Timothy Cubes vs Pellets: Which Offers Better Nutrition?

The Greenway Team | May 21, 2025

Horse owners are constantly seeking optimal feeding solutions that support digestive health, promote performance, and ensure overall well-being. Two common forms of forage-based feed—Timothy Alfalfa cubes and Timothy pellets—have become popular alternatives to loose hay due to their convenience, consistency, and nutritional value. But which one truly offers better nutrition for your horse?

Understanding Forage in Equine Nutrition

While forage is essential, horses also require a balanced diet that includes essential vitamins, minerals, proteins, fats, and carbohydrates, typically provided through a complete feed or custom ration. Forage products like Timothy alfalfa cubes and timothy pellets play an important role in this balance, particularly when access to fresh pasture or quality hay is limited.

What Are Timothy Alfalfa Cubes?

Timothy alfalfa cubes are compacted blocks of sun-cured Timothy and alfalfa hays. They typically measure around 1 ¼ inches in size and are made by compressing chopped or long-cut hay into uniform cube form. These cubes are designed to be soaked before feeding (especially for senior horses or those with dental issues), although some horses can chew them dry depending on individual needs and veterinary recommendations.

Key Benefits of Timothy Alfalfa Cubes:

High Fiber Content: Helps promote healthy digestion and reduce the risk of colic and ulcers.
Low in Non-Structural Carbohydrates (NSC): Ideal for horses prone to laminitis, metabolic disorders, or insulin resistance.
Longer Chewing Time: Encourages saliva production, which helps buffer stomach acid and mimics natural grazing behavior.
Minimal Dust: An excellent choice for horses with respiratory sensitivities.
Hay Replacement: Timothy alfalfa cubes can be a complete forage replacement as they have long stem fibers.

What Are Timothy Pellets?

Timothy pellets are created by grinding Timothy hay into a fine meal and then compressing it into small, uniform pellets. Smaller than cubes (about 1/4 inch in diameter), pellets are highly digestible and can be fed dry or soaked, depending on the horse’s needs.

Key Benefits of Timothy Pellets:

Highly Digestible: The grinding process increases surface area, making nutrients easier to absorb.
Easy to Measure and Feed: Ideal for portion control and precise nutrient management.
Less Storage Space Needed: More compact and often easier to handle and store than cubes or baled hay.
Minimal Waste: Horses tend to consume pellets more completely, reducing leftover feed.

Nutritional Comparison: Timothy Alfalfa Cubes vs. Timothy Pellets

While both products are derived from Timothy hay and share many nutritional properties, the processing method can influence how your horse digests and absorbs each form. Below is a general nutritional comparison:

While the numbers may appear similar, the digestibility and chewing mechanics are what set these options apart.

So, Which One Is Better?

The answer depends on your horse’s individual needs, feeding routine, and management practices. Below are scenarios where one might be more advantageous than the other:

Choose Timothy Alfalfa Cubes If:

Your horse benefits from prolonged chewing time.
You need a forage source to support respiratory health (thanks to the low dust).
Your horse is prone to bolting feed and requires something slower to consume.
You are looking to supplement or replace traditional hay in your horse’s diet

Choose Timothy Pellets If:

You want to mix forage easily into a complete feed or ration balancer.
You’re managing an older horse with dental problems who struggles with coarse feed.
You’re feeding multiple horses and require consistency, speed, and ease.
Your horse has high energy demands, and digestibility is a top concern.
You want to supplement existing long stem forage in your horse’s diet.

The Role of Bagged Bedding and Its Relation to Forage

While bagged bedding, such as shavings or pellets, is an important part of barn management, it’s essential to keep it separate from forage discussions. Some pet owners unfamiliar with equine products may confuse the two due to similar pellet shapes.

Bagged bedding is not edible and should never be used as a feed source. However, just like choosing high-quality forage, selecting the right bedding contributes to your horse’s overall wellness by ensuring a clean, dry, and comfortable environment that supports respiratory health and hoof integrity.

Considerations When Choosing Forage Products

When choosing between Timothy cubes and pellets—or incorporating either into your feeding regimen—there are several factors to evaluate:

1. Horse Age and Dental Health

Senior horses or those with dental wear may struggle with dry cubes but thrive on soaked cubes or pellets.

2. Feeding Environment

In group feeding settings, pellets are easier to measure and distribute without much waste. In stall feeding, cubes can slow down consumption, reducing boredom.

3. Weight Management

Both options can be helpful in managing weight, as they are calorie-controlled and fibrous. However, pellets may provide a slightly higher energy yield per pound, which is helpful for hard keepers.

4. Hydration Support

Both cubes and pellets can be soaked to help support hydration, especially in hot climates or during recovery from illness or colic.

Transitioning Tips: Switching Forage Forms Safely

When transitioning your horse from traditional hay or one form of forage to another:

Go slow: Make changes gradually over 7–10 days.
Introduce small amounts: Mix with current feed to ease the transition.
Monitor behavior and stool: Changes in droppings can signal digestive issues.
Consult a vet or equine nutritionist: Always ensure your horse’s total ration meets energy, protein, vitamin, and mineral needs.

Using Forage Pellets as a Supplemental Source

It’s essential to emphasize again: Timothy pellets are not a complete feed. They are supplemental fiber sources, excellent for improving forage intake, supporting digestive function, and complementing balanced rations.

Pairing a forage supplement like Timothy pellets with long stem forage ensures your horse’s diet is complete, safe, and nutritionally sound.

Quality Nutrition Is About the Right Fit

Timothy Alfalfa cubes and Timothy pellets both provide tremendous value as forage products. Whether your goal is to improve digestion, make feeding more efficient, or manage a horse with unique needs, both options offer balanced nutrition rooted in the goodness of Timothy hay.

The right choice ultimately depends on your horse’s lifestyle, health status, and feeding environment. If you’re uncertain, consult your veterinarian or an equine nutritionist to tailor the best plan for your specific situation.

Choose Greenway Animal Nutrition for Premium Forage Solutions

At Greenway Animal Nutrition, we understand that high-quality feed is essential for keeping your horse strong, sound, and thriving. That’s why we offer a diverse range of premium forage products, including Timothy Alfalfa cubes and Timothy pellets, formulated to supplement your horse’s daily nutrition and support long-term health.

Whether you’re caring for a high-performance athlete, a treasured riding partner, or a growing herd, Greenway Animal Nutrition has the solutions you can rely on. Our commitment to quality, consistency, and your horse’s well-being is unmatched.

Reach out to us today and discover the difference premium forage can make in your feeding program. Let us help you provide the best for your horse, because they deserve nothing less.