Choosing Hay for Horses
December 28, 2011
I recently found myself in the brief conversation on the topic of 'the best hay for horses'. I say brief because much like topics of politics or religion in mixed company, a quick change was necessary.
Like everything, one answer isn't right for every horse. However, to hear a statement from a well respected person that, "Of course you should never feed a horse straight alfalfa hay," made be feel it very important to write about this topic.
Not all horses have the same nutrient needs, so naturally not all horses have the same hay needs. A hay that is suitable for a
mature Quarter Horse gelding used for occasional riding may not be suitable for an 8-month-old thoroughbred. The best hay for any horse depends on the needs of that horse.
People often ask, "Is alfalfa too rich for my horse?" Alfalfa hay is more nutrient-rich feed than most other hays, it is not any richer than many other feeds commonly used for horses. For example, the horse's most natural feed, good quality pasture, is often higher in calories and protein than alfalfa hay. Leafy, rapid growing cool-season grass pasture contains 18 to 20% crude protein. By comparison, mid-maturity alfalfa hay will contain 16% to 18% crude protein. Alfalfa is clearly higher in energy and protein value than the timothy hay, but it is actually lower in energy and protein value than the pasture.
I don't suggest that alfalfa is always the right answer. There are many variables that come into play when selecting the right nutrition for the horse. I simply suggest to those that feel alfalfa should never fed to horses do some light reading prior to turning a blind eye.
A few articles from credible sources are:
UC Davis - Producing Alfalfa hay for Horses -
Purdue University - Selecting Quality Hay for Horses -
University of Kentucky College of Agriculture - Choosing Hay for Horses
Kentucky Equine Research Staff - Alfalfa Hay: A Major Component in Many Horse Diets -
University of Minnesota - Choosing Hay for Horses
Government of Alabama Horse Feeding Myths and Misconceptions -
Ontario Ministry of Agriculture - Hay for Horses -
Like everything, one answer isn't right for every horse. However, to hear a statement from a well respected person that, "Of course you should never feed a horse straight alfalfa hay," made be feel it very important to write about this topic.
Not all horses have the same nutrient needs, so naturally not all horses have the same hay needs. A hay that is suitable for a
mature Quarter Horse gelding used for occasional riding may not be suitable for an 8-month-old thoroughbred. The best hay for any horse depends on the needs of that horse.
People often ask, "Is alfalfa too rich for my horse?" Alfalfa hay is more nutrient-rich feed than most other hays, it is not any richer than many other feeds commonly used for horses. For example, the horse's most natural feed, good quality pasture, is often higher in calories and protein than alfalfa hay. Leafy, rapid growing cool-season grass pasture contains 18 to 20% crude protein. By comparison, mid-maturity alfalfa hay will contain 16% to 18% crude protein. Alfalfa is clearly higher in energy and protein value than the timothy hay, but it is actually lower in energy and protein value than the pasture.
I don't suggest that alfalfa is always the right answer. There are many variables that come into play when selecting the right nutrition for the horse. I simply suggest to those that feel alfalfa should never fed to horses do some light reading prior to turning a blind eye.
A few articles from credible sources are:
UC Davis - Producing Alfalfa hay for Horses -
Purdue University - Selecting Quality Hay for Horses -
University of Kentucky College of Agriculture - Choosing Hay for Horses
Kentucky Equine Research Staff - Alfalfa Hay: A Major Component in Many Horse Diets -
University of Minnesota - Choosing Hay for Horses
Government of Alabama Horse Feeding Myths and Misconceptions -
Ontario Ministry of Agriculture - Hay for Horses -