Timothy vs Bermuda vs Alfalfa Hay: Horse Feeding Guide

Last updated: May 7, 2025

By: Miles HenryFact Checked

Choosing the right hay can dramatically influence your horse’s energy, gut health, recovery, and even behavior. Whether you manage a barn full of racehorses, care for an easy-keeping retiree, or raise foals for future performance, the foundation of their diet is forage.

As a lifelong horse owner with seven horses in training, I know firsthand that hay is never a “one-size-fits-all” decision. This guide offers an in-depth comparison of Timothy, Bermuda, and Alfalfa hay, with practical insights, cutting details, real-world anecdotes, and evidence-backed nutrition advice to help you feed with confidence.

Timothy vs Bermuda vs Alfalfa Hay: Nutritional Comparison

Here’s a detailed breakdown of Timothy, Bermuda, and Alfalfa hay—exploring their nutritional benefits, ideal uses, and potential drawbacks so you can choose the right forage for your horse’s unique needs. 📘 Not sure what ADF, NSC, or PPID mean? Jump to our glossary.

🟩 Timothy Hay: Balanced, Versatile, and Well-Tolerated

Nutritional Profile (Typical, % of Dry Matter):

• Crude Protein: 7–10% – Supports muscle maintenance and metabolic function
• ADF: 30–35% – Indicates less digestible fiber; regulates gut motility
• NDF: 50–55% – Reflects total fiber; key for chewing and satiety
• Calcium: 0.2–0.5%
• Phosphorus: 0.15–0.3%
• Ca:P Ratio: ~1.5–2:1 – Ideal for adult horses

Source: Feedipedia – Timothy Hay Profile

Palatability: High. Soft texture, low dust, sweet-smelling — most horses enjoy it.

Best For:
✅ Adult horses in light/moderate work
✅ Metabolic horses (IR, PPID, laminitis)
✅ Horses with respiratory sensitivity
✅ Easy keepers

Downsides:
⚠️ Lower energy; may not meet demands of lactating or high-performance horses
⚠️ Higher cost in non-growing regions

Cutting Notes:

• 1st Cutting: Coarse, mature, economical – lower in digestibility
• 2nd Cutting: Ideal balance – leafy, nutrient-rich, highly palatable
• 3rd Cutting: Softest, highest in calories – best for hard keepers or seniors

🟨 Bermuda Hay for Horses: Affordable, Fiber-Rich

Nutritional Profile (Typical, % of Dry Matter):

• Crude Protein: 7–12%
• ADF: 30–38%
• NDF: 55–65%
• Calcium: 0.3–0.6%
• Phosphorus: 0.2–0.4%
• Ca:P Ratio: ~1.5–2:1

Source: New Mexico State University – Circular 711: Selecting Forage for Horses

Palatability: Highly variable. Finer-stemmed hay harvested early is well-accepted. Mature or stemmy cuts can be refused.

Best For:
✅ Maintenance horses
✅ Easy keepers
✅ Budget-conscious barns in Southern U.S.
✅ Metabolic horses, if NSC is tested and verified low

Downsides:
⚠️ Impaction colic risk if hay is coarse and hydration is poor
⚠️ Blister beetles not typically a Bermuda risk (they’re associated with alfalfa in the Southwest)
⚠️ Variable nutrition; testing is recommended

Regional Insight:
Southern-bred horses are often more accustomed to Bermuda. Horses from northern or midwestern states may be slower to accept it due to differences in forage exposure.

🟪 Alfalfa Hay for Horses: High-Protein Forage

Nutritional Profile (Typical, % of Dry Matter):

Source: University of Minnesota Extension

• Crude Protein: 15–22% – Crucial for growth, recovery, lactation
• ADF: 25–30% – Highly digestible
• NDF: 40–50% – Still adequate for fiber needs
• Calcium: 1.0–1.5%
• Phosphorus: 0.2–0.3%
• Ca:P Ratio: ~5–7:1 – Must be balanced in the total diet

Palatability: Extremely high. Rich, leafy, sweet-smelling — even picky eaters consume it readily.

Best For:
✅ Foals and yearlings
✅ Lactating mares
✅ Performance horses in intense work (like racehorses post-training)
✅ Ulcer-prone horses (buffers stomach acid)
✅ Underweight or older horses needing condition

Downsides:
⚠️ Too rich for easy keepers
⚠️ Requires Ca:P balancing via grain, ration balancers, or grass hay
⚠️ Higher cost, especially outside production areas

Balancing Tip: Mix with grass hay (Timothy, Orchard), or add phosphorus-rich feed. UC Davis offers more tips on feeding Alfalfa.

Nutritional Comparison: Timothy vs Bermuda vs Alfalfa Hay. (Typical Values, % of Dry Matter)

The following table compares the typical nutrient values of each hay type on a dry matter basis—helping you quickly assess which forage aligns with your horse’s dietary needs.

Nutrient (% of DM)	Timothy	Bermuda	Alfalfa
Crude Protein	7–10%	7–12%	15–22%
ADF (Fiber)	30–35%	30–38%	25–30%
NDF (Fiber)	50–55%	55–65%	40–50%
Calcium	0.2–0.5%	0.3–0.6%	1.0–1.5%
Phosphorus	0.15–0.3%	0.2–0.4%	0.2–0.3%
Ca:P Ratio	~2:1	~2:1	~5–7:1

Which Hay Is Best for Your Horse?

Different horses have different needs. Use the table below to match hay types to your horse’s age, workload, metabolic condition, or special dietary requirements.

Horse Type	Best Hay	Why
Easy Keeper	Bermuda or 1st cut Timothy	Lower calorie, high fiber
Hard Keeper	2nd/3rd cut Timothy + Alfalfa	Added protein and calories
Metabolic Horse (IR, PPID)	Tested low-NSC Timothy or Bermuda	NSC <10% reduces insulin/glucose spikes
Racehorse in Training	Timothy base + Alfalfa mix	Supports muscle recovery and gut function
Lactating Mare / Foal	Alfalfa	High calcium and protein for growth/milk
Senior with dental issues	Soft 3rd cut Timothy or soaked Alfalfa	Easier to chew, digest
Ulcer-Prone Horse	Alfalfa	Buffers stomach acid

Advanced Feeding Tips: NSC, Soaking, Testing

This section covers specialized hay considerations ideal for owners managing performance horses, metabolic issues, or fine-tuning advanced feeding strategies.

🌾 Understanding NSC (Non-Structural Carbohydrates)

• Includes sugar + starch
• <10% NSC is ideal for horses with insulin resistance, PPID, or laminitis
• Always test your hay!
  ➡️ Learn more at the ECIR Group

💧 Why Soak Hay?

• Reduces sugar and dust
• Recommended for respiratory/allergy-prone horses
• Soak 30–60 minutes, then drain before feeding

🧪 Importance of Forage Analysis

• Nutritional value varies by field, cutting, and weather
• A hay test provides accurate data on protein, fiber, NSC, and minerals
  ➡️ University of Kentucky’s Forage Testing Guide

❓ FAQs

Below are answers to some of the most common questions horse owners ask about hay types, feeding strategies, and how to meet the specific needs of different horses.

🐴 Glossary of Abbreviations

To help you better understand the terms used in this guide:

PPID (Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction): Also known as Equine Cushing’s Disease, a hormonal disorder common in older horses.

ADF (Acid Detergent Fiber): A measure of the less digestible fiber components in hay, such as cellulose and lignin. Higher ADF generally means lower energy content.

Ca:P Ratio (Calcium to Phosphorus Ratio): The balance between calcium and phosphorus in the diet, crucial for bone health and nutrient absorption.

IR (Insulin Resistance): A metabolic condition where the horse’s cells become less responsive to insulin.

NDF (Neutral Detergent Fiber): Represents the total fiber content in hay, including cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin. Important for gut health and chewing.

NSC (Non-Structural Carbohydrates): The readily digestible carbohydrates in hay, including sugars and starches. Important for energy but should be limited in horses with metabolic issues.

🏁 Conclusion: Feed Smart, Feed Strategically

Feeding horses isn’t just about tradition or convenience—it’s about making informed decisions that support long-term health, performance, and well-being. Whether you’re managing a hard-working athlete or a senior companion, understanding the differences between Timothy, Bermuda, and Alfalfa hay empowers you to feed with precision and purpose.

In my own barn of racehorses, success starts with the hay stack. I rely on forage testing, trusted suppliers, and careful observation to ensure every horse gets what they need—and nothing they don’t.

Remember: there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. But with the right hay and the right knowledge, you’re one step closer to a healthier, happier horse.

Ready to take the next step? Explore our practical guide to selecting hay for your horse.

Want to see hay quality differences up close? This short video walks through how Timothy, Bermuda, and Alfalfa hay look, feel, and feed—great for visual learners and first-time buyers.