At Lavender Fields, we feed high quality grass hay pellets. We weigh every meal and know exactly how much, pound for pound, each horse is eating. For us, hay pellets have been an effective and more consistent way to provide horses with essential long stem fiber and nutrition. Need more information? Read on:
Convenience: Hay pellets are easier to store, handle, and transport than traditional hay bales. The bags take up less space, and can cost less pound per pound than hay.
Nutritional value: Hay pellets are required to provide a guaranteed analysis. So, you know your horse is receiving consistent nutrition every day, every time, it eats.
Digestibility: A 1991 study compared horses that were fed long-stem hay vs pellets. The study showed there was no differences in digestibility for energy, protein, fiber, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium and the trace minerals copper, zinc and manganese. (Kentucky Equine Research)
Reduced waste: With flakes, horses often waste a lot of hay with their horse shenanigans, then there is the storing, transporting, and all the clean up of the spilled hay along the way. With pellets, we experience zero waste.
Biosecurity: Many diseases are spread via rats, raccoons, and opossum excrement that can be found on hay and subsequently digested by the horse. Hay pellets are bagged, protected, and free of such hazards.
Clean. Hay pellets are weed, dust, and debris free. This is a huge benefit in stable and pasture settings.
With these facts in mind, it is important to consult with a veterinarian or equine nutritionist to determine the appropriate amount and type of hay pellets for your horse’s specific needs.