Can Horses Eat Grass Clippings? Why You Should Never Feed Them [2026]

Your horse eats grass all day, so grass clippings from the lawn mower should be fine, right? Actually, no. Grass clippings are one of the most dangerous things you can feed a horse. Here’s why you should never give your horse lawn clippings.

Can Horses Eat Grass Clippings?

No. Never feed grass clippings to horses. This is not a “moderation” situation—grass clippings are genuinely dangerous.

Why Grass Clippings Are Dangerous

1. Rapid Fermentation

This is the biggest danger:

• Clippings begin fermenting almost immediately after cutting
• Piled clippings heat up and ferment rapidly
• Fermentation produces gases and changes the plant material
• Horses’ digestive systems cannot handle rapidly fermenting material

The result: Severe colic, which can be fatal.

2. Bolting and Choke

Grass clippings are:

• Cut into small pieces
• Easy to swallow without chewing
• Compact into dense masses

Horses tend to gobble clippings quickly, leading to:

• Choke (esophageal obstruction)
• Impaction colic
• Compacted material in the gut

3. Mold and Toxins

Clippings develop mold quickly:

• Even clippings that look fresh may have mold starting
• Mold produces mycotoxins
• Mycotoxins can cause severe illness
• Some molds are deadly to horses

4. Chemical Contamination

Lawn clippings often contain:

• Herbicides (weed killers)
• Pesticides
• Fertilizers
• Lawn treatments

Even “safe for pets” products may not be safe for horses to consume in quantity.

5. Foreign Materials

Mowers pick up dangerous items:

• Rocks and gravel
• Pieces of plastic or metal
• Twigs and debris
• Toxic plants mixed in

What Happens When Horses Eat Grass Clippings

Potential consequences include:

But Horses Eat Grass All Day!

Yes, but there’s a crucial difference:

Grass in pasture:

• Eaten slowly as the horse grazes
• Chewed thoroughly
• Fresh and still alive
• Mixed with saliva for proper digestion
• Consumed over many hours

Grass clippings:

• Eaten rapidly (horses gobble them)
• Little to no chewing
• Already dying/fermenting
• Dense, compacted material
• Consumed in minutes

What to Do Instead

With Grass Clippings

• Compost them away from horses
• Bag and dispose in trash
• Use as garden mulch (away from horses)
• Never dump near pastures or paddocks

For Your Horse

• Provide quality hay
• Allow grazing on standing grass
• Feed safe treats (carrots, apples)
• Use hay stretchers if more forage is needed

What If My Horse Ate Grass Clippings?

Take it seriously.

1. Remove any remaining clippings immediately
2. Call your veterinarian
3. Monitor closely for the next 24-48 hours
4. Watch for colic signs (pawing, rolling, distress)
5. Watch for choke signs (drooling, distress, extended neck)
6. Note how much was consumed and how long ago

Neighbor Problems

Well-meaning neighbors sometimes dump clippings over fence lines thinking they’re helping:

• Put up signs: “Please don’t feed the horses”
• Explain the danger to neighbors
• Check fence lines regularly
• Consider fencing that prevents dumping

Frequently Asked Questions

What about hand-pulled grass?
Small amounts of freshly pulled grass (not cut with a mower) are generally safer, but still not recommended. The concern is rapid consumption without proper chewing.

Can I spread clippings thinly on pasture?
No. Even spread thinly, clippings ferment and horses will seek them out.

Are grass clippings okay if I watch the horse eat slowly?
No. The fermentation problem exists regardless of eating speed. Plus, you can’t control what a horse does.

The Bottom Line

Grass clippings are genuinely dangerous for horses—this isn’t overcautious advice. The fermentation, choke risk, and potential chemical contamination make them a serious hazard. Never feed grass clippings, and ensure neighbors and visitors understand this rule. Your horse will be perfectly happy with hay, pasture grass (standing), and safe treats instead.

Sources: British Horse Society, AAEP, University of Minnesota Extension, Kentucky Equine Research