Supporting Your Horse’s Diet with High-Quality Hay

Hay plays a central role in nearly every horse’s feeding program. Horses are natural grazers, designed to eat forage steadily throughout the day. That continuous intake supports healthy digestion, keeps the hindgut functioning properly, and helps reduce the risk of common issues like colic or ulcers.

When pasture is limited—whether due to season, weather, or availability—hay becomes an even more important source of fiber, energy, and essential nutrients. Simply put, quality hay helps keep your horse feeling their best from the inside out.

When to Add Premium Forage Support

Pasture and local hay quality can change throughout the year. Seasonal shifts, drought, or overgrazing can all reduce nutrient value and availability.

Adding a consistent, high-quality forage option—like Country Companion Cubes or Pellets—can help maintain steady nutrition when:

• Pasture becomes sparse or mature
• Hay quality varies from bale to bale
• Horses need additional calories or protein
• You want to reduce dependence on concentrates

Premium forage products offer a dependable way to keep your horse’s diet balanced, even when conditions are less predictable.

Choosing the Right Hay for Your Horse

Every horse is different, so the best forage choice depends on age, workload, and body condition.

Grass Hays

Timothy, orchard grass, Bermuda, and teff are often:

• Lower in calories
• Moderate in fiber
• Ideal for easy keepers or mature horses

 Legume Hays

Alfalfa and clover tend to be:

• Higher in protein and energy
• Rich in calcium
• Great for growing, working, pregnant, or lactating horses

Matching forage type to nutritional needs is one of the most effective ways to support healthy weight, condition, and performance.

Plan Ahead Before Pasture Runs Out

A smooth transition matters. Instead of waiting until pasture is completely gone, it’s best to begin introducing hay early—before forage quality drops too far. Gradual changes help:

• Support the hindgut microbiome
• Reduce digestive upset
• Keep intake consistent

Store Hay the Right Way

Even the best hay can lose quality if it isn’t stored properly. Proper storage helps ensure the forage stays fresh, safe, and palatable. To protect nutrients and prevent mold, store hay:

• In a dry, covered area
• With good airflow
• Away from moisture and direct ground contact

Transitioning to Higher-Quality Forage Safely

If you’re switching from pasture or lower-quality hay to a richer forage option, take it slow. A gradual transition helps prevent digestive stress:

• Step 1: Start small
  Mix about 25% new hay with 75% current forage.
•  Step 2: Increase gradually
  Over 7–10 days, increase the new forage by 10–15% each day.
• Step 3: Monitor closely
  Watch for signs of digestive discomfort, including bloating or loose manure.
• Step 4: Encourage hydration
  Higher fiber diets require more water intake. Provide fresh water and consider offering loose salt to support drinking.
• Step 5: Adjust for the individual horse
  Easy keepers my thrive on lower-calorie grass forage. Performance horses or broodmare may benefit from more nutrient-dense options like alfalfa.

The Value of Consistency-At Home and On the Road

Horses thrive on routine, especially when it comes to diet. Changes in environment or travel schedules can be stressful enough without sudden forage shifts.

Consistent premium forage products can help by offering:

• Fewer digestive disruptions during travel
• More predictable nutrient intake
• Easier diet management for sensitive horses

Country Companion forage products are designed to help you feed with confidence wherever you are.

Final Thoughts

Supplementing with high-quality forage is one of the best ways to support your horse’s long-term health, comfort, and performance—especially when your pasture is depleted or hay quality is inconsistent.

Country Companion is committed to being your partner in building a strong nutritional foundation for your horse.  Proudly made in the USA, our forage products are crafted with care to provide consistent, dependable nutrition. For high-quality feed and forage products, explore our options at Equine & Multi-Species Feed – Country Companion

.