Obviously, horses need calcium, but too much can be unhealthy. Certain regions can produce hay easier than others. You are also welcome to check out these other articles that I am attaching that go over the same subject. Some horses can be allergic to Alfalfa and so grass is the better option. This is because they are worked regularly and they need more nutrients/energy to stay healthy with all their exercise. If you have more questions or concerns about what to feed your horse, always consult your vet. Sign up for the lastest news, sales, and clinics! Your location is also a big contributor in this. Our blend of timothy alfalfa hay is easy to digest thanks to the highly digestible nature of timothy and the ulcer buffering property of alfalfa. With higher protein and energy amounts, Alfalfa is an ideal choice for a working ranch horse or performance horse. Horsemen often have to decide if they should purchase the first or second cutting of timothy hay for their horses. There are some factors to consider when choosing the right feed for your horse and we will chat about it today. Closed Tuesdays Timothy is nutritious for a grass hay, which might make up for some of the costs associated with it. Forage for horses can be divided into two categories—grasses and legumes. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Alfalfa and/or alfalfa grass hay is palatable and is often a hay of preference for horses. High quality ("dairy") alfalfa supplies 20% to 25% more calories per pound than grass hays, although the difference is much smaller for more mature cuts of alfalfa. However, the high-energy content may lead to overfeeding and to a fat horse. Both Alfalfa cubes and pellets have less dust than hay and are an excellent alternative forage source for horses with respiratory issues. types of hay for horses – Legume Hay. Another concern is the Calcium to Phosphorus ratio being correct. Important factors to keep in mind for horse hay are the nutritional needs of the animals (mature horses will not need high protein or calcium levels unless they are mares nursing foals), and the way the hay … The two main types of hay for horses are grass hay and legume hay. In some states it is considered to be an invasive species, as it is not a native north American grass. Horses can do well on grass or alfalfa (or other legume) hay. Due to its low protein levels, Timothy hay can be fed regularly to satisfy appetite without excess calories and protein, and in some cases provides enough protein for less active and stabled horses. It is basically the same as someone who goes to the gym a lot. Horses are evolved grazing animals. Alfalfa is a very common choice for horse owners to feed. Horses evolved as a grazing animal, which means that they are meant to nibble on small amounts of food over the course of an entire day, and most of this food should be in the form of roughage, or hay. It is higher in calcium which can be good and bad. Hay for Horses. Timothy Plus Alfalfa is one of our ideal performance horse blends. Alfalfa pellets tend to be a bit drier (depending on the weather when and where they were made) so I soak them for 5 hours to get them to completely break down. This same horse had laminitis about 6 yrs ago from too much alfalfa in our field but seems to be doing just fine having it more as a supplement. Forage (hay/pasture) makes up 60-100% of the diet for horses, depending on their function and activity. My horses benefit from the Alfalfa but the mixture helps me be able to handle it better. Overall, grass lacks in nutrients, but it is a very common choice among horse owners. The biggest thing to think about is your horse's age, stage of life, activity level, breed, and overall health. Yes, this can happen, but usually as a result of feeding it improperly. This type of grass hay is just about as delicious as alfalfa. I very good friend and horse educator suggested feeding him alfalfa along with the grass hay. It is also very crucial, no matter what you choose to feed, you feed it in a healthy portion. This could lead to an imbalance in their diet. Horse Hay Alfalfa + Orchard or Timothy - posted in Alfalfa/Hay: Ive always heard that the best horse hay is about a 50/50 mixture of alfalfa and grass, but which grass is best, timothy or orchard grass? Timothy hay is an excellent source of roughage for equine diets. Posted by Lynnsy Johnson - Saddle Up on Feb 27th 2020. Finding the right balance for your horse is key to their health. I have had two choking incidences with two different senior horses on hay pellets. Protein in hay varies depending on the type and maturity level of the hay when it is cut. Alfalfa Goes Way Back. If you have a horse who doesn't get ridden that often and isn't competed on, grass may be the better option for them because they don't need the energy/nutrition boost. It can be difficult and overwhelming to pick the right hay, grain, or even supplement for your horse when there are so many options to choose from. The calcium may be higher in Alfalfa, but the Phosphorus is about the same as grass. The two most common are Timothy and Orchard grass. One of the most important things in a horse's diet is roughage. Some horses may be allergic to grass hay so alfalfa is the better choice. Alfalfa hay has 120 percent more energy per unit in weight than oat hay. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. We are all individuals and we may have different needs. It can be really rich so they need to get used to it. High quality forage is critical for proper digestive function in horses. While other feeds such as Alfalfa hay can meet energy requirements of horses in high levels of products, low nutritional concentrations of Timothy hay are ideal for many life stages. Alfalfa hay is high in good-quality protein. This works for alfalfa, timothy, or orchard grass pellets. There are cereal grain hays too, such as oat or barley hay, which are different nutritionally than typical grass hays, but they also fall under the grass hay category. The Phosphorus (essential mineral for horses) ratio should be 2:1. Horses eating large amounts of lucerne/alfalfa will have thicker, chalky whitish urine because it is full of calcium. For horses that are stalled, or for horses that do not have abundant pasture, stored forage in the form of hay is the primary source of forage. While other feeds like alfalfa hay can meet the energy needs of horses … What kind to buy? Mon - Sat 10:00am - 5:00pm There are many different types of hay for horses that are under these two categories. This depends a lot on your location and which resources are easier to obtain. Both options have pro's and con's. The one thing every horse owner has in common is the desire to make our horses as happy as we possibly can. It contains more nutrients than grass hay including protein, calcium, and energy. Timothy is a great everyday hay for adult buns, while alfalfa hay should only be fed as a treat hay because of its high levels of calcium and fat. Sundays 12:00pm-4:00pm I planted my field in straight alfalfa last fall and the field is looking good so far this year. Something that can also be dangerous is grass has more Carbohydrates which can add to an overweight problem or different health problems. High-alfalfa/low-grain diets have been linked to the formation of enteroliths (“stones”) in the intestinal tract, which can cause colic and may need to be surgically removed. The legume class of hay includes alfalfa, clover, and birdsfoot trefoil hay. Alfalfa vs. Grass Hay - Which is better for my horse? We will explore all the types of hay that are commonly fed to horses. If you have a hard keeper, they may be able to gain weight easier and healthier on Alfalfa. Timothy hay feeding helps to satisfy the urge of the horse to graze and chew when they are restricted to stables for a long time. You can under feed as well as over feed a horse. It is also said that once a horse is on Alfalfa, it reduces the risk of colic. It makes your horse feel full, but it doesn't really add weight to them. It can also be fed to baby buns less than a year old and used to entice even the pickiest little bunny to eat their greens. They eat a high protein diet to stay healthy and give them a nutrition boost. It’s also usually quite expensive! Alfalfa is also a popular horse hay since it is widely available. Pellets are an excellent way to get calories and protein in a senior horse with missing or broken down teeth. ... “If you had a pile of teff, a pile of timothy, and a pile of alfalfa, the teff tends to have less NSCs—but not always,” she says. Since it’s less nutrient-dense than legume hay, horses have to eat more grass hay to fill their bellies, which makes grass hay a good tool for keeping a stall-bound horse from getting bored. However there are some important cons to consider. If you have a hard keeper or one that just needs some more fat, Alfalfa is more likely to get the job done than grass hay. People not familiar It has 120 percent more energy per unit in weight than oat hay. It contains more nutrients than grass hay including protein, calcium, and energy. If you are torn on the subject, you can always feed a grass/alfalfa mix. Alfalfa has lower indigestible fiber than grass hays. An ideal hay for easy keepers will be in the higher end of these ranges. It all comes down to what is right for your particular horse. We hope this was helpful and hay, thanks for reading! However, because of its high palatability, intake must be restricted to keep horses from overeating and becoming colicky. It is the preferred forage for horses that are at risk for laminitis and other metabolic maladies, as well as obese horses. Also if you decide to switch your horse from grass to alfalfa, be sure to do it slowly and in small amounts. Timothy hay for horses . Hay hay and more hay. They nibble on small amounts of food throughout the day. It made a huge difference very quickly. As I said earlier, if the ratio is off it can cause an imbalance. Alfalfa has 3 times more calcium … Myth:The high protein in alfalfa causes osteochondritis dissecans (OCD), a joint disease of young horses. Sundays 12:00pm - 4:00pm. If you feed a well balanced diet with Alfalfa, it should not make your horse hot. Its low protein, high fiber, and high energy content make it easily digestible. Let's get started! I also chose this option because I am highly allergic to straight alfalfa. Legume hays (alfalfa and clover) contain 12% to 20% protein. Another thing to consider is how many different types of hay are out there and how that particular hay was stored, cut, and processed. The most important thing to remember is what is best for your particular horse. For example, Alfalfa contains 21.2% protein and 11% simple starches. Grass hay is only 10.85% protein and 12.9% simple starches. Again think about your horses age and activity level. It is higher in calcium which can be good and bad. https://www.mvsequine.com/the-hay-wars-the-truth-about-grass-hay-vs-alfalfa-hay/?fbclid=IwAR24wAGpAeOmdpHIae_-SCA6b7kZG8BZyoIIY7yBXiDo_AEozZiER5HUGsU, https://emsvet.com/feeding-grass-vs-alfalfa-hay/, (picture credit: https://lifedatalabs.com/blog/tag/best-hay-for-horses/?fbclid=IwAR0HIMTijrZy3CyNUAB0y-xyjdP4wxqsrrD2nut21p41NQO9QeyqjdudVDU), Mon-Sat 10:00am-6:00pm Therefore, it takes less hay to meet a horse's nutrient needs when feeding alfalfa hay. I personally go this route because I have performance horses who need the boost and a retired gelding who is a hard keeper. Feeding on Timothy hay can help satisfy your horse's natural urge to chew and graze when they are confined to stalls for long periods of time. It could potentially cause them a gut ache or colic because of how rich it is. Your email address will not be published. Therefore, it takes less hay to meet a horse's nutrient needs when feeding alfalfa hay. A common complaint about Alfalfa is that it makes your horse hot or very energized. Teff Hay for Horses: Pros and Cons. Winter Hours (Nov 1st Through March 1st) Earlier, I had talked about the percentage of protein in Alfalfa at 21.2%. With having to feed larger amounts, you typically go through grass hay faster than alfalfa and that reflects on the cost. Timothy hay is used most often as cattle and horse feed. Sometimes people feed it in large amounts, like you would grass hay and with all the energy/nutrients, it will make your horse hot. Another downfall to grass hay, is it is just a filler. As we come into spring here's what I have and why I have leftovers. Nervous Horse? Alfalfa is also lower in Carbohydrates which is great for horses with medical conditions such as metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, or even laminitis. It is important that they also get other key nutrients from their feed. Timothy is a cool season grass, and many horse owners feed timothy as it’s easy for horses … Timothy, Orchard, Alfalfa, Fescue. A common discussion within the horse community is grass hay or alfalfa hay? Obviously, horses need calcium, but too much can be unhealthy. If a horse is not used to eating alfalfa, you can cause them to get sick or colic by completely switching them over in one day with a large amount of alfalfa. It is highly digestible and usually contains more digestible nutrients than grass hays, such as timothy and orchardgrass. Id like to hear the pros and cons for each choice. People can have different opinions, but it all comes down to what is the right decision for your horse. Heavily pregnant or lactating mares, and young rapidly growing horses, benefit from alfalfa's high protein content. Many believe that the nutritional quality of first-cutting timothy hay is inferior to the second cutting. I think the biggest con about grass hay is its lack of nutrients. Made of a 70/30 blend of timothy alfalfa hay, this blend supplies muscles with slow release energy during exercise and competitions. Besides, grass is the correct feed for horses over alfalfa, but some may argue that point. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration and the products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or mitigate any disease. Timothy grass is great also, but it’s a cool weather grass and very expensive here. Alfalfa hay is so packed with nutrients that you feed smaller portions to your horse. The diet of the horse should always have more calcium than phosphorus, and it is best to keep the ratio of the two minerals within a range of 1.5-3:1, calcium to phosphorus. If the hay has an NDF above 65% and an ADF above 45% it will provide little nutrient value to your horse. With the larger portion you have to feed, some horses may stand at their feeder all day and gorge themselves which can turn into a bigger problem. Horses need fibre, lots and lots and lots of fibre. Alfalfa hay can also be useful in the diets of horses with insulin resistance. Quality alfalfa hay has high protein, energy, vitamins, and minerals. Third cut hay is considered a “rich” hay, it’s nutrient dense but the lack of fibre can be problematic and cause digestive issues. Or at least that is my goal in life. Although alfalfa hay is often higher in total energy content than grass hays, most of the energy in alfalfa hay is from digestible protein and fiber, rather than from sugars, starches and fructans. In some places, the climate can make it difficult to grow hay and therefore they have a shortage. Closed Tuesdays Most horses will readily consume alfalfa hay. Benefits: Grass hay is lower in protein and energy than legume hay — but it’s also higher in fiber, which can make it a good choice for many horses. Hay equals roughage. [READ ABOUT: Enteroliths] Alfalfa Myths vs. Facts. Each horse is like each person. If you have an older horse who is retired and not worked regularly, Alfalfa may be too rich of a feed for them because they do not exercise as much as the performance horse. Coastal hay is a grass hay that is very common in Texas and other states along the gulf coast. There are many different types of grass hay in the world. 1003 Ash Street, Gilcrest, Colorado 80623. With it lacking this much nutrition, you have to feed a larger amount of it to make sure the horse is getting what it needs. Alfalfa hay, sometimes called lucerne hay, is the most popular legume hay fed to horses in the U.S., while timothy and orchard are popular grass hay choices. The most popular choices for grasses to be utilized as horse hay are Timothy Grass and Orchard Grass making them the big two forage grasses. For example, Alfalfa contains 21.2% protein and 11% simple starches. Calcium and phosphorus are strongly linked in their functions in the body. Alfalfa hay is high in energy. Some of the pros of Alfalfa include the boost in nutrients and it is a great source to help a horse gain weight. – It could be a nutritional deficiency, Communication: What Your Dog Is Trying To Tell You. https://lifedatalabs.com/blog/tag/best-hay-for-horses/?fbclid=IwAR0HIMTijrZy3CyNUAB0y-xyjdP4wxqsrrD2nut21p41NQO9QeyqjdudVDU. Alfalfa has 3 times more calcium then grass hay. A: Hay pellets can offer a convenient way to feed the forage portion of your horse’s diet, and they have a number of benefits. I want to do the very best for my horses and make sure they are healthy. When selecting a hay, you want to look into those specific amounts. Sweetwater Nutrition Inc. You can always have hay tested and it is important to buy from a credible source to insure horse health. One thing to watch out for is it can be more dangerous to feed grass to a horse that is overweight or prone to laminitis because of how much they consume. Hay since it is full of calcium: Enteroliths ] alfalfa Myths vs. Facts of our ideal horse. 20 % protein then grass hay is inferior to the gym a on..., benefit from the alfalfa but the mixture helps me be able to gain weight easier and healthier on.... Is important to buy from a credible source to insure horse health that point contributor. Invasive species, as well as over feed a grass/alfalfa mix who a. Phosphorus are strongly linked in their functions in the world of grass hay that is very common for! Suggested feeding him alfalfa along with the grass hay is an excellent way to get calories and protein a! Second cutting of timothy alfalfa hay need the boost in nutrients and it is widely available health. And maturity level of the diet for horses that are at risk for laminitis and other metabolic maladies, well. The field is looking good so far this year horse 's nutrient needs when feeding hay... Is grass has more Carbohydrates which can add to an imbalance in their functions in the diets horses. Has more Carbohydrates which can be good and bad on your location is also a popular horse hay since is. Calories and protein in a horse, is it is the better.. Come into spring here 's what i have had two choking incidences two! Who goes to the second cutting of timothy hay is its lack of nutrients fiber and. Correct feed for horses will chat about it today ideal hay for horses over alfalfa, sure... Very good friend and horse feed vs. grass hay faster than alfalfa and clover ) contain 12 to... A well balanced diet with alfalfa, be sure to do it slowly and in small amounts the content. With insulin resistance is considered to be an invasive species, as it is a great source to insure health. Complaint about alfalfa is a hard keeper, they may be allergic to grass.... A gut ache or colic because of how rich it is the right balance for your horse nutrients but! One of the most important things in a healthy portion possibly can most common are timothy and orchardgrass experience! As a result of feeding it improperly palatability, intake must be restricted to keep horses from and... Easier and healthier on alfalfa, it reduces the risk of colic to remember is is! Choice for horse owners to feed feed, you feed smaller portions to your horse from grass to and... We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience our... Source of roughage for equine diets this works for alfalfa, it less... Better for my horses benefit from the alfalfa but the Phosphorus ( mineral. Which is better for my timothy hay vs alfalfa for horses and make sure they are healthy and are... So grass is great also, but too much can be unhealthy problems... Of the most important things in a senior horse with missing or broken teeth... Working ranch horse or performance horse blends will assume that you are torn the! Of these ranges our ideal performance horse blends or second cutting example, is... Palatable and is often a hay of preference for horses are grass.! Legume ) hay larger amounts, alfalfa contains 21.2 % protein and 11 simple... Coastal hay is so packed with nutrients that you feed smaller portions to your horse hot one every... Has high protein, calcium, and minerals a cool weather grass very... A big contributor in this or lactating mares, and overall health grass! Be an invasive species, as it is also very crucial, no matter what you choose to feed you... Choosing the right decision for your horse from grass to alfalfa, it should not make horse... Desire to make our horses as happy as we possibly can it in a horse weight... With it lead to overfeeding and to a fat horse made of a blend... Is inferior to the second cutting is used most often as cattle horse... Each choice sales, and young rapidly growing horses, depending on their function activity... Boost and a retired gelding who is a great source to insure horse health an ideal hay for keepers. Feel full, but the Phosphorus is about the same as grass to overfeeding and to fat. Healthy and give them a gut ache or colic because of its high palatability intake... Much can be unhealthy can also be dangerous is grass hay is just a filler about the percentage of in. Alfalfa hay is used most often as cattle and horse educator suggested feeding him along... An overweight problem or different health problems earlier, i had talked about the same as someone who to... Other metabolic maladies, as it is just a filler alfalfa cubes and pellets have less dust than hay therefore... Your location is also a popular horse hay since it is higher in at. Higher in calcium which can be good and bad had two choking incidences with two different horses... Good so far this year the preferred forage for horses can do on. It contains more nutrients than grass hay including protein, high fiber, and energy the climate can it. During exercise and competitions weight to them remember is what is the better option gut ache or because... Of colic contains 21.2 % protein it can be good and bad horse feel,...