Timothy hay is one of the most popular forage choices for horse owners, and for good reason. This versatile grass hay provides excellent nutrition while being safe for horses of all ages and activity levels. But is timothy hay the right choice for your horse?
In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about feeding timothy hay to horses.
What Is Timothy Hay?
Timothy hay is a cool-season perennial grass native to Europe that has become one of the most widely cultivated hay crops in North America. Named after Timothy Hanson, who promoted its cultivation in the early 1700s, it’s prized for its:
- High fiber content
- Moderate protein levels
- Low sugar and starch
- Excellent palatability
- Long stem structure
Nutritional Profile of Timothy Hay
Timothy hay typically contains:
| Nutrient | Typical Range |
|---|---|
| Crude Protein | 7-11% |
| Crude Fiber | 30-35% |
| NSC (Sugar + Starch) | 8-12% |
| Calcium | 0.4-0.6% |
| Phosphorus | 0.2-0.3% |
These values can vary based on when the hay was cut, soil conditions, and weather during growth.
Benefits of Timothy Hay for Horses
1. Safe for Metabolic Horses
Timothy hay’s low sugar and starch content makes it an excellent choice for horses with:
- Insulin resistance
- Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS)
- History of laminitis
- Cushing’s disease (PPID)
2. Promotes Digestive Health
The high fiber content supports healthy gut function by:
- Encouraging proper chewing and saliva production
- Supporting beneficial gut bacteria
- Reducing risk of ulcers
- Preventing boredom-related behaviors
3. Weight Management
Timothy hay is ideal for easy keepers and horses prone to weight gain because it provides bulk and satisfaction without excessive calories.
4. Suitable for All Life Stages
From weanlings to senior horses, timothy hay is safe and appropriate for horses at any age when supplemented appropriately.
First Cut vs. Second Cut Timothy
First Cut Timothy
- Coarser stems
- Higher fiber content
- Lower protein and calories
- Best for: Easy keepers, horses on restricted diets
Second Cut Timothy
- Softer, leafier texture
- Higher protein and calories
- More palatable to picky eaters
- Best for: Hard keepers, young horses, seniors with dental issues
How Much Timothy Hay Should a Horse Eat?
Horses should consume 1.5-2% of their body weight in forage daily. For a 1,000 lb horse:
- Minimum: 15 lbs of hay per day
- Optimal: 20 lbs of hay per day
- Free choice: Many horses self-regulate well with timothy
Because timothy is lower in calories than some other hays, horses may eat slightly more to meet their energy needs, which is generally fine.
Timothy Hay vs. Other Hay Types
Timothy vs. Alfalfa
| Factor | Timothy | Alfalfa |
|---|---|---|
| Protein | 7-11% | 15-22% |
| Calories | Lower | Higher |
| Calcium | Moderate | Very High |
| Best For | Most horses | Growing, lactating, hard keepers |
Timothy vs. Orchard Grass
Both are excellent grass hays with similar nutritional profiles. Orchard grass is often softer and may be preferred by picky eaters. Many horse owners successfully mix the two.
Signs of Good Quality Timothy Hay
When selecting timothy hay, look for:
- Color: Green to light green (not yellow or brown)
- Smell: Fresh, slightly sweet aroma
- Texture: Dry but not brittle or dusty
- Leaves: Plenty of intact leaves, not just stems
- No mold: No white or gray patches, no musty smell
- No weeds: Minimal weeds or foreign material
Storing Timothy Hay
Proper storage preserves nutritional value:
- Keep in a dry, well-ventilated area
- Store off the ground on pallets
- Protect from direct sunlight
- Use oldest hay first (first in, first out)
- Check regularly for mold or pests
Common Questions About Timothy Hay
Can timothy hay be fed to horses with ulcers?
Yes! Timothy hay is excellent for horses with ulcers because constant forage access buffers stomach acid and promotes healthy digestion.
Is timothy hay enough by itself?
For horses in light work, quality timothy hay plus a vitamin/mineral supplement is often sufficient. Horses in moderate to heavy work may need additional calories from grain or higher-protein hay.
Why is timothy hay more expensive?
Timothy can be challenging to grow well and is in high demand, particularly in the western United States. Regional availability affects pricing significantly.
Final Thoughts
Timothy hay is an excellent foundation for most horses’ diets. Its moderate nutrition profile, high fiber content, and low sugar make it safe for a wide range of horses while providing the forage they need for digestive health.
When choosing hay for your horse, consider their individual needs, activity level, and any health concerns. When in doubt, consult with your veterinarian or an equine nutritionist.
Learn more about feeding your horse in our horse nutrition guides.
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