Feeding your horse seems straightforward—until you notice something’s off. Maybe your horse is losing weight, acting differently, or developing health issues. More often than not, the root of these problems lies in the feed. Despite our best efforts, even experienced horse owners can miss subtle cues that something isn’t right in their feeding routine. Choosing the right horse feed isn’t just about keeping your horse full—it’s about supporting their performance, behavior, and long-term well-being.
Let’s explore five clear signs your current horse feed may not be ideal and, most importantly, what you can do to correct it.
One of the most obvious signs of feeding the wrong feed is a noticeable change in your horse’s weight. Horses that are underfed or receiving the wrong balance of nutrients may start losing muscle mass and condition. Conversely, overfeeding or giving high-calorie concentrates to an idle horse can result in unhealthy weight gain.
How to Fix It:
Assess Body Condition Score (BCS): Regularly evaluate your horse’s BCS on a scale from 1 (emaciated) to 9 (obese). Ideal scores range between 4 and 6, depending on the horse’s age and workload.
Evaluate Feed Composition: Ensure your horse’s feed matches their workload, age, and breed. For example, a high-performance horse requires more energy-dense feed than a pasture pet.
Introduce High-Quality Forage: Forage should always be the foundation of your feeding program. Products like forage cubes and pellets provide digestible fiber and nutrients without unnecessary calories.
A gradual change in diet, with adjustments based on performance level and metabolic rate, can bring your horse back to a healthy weight.
2. Dull Coat and Poor Hoof Quality
A shiny coat and strong hooves are often indicators of good internal health. If your horse’s coat looks dull, feels coarse, or their hooves crack and chip easily, you may be dealing with a nutritional imbalance, particularly deficiencies in essential fatty acids, amino acids, or minerals like zinc and biotin.
How to Fix It:
Add Omega Fatty Acids: Look for horse feeds that include flaxseed, soybean oil, or other healthy fats to promote a glossy coat.
Ensure Balanced Minerals: A high-quality feed should have the right balance of macro and trace minerals. You can also consider a hoof-specific supplement if your current feed falls short.
Boost Protein Quality: Horses need amino acids like lysine and methionine for healthy hair and hoof growth. Premium forage products often contain naturally balanced protein sources to support these needs.
Feeding the right nutrient-rich feed improves external appearance and supports your horse’s immune function and overall vitality.
3. Behavioral Changes or Energy Imbalance
Horses are creatures of habit. If your normally calm horse becomes hyperactive, irritable, or lethargic, consider looking at their diet. An energy mismatch—too many quick carbs for a laid-back trail horse or not enough fuel for a competition horse—can cause serious behavioral swings.
How to Fix It:
Avoid High-Starch Feeds (Unless Necessary): Diets heavy in grains and starch can spike blood sugar, leading to unpredictable energy and even conditions like laminitis.
Use Forage-Based Energy: Forage pellets and cubes provide slow-release energy that supports sustained performance without behavioral side effects.
Match Feed to Activity Level: Feeding a racehorse the same ration as a lightly ridden gelding is a recipe for problems. Customize your feeding based on work intensity.
When your horse receives a balanced source of energy appropriate to their job, you’ll notice a more consistent, manageable temperament.
4. Digestive Issues: Colic, Diarrhea, and Gas
Feeding the wrong type or amount of horse feed can wreak havoc on your horse’s digestive tract. Frequent colic episodes, soft stools, or excessive gas can often be traced back to poor-quality feed, sudden diet changes, or an improper forage-to-concentrate ratio.
How to Fix It:
Prioritize Digestible Fiber: Horses are hindgut fermenters, meaning they rely on fiber for proper digestion. High-quality forage products like alfalfa or timothy cubes support gut health.
Feed Small, Frequent Meals: Instead of two large grain-heavy meals, offer smaller, more frequent portions with free choice forage to prevent gut stress.
Transition Gradually: Always take 7-10 days to transition between feed types to allow gut bacteria to adjust.
A stable digestive system translates to a happier, healthier horse—and a lower vet bill.
5. Poor Performance and Slow Recovery
Is your performance horse tiring quickly, refusing to train, or struggling to recover after workouts? While these symptoms could stem from overtraining or a medical condition, don’t overlook nutrition. Feeding a diet lacking in quality protein, electrolytes, or digestible energy can hinder your horse’s ability to train and recover.
How to Fix It:
Incorporate High-Energy Forage: Alfalfa-based cubes or pellets are excellent sources of digestible energy and protein to support muscle repair.
Add Electrolytes in Hot Weather: Especially during intense training or hot climates, horses lose vital salts through sweat. Consider electrolyte supplementation.
Monitor Protein Intake: Underfed muscles don’t grow. Make sure your horse is getting enough lysine, threonine, and other essential amino acids.
Recovery isn’t just about rest—it’s about fueling the body with the right nutrients at the right time. The right horse feed provides energy and replenishes lost nutrients after physical effort.
Bonus Tip: Feed Labels Can Be Misleading
Another often overlooked issue is feed mislabeling or misleading marketing. Many commercial feeds appear to be “complete” but contain low-quality fillers, synthetic additives, or imbalanced nutrient ratios. It’s important to scrutinize feed labels and seek transparency in sourcing and nutritional content.
What to Look for in a Quality Horse Feed:
Named Forage Sources: Look for specific ingredients like “alfalfa meal” or “timothy grass,” not just “plant protein.”
No Artificial Fillers: Avoid feeds loaded with molasses, corn syrup, or by-product meals.
Consistent Nutritional Values: The guaranteed analysis should align with your horse’s needs, and reputable manufacturers will offer guidance or support in customizing a feeding program.
The Role of High-Quality Forage in a Balanced Diet
Regardless of whether your horse is a backyard buddy or a performance athlete, forage should be the centerpiece of their diet. The digestive system of a horse is built for constant grazing—not bolted grain meals. That’s why switching to forage-first nutrition often resolves multiple health and behavioral problems at once.
Forage cubes and pellets are particularly useful for:
Horses with dental issues (easier to chew or soak)
Traveling or boarding horses (more convenient and consistent)
Weight gain or muscle maintenance
Seniors and young horses needing quality protein
These products offer versatility, nutritional density, and digestibility—qualities that hay alone may lack, especially if the hay quality is inconsistent due to seasonal changes.
Customizing the Fix: It’s Not One-Size-Fits-All
Every horse is different. Breed, age, workload, metabolism, and environment all play a role in determining the right feed. The solution isn’t always about switching brands—it may be about tweaking rations, supplementing strategically, or upgrading forage quality.
If you’re unsure, consider consulting an equine nutritionist or working with a feed provider that understands your horse’s unique needs.
Why Choose Greenway Animal Nutrition?
At Greenway Animal Nutrition, we understand that not all horses—and not all horse feeds—are created equal. Whether you’re managing a competitive show string, nurturing a growing foal, or simply enjoying trail rides with your favorite companion, we provide premium forage products tailored to your horse’s health and lifestyle.
Our offerings include:
Forage Pellets – Easy to feed and great for mixing with supplements or top-dressings.
Forage Cubes – Ideal hay replacement for high-performance needs or weight maintenance.
We prioritize quality, consistency, and nutritional integrity in every batch. No fillers. No mystery ingredients. Just clean, reliable nutrition that helps horses thrive from the inside out.
Ready to Make a Change?
If you’ve seen any of the signs above, it’s time to rethink what’s going in your horse’s feed bucket. You don’t need to overhaul everything overnight, but you do need to ensure that what you’re feeding is doing more good than harm. Your horse deserves feed that fuels, heals, and supports—every single day.
Contact us today to learn more about our forage-based feed solutions and how we can help customize a feeding program that brings out the best in your horse. Whether you have one horse or a whole herd, we’re here to support you every step of the way with knowledge, compassion, and quality you can trust.
Maintaining optimal weight in horses is a delicate balance that requires attentive care, a well-structured diet, and high-quality forage. For many horse owners, especially those dealing with hard keepers, senior horses, or animals recovering from illness, weight gain can be a top priority. This is where alfalfa cubes often come into the conversation as a potential solution. But are alfalfa cubes really effective for weight gain? What makes them different from other types of forage? And are they safe and beneficial for all horses?
Alfalfa cubes are compressed sun-cured alfalfa hay. Typically, they are 1 ¼ inches in diameter and are formed by chopping and compressing alfalfa under high pressure. This process not only makes them convenient to store and transport but also ensures consistency in nutrition and fiber content.
Alfalfa cubes are commonly used as a forage replacement or supplement and can be soaked in water to aid digestion, particularly for older horses or those with dental issues.
Nutritional Profile: Why Alfalfa Cubes Stand Out
Alfalfa is a legume, unlike grasses such as timothy or orchard grass, and it naturally boasts a richer nutritional profile. Here’s why alfalfa cubes are prized in the equine world:
High Protein Content: Alfalfa cubes typically contain 14% to 18% crude protein, making them an excellent choice for horses that need to gain or maintain muscle mass.
Energy Density: Alfalfa is higher in calories than most grass hays, with digestible energy levels of around 1.0 Mcal/lb.—perfect for underweight or hard-working horses.
Calcium Rich: Alfalfa contains significantly more calcium than grass hay, supporting bone health and aiding in muscle contractions and nerve function.
Fiber for Gut Health: Though energy-dense, alfalfa cubes still provide a valuable source of digestible fiber that helps keep the horse’s digestive system moving properly.
How Alfalfa Cubes Promote Weight Gain
For horses that struggle to gain or maintain weight, the primary goal is increasing caloric intake without overfeeding grain or starchy feeds, which can pose health risks like colic or laminitis. Alfalfa cubes present a safer alternative.
Here’s how they help:
1. Increased Caloric Intake
Because alfalfa cubes are more energy-dense than grass hay, horses can consume more calories without drastically increasing their overall forage volume. This is especially useful for horses with small appetites or those on limited feed time schedules.
2. Muscle Maintenance and Growth
Thanks to their high-quality protein content, alfalfa cubes help support lean muscle development. This is especially beneficial for performance horses, growing horses, and those recovering from illness or injury.
3. Digestibility
Alfalfa is more digestible than most grass hays, meaning horses can extract and utilize more nutrients from every bite. This increases feed efficiency—key for weight gain and overall condition improvement.
4. Palatability
Horses tend to love the taste of alfalfa. For picky eaters, introducing alfalfa cubes can stimulate appetite and encourage better overall intake.
Ideal Candidates for Alfalfa Cubes
Alfalfa cubes can be a powerful feeding tool, but they’re not the right fit for every horse. Below are some ideal candidates:
Senior Horses: Especially those who have trouble chewing long-stem hay. Soaked alfalfa cubes are soft, easy to chew, and packed with nutrients.
Hard Keepers: Horses with high metabolisms that struggle to gain weight benefit from the extra calories and protein.
Performance Horses: Active horses in training or competition need more energy and protein, which alfalfa cubes readily provide.
Broodmares and Growing Foals: The nutritional demands of growth, gestation, and lactation make alfalfa cubes a valuable addition to their diet.
Feeding Tips: How to Safely Introduce Alfalfa Cubes
While alfalfa cubes can be incredibly beneficial, proper feeding practices are key. Here are some tips:
1. Start Slowly
Introduce alfalfa cubes gradually to allow your horse’s digestive system to adjust. Begin with a small portion mixed into their regular hay or feed and increase the amount over a week or two.
2. Soak When Necessary
To prevent choke, especially in older horses or those that eat quickly, soak alfalfa cubes in water for 15–30 minutes before feeding. This also ensures hydration and ease of chewing.
3. Balance the Diet
Because alfalfa is high in calcium and protein, it’s important to balance it with other feed components. Overfeeding can lead to mineral imbalances or excessive energy intake. Consulting a veterinarian or equine nutritionist is always a smart move.
4. Storage and Freshness
Store alfalfa cubes in a cool, dry area to maintain freshness. Avoid cubes that are dusty, moldy, or have a sour smell.
Addressing Common Concerns About Alfalfa Cubes
Some horse owners are hesitant to use alfalfa cubes due to concerns about overfeeding or health issues. Let’s clear up a few common misconceptions:
“Alfalfa makes horses hot.”
While some owners believe alfalfa causes hyperactivity, this myth has been largely debunked. Increased energy levels are usually due to excessive calorie intake rather than the alfalfa itself. When balanced correctly, alfalfa is unlikely to make a horse “hot.”
“Too much protein is bad for kidneys.”
While excessive protein in the diet does increase urine output (due to nitrogen excretion), there is no evidence that high-protein diets harm healthy equine kidneys. For horses with existing kidney issues, consultation with a vet is essential before introducing alfalfa cubes.
“Alfalfa causes laminitis.”
Alfalfa is lower in non-structural carbohydrates (NSCs) than many grass hay options, making it a safer choice than grain or sugary feeds for many laminitic horses. However, its high energy content does mean portion control is vital.
Real-World Applications: Success Stories from the Barn
Many horse owners and trainers have seen dramatic results using alfalfa cubes in their feeding programs. From rescuing underweight horses to fueling high-performance athletes, the versatility of alfalfa cubes speaks for itself.
Case 1: The Senior Horse
An aging gelding with dental problems struggled to maintain weight on grass hay alone. After switching out grass hay for soaked alfalfa cubes, his body condition improved visibly within weeks, and he showed renewed energy and vitality.
Case 2: The Young Hard Keeper
A high-strung Thoroughbred filly in training was burning more calories than she could consume. Supplementing her diet with alfalfa cubes helped her gain and maintain a healthy weight while supporting her demanding athletic schedule.
Case 3: The Post-Surgery Recovery
A gelding recovering from surgery needed extra nutrition but couldn’t handle large amounts of grain. Alfalfa cubes provided a gentle, fiber-rich calorie boost that helped him recover without digestive upset.
Are Alfalfa Cubes Right for Your Horse?
Alfalfa cubes are more than just a convenient feed option—they’re a nutritional powerhouse that can make a real difference for horses that need help gaining weight or maintaining optimal condition. With a superior protein profile, digestibility, and palatability, they offer a targeted and balanced way to support your horse’s health.
However, like all feeding strategies, success lies in customization. Not every horse will need the high energy content of alfalfa cubes, and overfeeding can lead to complications. Work with your vet or equine nutritionist to build a diet that aligns with your horse’s individual needs.
Choose Greenway Animal Nutrition for Quality You Can Trust
At Greenway Animal Nutrition, we recognize that high-quality feed is essential for maintaining healthy, well-nourished horses. That’s why we offer premium forage products—including alfalfa cubes—designed to meet the specific needs of horse owners, breeders, and trainers across all disciplines.
Whether you’re caring for a high-performance racehorse, a trusted riding companion, or a growing herd on your farm, our diverse selection of forage pellets, cubes, and meal provides a consistent, reliable, and nutritious feeding solution.
Reach out to us today and discover how our alfalfa cubes can help your horses thrive—because better nutrition starts with better forage.
Feeding your horse the right forage can be the difference between a healthy, thriving animal and one that’s nutritionally deficient or difficult to manage. Among the many forage options available to today’s equine caretakers, alfalfa cubes for horses are becoming increasingly popular. These compact, easy-to-feed cubes offer a convenient and nutrient-dense alternative to traditional hay, and they come with a variety of benefits. But are they the right choice for your horse?
Alfalfa cubes are compressed blocks of alfalfa hay, typically about 1 1/4 inches in diameter and several inches long. They’re made by chopping premium alfalfa into small pieces and then compressing them into uniform cubes without the need for binders or fillers.
Alfalfa, a legume forage, is known for its rich nutritional profile—high in protein, calcium, and digestible fiber—making it an ideal option for many types of horses, from high-performance athletes to those with specific dietary needs.
The Pros of Feeding Alfalfa Cubes for Horses
1. High Nutritional Value
One of the most compelling reasons to feed alfalfa cubes is their excellent nutritional profile. Alfalfa is naturally rich in:
Crude protein (16–20%)
Calcium
Digestible fiber
Vitamins A, D, E, and K
This makes it especially useful for horses with higher energy or nutrient needs, such as:
Lactating mares
Young, growing foals
Hard keepers
Performance horses in heavy training
2. Consistent Quality
Unlike baled hay, which can vary significantly depending on harvest time, weather, and storage conditions, alfalfa cubes tend to offer more consistent quality. When you buy a high-quality brand, you can count on uniformity in nutrition and appearance with every batch.
3. Convenient and Space-Saving
Cubes are easier to store and transport than traditional bales. They take up less space, are less messy, and don’t require a hay loft. For urban horse owners or those with limited space, this convenience is a huge plus.
4. Less Dust and Mold
Alfalfa cubes are low in dust, which makes them ideal for horses with respiratory issues such as heaves (recurrent airway obstruction). Properly processed cubes are also less likely to harbor mold, providing a safer feeding option when stored correctly.
5. Reduces Forage Waste
Horses are notorious for wasting hay, trampling, soiling, and picking through it. Alfalfa cubes minimize this waste. They’re typically eaten entirely, leading to better feed efficiency and potentially lower long-term costs.
Potential Cons of Feeding Alfalfa Cubes
While alfalfa cubes for horses come with many benefits, they aren’t without their drawbacks. Here are a few considerations:
1. Risk of Choking
Because cubes are compact, horses may choke if they eat them too quickly. To mitigate this, many horse owners opt to soak the cubes in water before feeding. Soaking not only reduces the choking risk but also provides extra hydration, especially helpful for senior horses or those with dental issues.
2. High Calcium-to-Phosphorus Ratio
Alfalfa naturally contains a high level of calcium relative to phosphorus (often 5:1 or more), which can lead to imbalances if not managed properly, particularly in young horses or those with specific mineral requirements. It’s crucial to balance the rest of your horse’s diet accordingly.
3. Too Rich for Easy Keepers
For horses that gain weight easily or have metabolic conditions like Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS) or insulin resistance, alfalfa cubes might be too calorie-dense. These horses typically do better on lower-protein, lower-calorie hays or hay alternatives.
Cubes do contain the long fiber necessary and can completely replace hay.
How to Feed Alfalfa Cubes: Tips and Guidelines
1. Introduce Gradually
As with any dietary change, it’s important to introduce alfalfa cubes slowly. Start by replacing a small portion of your horse’s current hay ration with cubes and increase gradually over 7–10 days to allow the digestive system to adjust.
2. Soak When Necessary
For horses prone to choking, senior horses with dental issues, or those who bolt their food, soaking is highly recommended. Add enough water to cover the cubes and let them sit for 15–30 minutes until soft and mushy.
Tip: Use warm water in winter months for added palatability and comfort.
3. Portion by Weight, Not Volume
Always measure feed by weight, not volume. A scoop of alfalfa cubes may weigh more than the same scoop of hay, potentially leading to overfeeding. Use a scale to determine how much your horse actually needs.
On average, a 1,000-lb horse requires 1.5–2% of its body weight in forage daily. If feeding exclusively cubes, that’s approximately 15–20 lbs. of cubes per day, divided into multiple feedings.
4. Pair with a Balancer or Vitamin/Mineral Supplement
To prevent nutritional imbalances—especially related to calcium and phosphorus—pair alfalfa cubes with a ration balancer or comprehensive vitamin/mineral supplement. This is particularly important if alfalfa cubes make up the majority of your horse’s diet.
5. Store Properly
Keep alfalfa cubes in a dry, cool, pest-free environment. Resealable bins or containers work well to protect them from moisture and rodents.
When Are Alfalfa Cubes a Smart Choice?
Alfalfa cubes are not a one-size-fits-all solution, but they shine in several situations:
Traveling or Showing
Their compact size and low mess factor make them ideal for hauling to shows, clinics, or trail rides.
Horses with Respiratory Conditions
Their low dust content offers a safer option for horses with heaves or other respiratory concerns.
Senior Horses with Dental Issues
When soaked, alfalfa cubes become easy to chew and digest, making them suitable for aging equines.
High-Performance and Hard-Working Horses
Horses in heavy training or those that struggle to maintain weight benefit from the high calorie and protein content.
Broodmares and Growing Foals
The extra nutrients in alfalfa support reproduction, lactation, and growth when balanced with other dietary needs.
When to Avoid or Limit Alfalfa Cubes
Conversely, you may want to limit or avoid alfalfa cubes in the following scenarios:
Easy keepers prone to obesity.
Horses already receiving a calcium-rich diet from other sources.
Frequently Asked Questions About Alfalfa Cubes
Q: Can alfalfa cubes completely replace hay?
Yes, in many cases, especially when hay good quality is unavailable or impractical to feed.
Q: Are alfalfa cubes the same as pellets?
Not quite. Alfalfa pellets are ground into a fine consistency before being formed into smaller pieces. Pellets also cannot be used as a hay replacement and are only a supplemental addition to diets.
Q: Do I need to soak cubes before feeding?
Not always—but soaking is advised if your horse eats too fast, has dental issues, or is prone to choke. Otherwise, healthy adult horses can often eat them dry without issue.
Why Choose Greenway Animal Nutrition?
At Greenway Animal Nutrition, we recognize that high-quality feed is essential for maintaining healthy, well-nourished horses. That’s why we’re proud to offer premium forage products, including top-tier alfalfa cubes for horses.
Whether you’re caring for a high-performance racehorse, a trusted riding companion, or a herd on your farm, our diverse selection of forage pellets, cubes, and meal provides a reliable, nutritious, and convenient feeding solution.
We are committed to:
Sourcing only the best alfalfa
Offering products with consistent quality and nutrition
Providing forage options that suit a wide range of horse types and dietary needs
Are Alfalfa Cubes Right for Your Horse?
Ultimately, alfalfa cubes are a powerful tool in your equine nutrition toolbox. They offer a convenient, high-quality source of forage that’s especially well-suited to horses with elevated nutritional demands or unique feeding challenges. However, like any feed change, they must be introduced thoughtfully and balanced appropriately within your horse’s overall diet.
If you’re looking for a reliable forage option that supports your horse’s health, performance, and well-being, alfalfa cubes for horses might be just what you need.
Ready to Upgrade Your Horse’s Nutrition?
Greenway Animal Nutrition is here to help you make the best choices for your horse. With our range of high-quality forage products, including premium alfalfa cubes, you can feed with confidence, knowing you’re giving your horse the nourishment it deserves.
Contact us today to learn more or place an order. Let’s work together to keep your horses healthy, happy, and thriving.
Keeping your horse in top shape is more than just feeding and grooming—it’s a holistic effort that requires careful attention to diet, exercise, mental well-being, preventive care, and environmental management. A healthy horse is a happy and high-performing horse, whether it’s a competitive athlete or a cherished trail companion.
The key to horse health lies in proactive, daily care and awareness. A horse’s well-being is influenced by a variety of factors: nutrition, physical activity, dental and hoof care, veterinary attention, and even the emotional environment in which it lives. When all of these elements align, horses tend to live longer, perform better, and enjoy a higher quality of life.
Before jumping into the tips, it’s important to know what a healthy horse looks like:
Bright, alert eyes and expression
Glossy, full coat
Steady appetite and proper digestion
Sound movement and strong hooves
Normal vital signs (heart rate, respiratory rate, and temperature)
Stable behavior and temperament
If your horse displays these signs, you’re already on the right track. If not, don’t worry—there are many ways to enhance your horse’s condition.
Nutrition: The Cornerstone of Equine Wellness
Choose the Right Forage
Forage should make up the bulk of your horse’s diet. High-quality forage provides essential fiber that supports gut health, aids digestion, and ensures long-term wellness. Products like forage cubes and pellets offer consistency in nutrition and are ideal when pasture access is limited.
At Greenway Animal Nutrition, we offer premium forage options carefully formulated to meet your horse’s needs. Whether you’re feeding a senior horse with dental issues or a racehorse in training, our products offer tailored nutrition that supports vitality.
Balance Energy and Protein Intake
A common mistake among horse owners is overfeeding grain-based feeds, which can lead to obesity or metabolic disorders. Instead, feed according to your horse’s activity level, age, and metabolism. An idle pasture horse has vastly different needs than a show jumper or endurance horse.
Don’t Forget Vitamins and Minerals
Trace minerals like selenium, zinc, and copper, as well as vitamins A, D, and E, are essential for immune function, skin and coat health, and muscle recovery. Supplementation should be strategic—not all horses need the same levels.
Consider consulting with a nutritionist or your vet to assess deficiencies and supplement accordingly. Many quality forage blends already include these nutrients, streamlining your horse’s diet plan.
Exercise and Physical Conditioning
Consistent Movement Matters
Horses are built to move. Standing still for long periods can lead to stiffness, muscle atrophy, and even digestive problems such as colic. If you don’t ride daily, be sure your horse has adequate turnout space or schedule lunging and groundwork exercises to maintain fitness.
Tailor Exercise to the Horse
Not all horses need the same level of exertion. A retired horse may need only light walking to stay limber, while a dressage prospect needs regular conditioning. Create a program that challenges your horse without causing fatigue or strain.
Monitor Weight and Body Condition
Being underweight or overweight can cause major health concerns. Use a body condition scoring (BCS) chart to evaluate your horse’s condition regularly. If you notice changes, adjust the feeding or exercise program accordingly.
Preventive Health and Veterinary Care
Annual Vet Exams
Don’t wait until your horse is sick to call the vet. An annual wellness exam allows for early detection of common problems such as dental disease, Cushing’s, or arthritis. Include vaccinations and deworming protocols tailored to your geographic region and boarding setup.
Dental Care
Uneven tooth wear can lead to difficulty chewing, weight loss, or behavioral issues. A dental check-up at least once a year is recommended—more often for older horses or those with dental irregularities.
Hoof Care
Hooves should be trimmed every 6 to 8 weeks, even if your horse is not in heavy work. Regular farrier visits prevent lameness, abscesses, and imbalances in movement. Pick your horse’s feet daily to check for stones, infections, or foreign objects.
Managing Parasites and Disease
Deworm Strategically
Gone are the days of routine deworming every 8 weeks. Today, most vets recommend fecal egg count testing to determine the need and frequency for deworming, helping reduce resistance in parasites and protecting your horse’s gut health.
Vaccinate Appropriately
Core vaccines like rabies, tetanus, West Nile, and Eastern/Western equine encephalitis are generally recommended, with additional vaccines such as influenza or strangles as needed based on travel and exposure risks.
Quarantine New Arrivals
If you bring a new horse to your barn, always quarantine it for 2-3 weeks to prevent the spread of contagious diseases. Watch for coughing, nasal discharge, fever, or lethargy during this time.
Environmental Management and Comfort
Clean Stalls and Pastures
Good hygiene prevents respiratory issues and hoof diseases. Remove manure from stalls and paddocks daily. Ensure proper ventilation in barns and avoid bedding materials that create excess dust.
Provide Shelter and Shade
Horses should have access to shelter to protect them from extreme weather, whether it’s sun, wind, rain, or snow. This helps prevent overheating and cold stress, both of which can weaken immune function.
Adequate Water Access
Clean, fresh water should be available 24/7. In colder months, make sure water isn’t frozen—hydration is just as critical in winter as in summer. Dehydration is a common cause of impaction colic.
Monitoring Behavior and Mental Health
Recognize Stress Indicators
Changes in behavior often indicate underlying health issues or discomfort. Watch for:
Pacing or weaving
Loss of appetite
Aggression or irritability
Excessive lying down or rolling
Social Interaction
Horses are herd animals. Isolation can cause anxiety and depression. If possible, house horses where they can see, smell, and touch other horses, even if not turned out together.
Mental Stimulation
Boredom can lead to stereotypies like cribbing or stall walking. To keep your horse mentally engaged, rotate toys, introduce new groundwork exercises, and vary the riding routine.
Addressing Specific Life Stages and Needs
Foals and Young Horses
Young horses need more energy and protein for growth, along with proper socialization and handling. Regular vet visits are essential for monitoring development and starting vaccinations.
Senior Horses
Older horses may suffer from arthritis, dental loss, and metabolic conditions. Switch to senior-specific feeds that are easier to chew and digest. Monitor weight and comfort closely and modify turnout or riding schedules to accommodate physical changes.
Performance Horses
High-performance horses have elevated nutritional and physical demands. High-quality forage, joint supplements, and carefully planned rest periods are essential to reduce injury risk and maintain peak performance.
Common Health Issues to Watch For
Here are a few widespread equine health concerns every owner should be familiar with:
Colic – Symptoms include pawing, rolling, looking at flanks, and lack of bowel movements. This is an emergency—call your vet immediately.
Laminitis – Inflammation in the hoof is often caused by overfeeding or metabolic disorders. Catching it early increases the chances of recovery.
Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS) – Typically affects overweight horses, leading to insulin resistance and laminitis.
Cushing’s Disease – Common in older horses and causes a long, curly coat, increased drinking, and muscle wasting.
Record-Keeping and Routine Check-Ins
Track Everything
Maintain a written or digital log of veterinary visits, deworming schedules, vaccinations, weight changes, feed types, and behavior notes. Patterns can help uncover early signs of disease or discomfort.
Daily Observations
Take a few minutes each day to assess your horse’s eyes, legs, appetite, manure, and demeanor. Early detection is one of the most powerful tools in protecting horse health.
Partner with the Right Feed Provider
One of the best ways to ensure consistent horse health is by sourcing your nutrition from a trusted provider.
At Greenway Animal Nutrition, we recognize that high-quality feed is essential for maintaining healthy, well-nourished horses. That’s why we offer premium forage products designed to meet the needs of horse owners, breeders, and trainers. Whether you’re caring for a high-performance racehorse, a trusted riding companion, or a herd on your farm, our diverse selection of forage pellets, cubes, and meal provides a reliable feeding solution.
Our products are:
Made with premium-grade ingredients
Consistently formulated to meet specific nutritional profiles
Designed for palatability and digestibility
Backed by equine nutritional science
We’re proud to support horse owners across the country who want only the best for their animals.
Final Thoughts
Improving your horse’s health is a journey that blends attentive care, nutritional knowledge, and proactive management. By taking a thoughtful, well-rounded approach, you’ll not only improve your horse’s physical well-being but also foster a deep, lasting bond built on trust and compassion.
Whether you’re a first-time horse owner or a seasoned breeder, the keys to better horse health are within reach—and we’re here to help every step of the way.
Ready to Elevate Your Horse’s Health?
Reach out to us today and explore our full range of premium forage solutions. Your horse deserves the best—and so do you.
When it comes to choosing the best bedding for your horse, there are a lot of options out there, but few debates are as common as straw versus shavings. Traditionally, both have been used in barns across the country, but today, there’s a modern contender in the straw category that deserves a closer look: chopped, bagged straw bedding from Greenway Animal Nutrition.
If you’re wondering which is truly better for keeping stalls dry and comfortable, let’s dive into the unique advantages of chopped straw compared to traditional wood shavings.
Before comparing the two, it’s helpful to understand what good bedding should do:
Absorb moisture and help manage urine and manure
Provide cushioning to protect joints and hooves
Control odors and reduce ammonia buildup
Support respiratory health by limiting dust
Ease cleaning and reduce waste
Offer insulation during colder months
Your choice in bedding has a direct impact on your horse’s health and your daily workload. That’s why it’s worth evaluating how chopped straw bedding measures up against shavings.
What Is Chopped, Bagged Straw Bedding?
Chopped straw bedding is made from high-quality straw stalks that are finely cut, thoroughly cleaned, and dust-extracted before being packaged. Unlike the bulky, long strands found in traditional straw bales, chopped straw has a more consistent texture and is easier to handle.
At Greenway Animal Nutrition, our chopped straw bedding is conveniently bagged, clean, and ready to use. It offers a hygienic, low-dust alternative to conventional bedding.
Absorbency: Chopped Straw Holds Its Own
One of the biggest criticisms of traditional straw is its lower absorbency compared to shavings. However, chopped straw changes the game.
The finer texture and increased surface area of chopped straw allow it to absorb moisture more efficiently than long straw, often matching or exceeding the performance of standard wood shavings.
Horses benefit from a drier stall, while caretakers enjoy easier identification and removal of soiled areas. This reduces labor time and helps control odors better than many expect from a straw-based product.
Dust Control: A Clear Win for Chopped Straw
Dust can be a serious issue in stables, affecting both horses and humans. While high-quality wood shavings are often labeled as “low-dust,” some still release fine particles into the air, especially as they break down with use.
Greenway Animal Nutrition’s chopped straw bedding undergoes a rigorous dust extraction process, minimizing airborne particles and supporting better respiratory health for your animals. This is particularly valuable for performance horses, senior animals, or those prone to allergies.
Comfort and Cushioning: Soft, Springy, and Supportive
Horses love to lie down—and they need the comfort and safety of bedding that cushions their joints and supports their bodies. Shavings are often praised for their soft texture, but chopped straw offers a naturally springy, insulating base that horses find equally inviting.
The interlocking fibers of chopped straw create a stable, cushioned layer that holds its form longer than shavings, resisting compression and matting. This makes it ideal for horses who spend a lot of time in their stalls.
Stall Cleanliness and Ease of Use
If you’ve ever mucked a stall, you know how much time and effort it can take. Shavings often require sifting to separate manure from clean bedding, and they tend to break down quickly, turning into a sawdust-like mess that needs frequent replacing.
In contrast, chopped straw stays structured, making it easy to spot and remove soiled areas without discarding large amounts of clean bedding. Plus, Greenway Animal Nutrition’s bagged format means less storage space, reduced waste, and simplified stall management.
Sustainability and Composting
If you’re environmentally conscious, chopped straw has another edge. While shavings (especially pine) can take longer to decompose and produce acidic manure piles, straw is a natural, fast-composting material that breaks down into nutrient-rich humus.
This means less time managing muck heaps and more sustainable fertilizer for pastures or gardens. It’s a win-win for the Earth and your farm.
Safety: No Temptation to Eat
While traditional straw bedding sometimes tempts horses to nibble, the chopped and treated nature of Greenway Animal Nutrition’s straw bedding discourages consumption. The finer texture is less palatable and passes quickly through the digestive system if ingested, reducing the risk of impaction or colic.
Cost-Efficiency and Longevity
At first glance, shavings might seem cost-effective. But consider how often they need to be replaced. Shavings degrade quickly and must be topped off frequently.
Chopped straw holds up longer in the stall, providing extended use per application. This translates to fewer bedding changes, lower labor costs, and long-term savings. And since it comes pre-bagged, storage is easier and cleaner than dealing with bulk or palletized loads.
Ideal for Foaling and Special Needs
Many breeders choose straw for foaling stalls because of its warmth and softness. Chopped straw offers all those benefits plus added absorbency and dust control, making it an excellent bedding for delicate situations like foaling, post-surgical recovery, or senior horse care.
At Greenway Animal Nutrition, we’re not just focused on superior forage—we’re committed to providing solutions that enhance equine health and management from the ground up.
Our chopped, bagged straw bedding is:
Clean and dust-extracted for respiratory support
Highly absorbent and easy to muck
Soft, supportive, and insulating for ultimate comfort
Sustainably produced and compost-friendly
Bagged for convenient storage and use
Whether you’re running a high-performance barn or caring for beloved pasture companions, our bedding provides a clean, efficient, and comfortable environment your horses will thrive in.
Ready to Make the Switch?
If you’re looking for an upgrade from traditional wood shavings, it’s time to consider the smart, sustainable alternative: chopped straw bedding from Greenway Animal Nutrition.
Combine better stall conditions with high-quality feed, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for a healthy, happy horse.
At Greenway Animal Nutrition, we know that premium care starts with premium inputs. That’s why we offer superior bedding and a full range of forage pellets, cubes, and meals to support equine nutrition at every stage of life.
Reach out to us today to learn more about our chopped straw bedding and forage products.
