When it comes to feeding livestock like horses and cattle, the quality of hay plays a critical role in maintaining health and performance. Among the most common and essential forage options are premium alfalfa hay, grass hay, and hay cubes. Each type offers unique benefits, and understanding the differences can help you make the right feeding decisions for your livestock.
When selecting between Alfalfa hay, Grass hay, or Hay cubes, the right choice depends on your animal’s:
• Species and age
• Activity level
• Health status
• Nutritional needs
Combination feeding is often the most practical approach. For instance, blending Grass hay with a bit of Alfalfa or offering Hay cubes as a supplement or travel-friendly option.
Premium Alfalfa Hay
Alfalfa hay is a legume hay known for its rich nutrient profile, making it a preferred choice for animals with high energy demands. Premium alfalfa is usually green, leafy, soft-stemmed, and has a pleasant, fresh aroma.
It’s typically higher in:
• Protein
• Calcium
• Energy content
Alfalfa
Very high in protein (18–22 % and calcium, rich in digestible energy. Great for growing horses, performance horses, and lactating mares. But it can be too rich for easy‑keepers, and its high calcium content may require balancing.
Benefits:
• Ideal for young, growing animals, lactating mares or goats, and performance horses.
•Provides excellent weight gain support and energy for animals in need.
•Highly palatable—animals tend to eat it eagerly.
Grass Hay
Grass hay includes varieties such as timothy, orchard grass, brome, and Bermuda. It is lower in protein and calcium compared to alfalfa but still provides critical fiber and nutrients. Grass hay is typically light green to golden in color and has a more fibrous texture.
Bermuda
Warm-season hay, low protein (5 % or up to 12 %), high fiber, lower sugar/calories. Affordable and widely available in warmer climates, but often needs supplementation for performance horses
Benefits:
• A great maintenance forage for adult animals who don’t require extra calories.
• Excellent for small herbivores like rabbits and guinea pigs, where fiber intake is essential.
• Easier to feed in free-choice systems without risking over-nutrition.
Mixed Hay Alfalfa-Grass Blends
• Combines protein of legumes with fiber and safety of grass.
• Ideal for balanced feeding across most cattle classes.
• Easier to manage than straight alfalfa.
Benefits:
Grass‑alfalfa —offer a compromise of moderate energy, protein and palatability. TDN typically ranges from 55–62%
Hay Cubes
Hay cubes are compressed blocks made from chopped alfalfa, grass, or a blend of both. They offer the same nutritional benefits as loose hay but in a more compact and manageable form.
Benefits:
• Space-saving and less waste than traditional baled hay.
• Easier to measure and ration, particularly useful in controlled feeding programs.
• Dust-free options available, making them excellent for animals with respiratory sensitivities.
• Can be soaked in water for older horses or those with dental issues.
Premium forage is a cornerstone of animal nutrition. Whether you’re raising high-performance horses or cattle. Understanding the differences between alfalfa hay, grass hay, and hay cubes ensures that your animals receive the balanced nutrition they need to thrive. Investing in quality hay not only supports health and productivity but also minimizes waste and long-term feeding costs. And we are here to help answer any of your questions or concerns about what is best for your livestock, with our years of experience in this industry, we can help point you in the right direction with the right feed. But we also highly recommend consulting with a veterinarian or animal nutritionist to fine-tune your forage choices for optimal results.
We deliver directly to your farm, ranch, or stable. Whether it’s a few bales or a full truckload, we work with you to ensure timely and safe delivery.
Sign up for recurring deliveries or call when you’re running low. We’re flexible and responsive to your schedule.
Find Out More About What We Can Do For You
At the heart of our operation is a commitment to quality forage and reliable service. Whether you’re a small animal owner, a large-scale livestock operation, or an equestrian facility, we offer flexible and dependable hay delivery options tailored to your needs.
- Premium Alfalfa Hay –
Carefully baled, high-protein, leafy green alfalfa perfect for growing animals, lactating mares, and performance horses.
- Top-Grade Grass Hay –
Clean, dust-free timothy, orchard grass, or blended grass hays ideal for maintenance diets and small herbivores.
- Hay Cubes –
Convenient, compressed forage (alfalfa, grass, or mixed) available in bulk or bagged options. Perfect for travel, storage efficiency, and soaking for senior animals.
Mix and match alfalfa and grass hay or add hay cubes to your load. We offer custom blends and quantity packages to fit your feeding program.
• Consistent quality with every load
• Professionally handled and stacked
• Clean, dry storage before delivery
• Competitive pricing and honest