In this video, Bryan Cassill, MS, MBA, gives us pointers on choosing the right hays for overweight horses. Cassill is the Commercial and Formulations Manager for Mars Horsecare and BUCKEYETM Nutrition.
(Editor’s note: The content of this video is the expert’s approach to the topic. Please consult with your practitioner if you have questions.)
Alfalfa Versus Grass Hays
Cassill said many horse owners debate the use of alfalfa versus grass hays in feeding horses. He said many people think that alfalfa is high in protein, so it will make horses ‘hot’ and create a large insulin response.
“What we understand now is that’s not necessarily true,” said Cassill. “The nice thing about protein is it creates satiety (the feeling of being full). There is a cascade of hormones that decreases the hunger in your horse. So, and increase in protein will help with that.”
He reminded that the high calcium level in alfalfa hay can help decrease ulcer risk in horses.
Insulin Dysregulation
Cassill said many owners are worried about sugars and starches if feed if they have horses that are insulin dysregulated.
“Those sugars and starches will usually run higher in that grass hay than what it will in your alfalfa hay,” he noted.
How You Feed
Do you want to keep feed in front of a horse for a longer period of time and still reduce sugars and starches from forage? Then Cassill suggested trying a legume hay such as alfalfa.
“If you are looking to decrease the sugars and starches in your forage, a great way is to add a legume [in the diet],” said Cassill. “It’s going to increase protein. It’s going to decrease sugars and starches in your total diet. It’s going to create some real positives when you think about gastric health.”
