🌾 Hay Replacement Options for Horses in 2025 🐴🥣

By Dr Duncan Houston BVSc

Hay shortages can catch horse owners off guard, especially during drought or extreme weather events. When hay becomes scarce—or unsuitable for your horse’s condition—knowing your feeding options is critical. Here’s how to keep your horse healthy and nutritionally balanced with hay replacements in 2025. 🌱🔥

📦 What Is a Complete Feed?

🔎 A complete feed is formulated to provide all the fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals a horse needs—without requiring any additional hay or pasture. It’s ideal when:

• ❌ Hay is unavailable or too expensive
• 🦷 Your horse has dental issues and can’t chew long-stem fiber
• 🌬️ Your horse has respiratory conditions (like asthma) triggered by dusty hay

These feeds contain built-in forage sources like beet pulp, soy hulls, or alfalfa meal to replace long-stem fiber. 📋

📊 Don’t Judge a Feed by Its Fiber %

Dr. Randel Raub of Purina Mills points out that fiber content alone does NOT determine if a feed is complete. Many high-fiber feeds are not designed to be fed at high volume and still require hay. The key is digestibility and total ration volume. ✅

🔍 If the bag doesn’t say “complete feed” and doesn’t list a feeding rate of 12–15 lbs/day for a 1000 lb horse, it probably isn’t one. Always confirm with your veterinarian. 🩺

🥕 Feeding Complete Feeds Properly

If you’re switching to a complete feed, follow these tips:

• 📏 Feed 3–4 times per day to mimic grazing and reduce boredom
• 🥣 Never feed over 5 lbs per meal to reduce colic risk
• 🧪 Ensure the feed includes added vitamins and minerals
• 🧼 Store in a dry, sealed container to prevent spoilage

While complete feeds are often more expensive per bag, they may be cost-effective when compared to the total cost of hay + grain + supplements. Do the math! 🧮💰

💨 Benefits for Respiratory or Dental Issues

Horses with severe asthma or recurrent airway obstruction (heaves) benefit from dust-free feeding options. Soaking hay is one option, but it’s labor-intensive and inconsistent. Complete feeds eliminate that concern altogether. 🚫🌫️

For senior horses or those with missing teeth, chopped, pelleted, or soaked complete feeds offer an easier-to-chew, safer alternative to long-stem hay. 🦷🧼

🥬 Hay Alternatives and Fiber Sources

If complete feed isn’t ideal or available, consider these supplementary or partial hay replacements:

• 💧 Soaked beet pulp (highly digestible fiber, low starch)
• 🟢 Hay cubes or pellets (must be soaked for older horses)
• 🌾 Chopped forage (available with added molasses or plain)
• 🌱 Straw or low-sugar hay (suitable for insulin-resistant horses if tested)

Important: Always balance any hay replacements with correct minerals and protein to avoid deficiencies. ⚖️

📱 Need Help? Ask A Vet Can Design Your Feeding Plan

At AskAVet.com, Dr Duncan Houston offers custom diet planning for horses on hay-free or restricted hay diets. Get help with:

• 📊 Feed comparisons and cost analysis
• 🧪 Nutrition balancing and forage testing
• 💡 Transition schedules to complete feeds
• 🐴 Senior horse and metabolic-safe options

Download our “2025 Hay Alternatives Chart” or schedule a feeding consult directly in the Ask A Vet App. 📲📝

🏁 Final Thoughts

While nothing quite replaces the mental and digestive benefits of natural grazing, complete feeds and forage alternatives are lifesavers in times of scarcity. With good planning, your horse can thrive—even without hay. 🌿💪🐴

Need help transitioning off hay or assessing a new feed? Visit AskAVet.com for custom nutrition advice today. 🧬📋