20/06/2025
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HAY - How much do you know about the hay you are feeding? Here is some information about hay types, and some important things to be aware of with each:
Teff Hay
➡️Teff is a warm season grass species that can be fed as hay for horses.
⚠️The starch and sugar analysis of Teff can vary, so while it can be considered low in sugar and starch, it isn't always below a safe level for laminitis/metabolic condition prone horses and ponies.
⚠️Teff (being a C4 species) does contain moderate to high levels of oxalates, so you will need to supplement to reduce the risk of bighead disease.
⚠️ Teff has caused some behavioural changes in horses, linked to alkalosis (showing a high pH result in manure).
Barley Hay
Barley hay or straw can be fed to horses but should be an awn-less variety. The 'awns' are the stiff bristles that can grow on the barley head. It does have a similar nutrient profile to Oaten Hay, with NSC often over 16%.
⚠️Both the hay and straw are not suitable for horses prone to laminitis or metabolic conditions.
⚠️Being a cereal it can provide more energy, so be aware of re-balancing energy levels if you notice behavioural changes in your horse or pony.
⚠️ Watch out for hay that has seed heads that still contain the grain.
Oaten or Wheaten Hay
Oaten and wheaten hay are cereal hays, and a good source of fibre but both the hay and straws are quite high in NSC.
⚠️ WA's Oaten hay consistently tests between 30-38% but has been recorded as high as 42.63% in Southwest WA.
⚠️ Wheaten has an NSC of around 28.8%
⚠️ They are not suitable for horses prone to laminitis or metabolic conditions
⚠️ If feeding Oaten, make sure you balance your horse's concentrates, so they are not getting too much energy
⚠️The high NSC level may not be suitable for horses with sensitive stomachs or a history of ulcers
Rhodes Grass
Rhodes grass is a good quality, low sugar and starch hay, that is low enough in oxalates not to pose a bighead risk. It is more consistent and reliable than teff when it comes to the sugar and starch levels.
⚠️ Rhodes can be high in calcium, iron and potassium, but low in phosphorus and magnesium, so make sure you re-balance your horse's diet in case they need supplementation.
⚠️ If some horses and ponies don't like eating the Rhodes hay, you can spray it with a stevia solution to it to make it more palatable.
Straw
Straw can be used to replace a portion of the hay in your horse’s diet to help extend hay supply. You can use straw for up to 20% of their daily fibre/forage intake.
⚠️Straw is not laminitis friendly. The average straw NSC is over 17%, as most straws come from cereal crops.
⚠️Make sure straw has been ARGT tested.
⚠️Straw must not be fed to foals, weanlings or yearlings as their digestive system is not mature enough to digest it properly.
⚠️If you need to feed higher than 20% straw, consult with your vet first to make sure that your horse is a candidate for this level of straw.
If you are unsure about changing hays and what your horse needs, feel free to reach out to our nutrition team or contact an equine nutritionist to rebalance your horse's diet.
