more about the costs and savings involved in our guide: Cost of a Bale of Hay.

💡 Pro Tip: Regularly inspect stored hay for mold or pests, especially during humid or rainy seasons, to ensure your stock remains safe for your horses.

How Much Hay Does a Horse Need Daily?

Determining the right amount of hay to feed your horse depends on factors such as weight, activity level, and overall health. A general guideline is to provide 1.5–2% of a horse’s body weight in hay per day. For a 1,000-pound horse, this equates to 15–20 pounds of hay daily, though adjustments may be needed based on workload, metabolism, and body condition.

💡 Forage First: Horses are designed to graze throughout the day, making consistent hay availability crucial for digestive health. Feeding smaller, frequent portions rather than large meals can help prevent colic, ulcers, and other digestive issues. Understanding how horses process feed can help optimize their diet—learn more in our guide: Understanding Equine Digestion.

For horses with special dietary needs, such as easy keepers prone to weight gain or performance horses requiring additional calories, a well-balanced forage intake is essential. Research from the ASPCA’s Equine Forage Diet Guide highlights how fiber-rich hay supports gut function and prevents metabolic issues when properly managed.

When I first started managing Thoroughbreds in training, I noticed that not all horses eat hay the same way. Some devour their portions quickly, while others pick through it, leaving stems behind. Over time, I learned that monitoring hay waste and adjusting feeding strategies—such as using slow feeders—helped reduce waste and ensure each horse received the right amount of forage. More practical feeding strategies are covered in my guide: How Long Does a Bale of Hay Last for One Horse?.

Best Hay for Horses: Common Questions Answered

Got questions about the best hay for horses? You’re not alone! Horse owners often wonder which hay is best, how much to feed, and how to store it properly. Below, I answer the most common questions to help you make the best decisions for your horse’s health and nutrition.

How to Choose the Best Hay for Your Horse

Selecting the best hay depends on your horse’s nutritional needs, activity level, and health conditions. Use this quick guide to make an informed choice:

• For Easy Keepers: Choose low-calorie, high-fiber hay like Timothy or Bermuda to prevent excessive weight gain.
• For Performance Horses: Opt for higher protein hay like Alfalfa or Orchardgrass to support muscle development and energy levels.
• For Metabolic Issues (e.g., Insulin Resistance, Laminitis): Teff hay or soaked hay is the best choice to reduce sugar intake and manage metabolic conditions.

💡 Pro Tip: Mixing different hay types can help balance nutrition while maintaining palatability for picky eaters.

Below is a helpful YouTube video that explains the differences between grass and alfalfa hay.

Conclusion

Choosing the best hay for your horse requires careful consideration of type, quality, and maturity. Since hay is the foundation of a horse’s diet, selecting the right kind ensures long-term health, performance, and well-being. For more insights on optimizing your horse’s forage intake, check out our guide on Feeding Horses Hay.

Have you had success with a specific hay type, or do you have tips for fellow horse owners? Share your experience in the comments below! If you found this guide helpful, pass it along to other horse owners so they can make informed hay choices too. Let’s keep our horses thriving together!