Grass Types for Horses

Horses are herbivores capable of eating 2 percent of their body weight daily. They eat to satisfy their energy needs as well as to fill their digestive tracts. Although horses can get a lot of their nutrition from pasture grasses, supplemental legumes, grasses, and hay may be necessary to provide adequate fiber. Use a high quality grass or hay that is free of dust and mold.

  1. Pasture Grasses

    • High-quality pasture grasses are a good source of forage for horses and can provide most of their nutritional requirements. Summer perennial grasses include Bahiagrass, Bermudagrass, stargrasses, callide Rhodesgrass, suerte, St. Augustine grass and limpograss. Pearl millet is an annual summer grass that can be overseeded to improve a pasture. Other grasses include timothy, orchard grass, bromegrass, tall fescue, and Kentucky bluegrass. Fescue can contain a fungus that reduces milk production and decreases the gain of body weight.

    Legumes

    • Since legumes contain about twice as much protein as grasses, they are a good choice for overseeding. White and Red clover seeds are often added to pasture seed mixtures to improve the nutritional value. Other legumes include acyclovir, rhizoma peanut and alfalfa.

    Timothy Hay

    • Timothy hay is a popular hay for horses, but it can be expensive. The second cutting is the best choice because it has fewer weeds than the first cutting, but still has a high quality.

    Bermudagrass Hay

    • This hay, used primarily in the southern United States, is as nutritious as Timothy hay. The coastal variety grows tall enough for hay production and can be cut four or five times a year. A legume can also be added to increase the nutritional value.

    Oat Hay

    • Although it can be low in protein, calcium, and other nutrients, oat hay can be a good food source for horses. Oats can also be used as a grain supplement for horses. This grain has a high protein content and usually doesn't cause digestive problems.

    Alfalfa Hay

    • Alfalfa hay is a legume rich in energy and protein that is also a good source of vitamins and minerals. Because of the extra energy, it can cause weight gain, so it must be fed in small amounts. Additionally, the excess protein can lead to greater urination which can cause dehydration in hot conditions.

    Clover Hay

    • Clover hays are legumes that are usually mixed with grass hays. Red clover that has been raised in wet conditions may contain a fungus that can sometimes lead to excess salivation in horses. If this occurs, take the horse off the clover hay for a few days.