How to Soak Hay to Reduce Sugar

Many veterinarians and horse nutritionists believe that excess sugar in horse forage, such as hay, may cause health risks for horses. Exposure to the sugar may disrupt normal digestion and lead to colic and laminitis, two serious conditions that can strike horses suddenly, creating pain and discomfort for the animal and increased veterinary costs for the owner. Soaking the hay in water reduces the sugar content by up to 35 percent, offering a convenient option for lowering the amount of sugar your horse eats.

Things You'll Need

  • Muck bucket
  • Rubber plug
  • Drill
  • Hole cutter attachment
  • Wooden skid
  • Nylon hay bag
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Instructions

    • 1

      Install a rubber plug in a large muck bucket, using a hole cutter attachment on a drill to cut a hole the exact size of the rubber plug you will be using.

    • 2

      Place the bucket on a wooden skid, at a location with a slight slope and within reach of a hose.

    • 3

      Place a serving of hay in a nylon hay net. Fill the bucket with cool water and soak the hay for one hour.

    • 4

      Remove the rubber plug and allow the soaking water and the wet hay to drain. Then remove and feed as usual.