In this article
🌱 Vet’s 2025 Guide to Forage Types for Horses
By Dr Duncan Houston BVSc
1. Why Forage Matters
Forage—grass or legume that horses graze or consume as hay or cubes—is the foundation of equine nutrition. It supports digestion, mental wellness, dental wear, and overall health. Horses evolved to eat long-stem forage, grazing for ~17 hours daily on pasture when available :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}.
2. Types of Forage
2.1 Pasture
- Natural grazing on mixed grasses and legumes—ideal when well-maintained.
- Provides fresh vitamins and omega‑3s, but quality varies with season and management :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}.
- Rotate pastures, monitor sward height, and avoid bare or low-nutrient patches.
2.2 Hay – Grass vs Legume
Grass Hay
- Includes timothy, orchardgrass, Kentucky bluegrass, bermuda, ryegrass, tall fescue, brome :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}.
- Lower protein/energy, high fiber—excellent for maintenance, metabolic horses :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}.
- Timothy: palatable, moderate nutrients—great for most horses :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}.
- Orchardgrass: slightly higher protein/calories compared to timothy, drought-tolerant :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}.
Legume Hay
- Alfalfa and clover hay—rich in protein, calcium, energy :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}.
- Protein ~15–20%; ideal for young, lactating, or performance horses :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}.
- Too rich for easy keepers—may cause obesity or metabolic issues if unbalanced :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}.
- Often mixed with grass hay or used in limited amounts.
2.3 Hay Cubes & Pellets
- Compressed chopped hay—typically timothy, alfalfa, or blends :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}.
- Dust-reduced, convenient, consistent nutrient analysis.
- Best soaked before feeding to prevent choke in sloppy eaters.
3. Seasonal & Regional Forage Varieties
- Cool-season grasses (timothy, orchardgrass, fescue) thrive in temperate climates; timothy needs more water :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}.
- Warm-season (bermuda, bahia)—common in southern regions; lower protein, great for easy keepers :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}.
- Mixed pastures and hayfields (grass + legume blends) provide balanced nutrients and diversity :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}.
4. Nutritional Differences & Suitability
| Forage Type | Protein | Energy | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Timothy Hay | 8–12% moderate | Moderate | Adults, metabolic horses |
| Orchardgrass | 10–12% | Moderate‑high | Performance, growing horses |
| Alfalfa | 15–20% | High | Foals, performance, broodmares |
| Clover Hay | 12–18% | Moderate‑high | Energy support, mixed diets |
| Bermuda/Bahia | 6–10% | Low‑moderate | Easy keepers, warm regions |
| Cubes | Varies by blend | Consistent | Sick, respiratory, weight control |
5. Making Smart Feeding Decisions
- Do a hay analysis to check nutrients and ensure it meets your horse’s needs :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}.
- Select forage based on age, workload, metabolic health, and weight goals.
- Use grass hay basics; boost with legumes for performance or growing needs.
- When pasture is lush, balance with hay to manage excess sugar :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}.
- Introduce new forage slowly over 7–10 days to avoid digestive upsets.
6. Pasture vs Hay Nutrition
Pasture offers fresh micronutrients and omega‑3s but nutrition varies. Hay provides consistent fiber and minerals; combine both strategically :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}.
7. Special Considerations
- Metabolic or laminitis-prone horses benefit from low-sugar grass hay, sometimes soaked or steamed to reduce starch/dust :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}.
- Respiratory-sensitive horses improve with steamed hay to reduce mold and dust by ~98% :contentReference[oaicite:20]{index=20}.
- Blends like timothy–alfalfa or orchardgrass–alfalfa fine-tune protein/calcium intake :contentReference[oaicite:21]{index=21}.
8. Monitoring Forage Quality
- Look for green color, fresh aroma, minimal dust; avoid mold or weeds :contentReference[oaicite:22]{index=22}.
- Check bales individually—nutrient levels vary by cut/maturity.
- Store in dry, ventilated space to prevent spoilage.
9. Integrating Ask A Vet Support 🩺
Use Ask A Vet to:
- Share forage photos or ASTM lab results for tailored dietary guidance.
- Get feeding plans based on stage—maintenance, growth, performance.
- Receive help adjusting hay/pasture ratios for metabolic or respiratory horses.
- Monitor body condition, adjust feed according to weight, health status.
Download the Ask A Vet app today to support balanced forage feeding and optimize equine health into 2025 and beyond! ❤️
10. Final Thoughts
A thoughtful forage plan—mixing pasture, grass and legume hay, and cubes when needed—ensures digestive health, nutrient balance and weight control. Understanding each forage type’s characteristics supports better feeding choices. With Ask A Vet’s expertise, you can build year-round feeding systems tailored to your horse’s lifestyle and health goals in 2025.
