When it concerns your horses’ diet, it's important to consider their nutritional requirements and give them nutritious food for the best possible physical condition and appropriate horse care. Since they may readily obtain adequate nutrition and energy from hay or pasture, not all horses need to be fed grain.
Horses are well equipped to live on hay and other preserved forages as their food is usually prepared in colder temperatures. Your horses' main source of calories should be hay; grain feed should only be introduced if grass or legume hay is insufficient. Many pleasure horses kept on small farms live entirely on hay and use the term "pasture" primarily as a place to exercise.
Hay is an important food source for horses, providing essential nutrients and energy. It is a high-fibre, easy-to-digest source of fuel for horses that can help them maintain their condition and health.
This article will explore hay's nutritional value, the different types of hay available, how to store and prepare hay, and the benefits and potential risks of feeding hay to horses.
Can Horses Eat Hay?
Yes, horses can eat hay. It's a great source of nutrition for them. Hay is made up of dried grasses, legumes and other plants that provide essential nutrients to horses. It is high in fibre, easy to digest and a great source of energy. It is also a low-cost way to provide balanced nutrition for horses. Feeding hay regularly can help to maintain a horse's condition and health.
Hay
Hay is grass, legumes, or other herbaceous plants which have been harvested, dried, and stored for use as animal feed, either for big grazing livestock like cattle, sheep, goats. All grazing animals eat mostly hay or grass, which may fulfil all of the animal's nutritional needs up to 100% of the time. There are a variety of types of hay available, all with different nutrient values and characteristics.
When there is insufficient pasture or rangeland for an animal to graze, when grazing is impractical because of the weather (such as in the winter), or when lush pasture on its own would be excessively rich for the animal's health, hay can be utilised as animal food. Additionally, it is provided if an animal is housed in a barn or stable and is unable to reach pasture.
Hay is full of benefits for animals, providing carbohydrates, protein, fat, vitamins and minerals. Carbohydrates and proteins are the main sources of energy, helping to fuel the body. The high levels of fibre in hay help with digestion and absorption of nutrients. Vitamins and minerals like calcium, magnesium and potassium also come from hay, providing essential nutrition for maintaining healthy muscles and bones.
Types of Hay
There are many types of hay available for horses, such as timothy hay, alfalfa hay, orchard grass hay and Bermuda grass hay.
Timothy hay is a popular option as it is soft and high in fibre while also providing good nutrition. Alfalfa hay has higher protein and calcium levels than other hays, making it an ideal choice for growing, lactating and older horses.
Orchard grass hay is milder and sweeter hay, while Bermuda grass hay is a coarser feed with lower nutritional value.
When choosing hay for your horse, you'll want to consider the nutritional content and the type of hay that best meets the needs of your horse. You should also look at the hay's colour, smell, and texture and inspect it for mould, weeds and dust.
Preparation and Storage of Hay
When preparing hay for horses, ensure it is free of dust, mould and weeds, as well as weed seeds. Hay should also be cut into smaller pieces to make it easier for your horse to chew. Hay must be fresh and safe for consumption when feeding it to your horse.
Hay should be stored in a cool, dry place and away from water sources. Additionally, you should keep it away from rodents and other pests, as hay can become contaminated if not stored properly. To prevent waste, store hay in an airtight container or bag and make sure it is tightly sealed.
When feeding your horse, always check that the hay is dry and free of debris before giving it to them. Make sure the hay has not been in contact with water, as this can cause mould growth.
Benefits of Feeding Hay to Horses
High in fibre
Hay is high in fibre and can help to keep horses full, which is beneficial for maintaining their condition and health. The fibre in hay helps to keep the digestive system running smoothly and facilitates digestion. High-fibre hay is also more filling, meaning horses can eat less of it, which can help with weight control.
Low in sugar and starch
Hay is generally low in sugar and starch, which makes it a great source of balanced nutrition for horses. It is high in fibre and provides essential nutrients, such as protein, minerals, and vitamins. Feeding hay regularly can help to provide balanced nutrition.
Promote weight control and health
Feeding hay regularly to horses can help to promote weight control and health. Hay is low in sugar and starch, providing balanced nutrition to horses, which helps to keep them in good condition. Feeding hay regularly can help to maintain the health and condition of horses by providing essential nutrients and energy.
It helps to keep horses healthy and active
Feeding hay regularly to horses can help to keep them active and healthy. Hay is a great source of essential nutrients. It helps to provide balanced nutrition and can promote the overall health of horses. Feeding hay regularly helps to maintain the condition and health of horses and can help to keep them active and healthy.
Potential Risks of Feeding Hay to Horses
One potential risk of feeding hay to horses is the presence of mould and mycotoxins, which can be potentially fatal if ingested. It's important to inspect hay before giving it to your horse and ensure it is dry and free of dust, mould and weeds.
Additionally, if you feed your horse too much hay it can result in digestive problems or colic. Feeding hay in moderation is key when it comes to maintaining your horse’s health.
Another potential risk associated with feeding hay is the ingestion of weed seeds, which can cause respiratory problems in horses. It's important to purchase hay from a reputable supplier and inspect it for weed seeds before giving it to your horse.
Finally, if you are feeding hay to your horse on a regular basis, be sure to vary the types of hay that you give them, as this can help to prevent nutritional deficiencies.
Concluding Words
Hay is a great source of nutrition for horses and should be fed in moderation. It's important to inspect hay before feeding it to your horse and store it in a cool, dry place away from water sources. Additionally, be sure to feed your horse a variety of hay types to prevent nutritional deficiencies and make sure not to feed too much, as this can lead to digestive problems or colic.