Hay Cubes vs. Traditional Hay: What's Best for Your Feeding Routine?

When it comes to feeding horses, every detail matters—especially the quality and form of forage. Horse owners constantly seek out feeding options that are not only nutritious but also convenient, cost-effective, and suited to their animals’ unique needs. This search often brings up the age-old debate: hay cubes vs. traditional hay.

So, which is best for your feeding routine? The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all. Let's break down both options to help you make the most informed choice for your horses.

What Are Hay Cubes?

Hay cubes are compressed, square-shaped blocks of chopped hay, typically made from alfalfa, timothy, or a blend of grass hays. They are manufactured by chopping the hay, lightly steaming it, and compressing it into uniform blocks that are easy to handle and store.

Benefits of Hay Cubes for Horses

1. Consistency in Nutrition
Because hay cubes are manufactured, they offer consistent nutritional content. Each cube contains the same blend of hay types, reducing variability in your horse’s diet.

2. Space-Saving Storage
Hay cubes take up significantly less room than traditional hay bales. For owners with limited storage space or those who board horses, this can be a game-changer.

3. Less Waste
Unlike long-stem hay, which often ends up trampled, spoiled, or discarded by picky eaters, hay cubes leave little to no mess. Horses typically consume the entire cube, making feeding more efficient and cost-effective.

4. Ideal for Traveling or Weather-Proofing
Hay cubes are compact and clean, making them ideal for shows, trail rides, and other travel situations. Plus, if stored properly, they’re less affected by moisture, mold, and contamination.

5. Suitable for Horses with Dental Problems
Older horses or those with dental issues benefit greatly from hay cubes for horses, especially when soaked in water. The softened cubes are easier to chew and digest, ensuring these horses receive necessary fiber.

Traditional Hay: The Classic Choice

Traditional hay—either square or round bales—has been the standard for equine feeding for centuries. It is typically long-stemmed, dried forage from grass or legume crops like alfalfa, timothy, or orchard grass.

Benefits of Traditional Hay

1. Supports Natural Chewing Behavior
Long-stem hay encourages horses to chew more, which produces saliva and helps buffer stomach acid. This process is essential in preventing ulcers and maintaining digestive health.

2. Enrichment and Grazing Simulation
Offering hay mimics natural grazing behavior. Horses can pick and sort, take their time eating, and stay mentally stimulated during feeding.

3. Lower Cost per Pound
In many regions, traditional hay—especially grass hay—is more affordable per pound than hay cubes. For large farms or facilities with multiple horses, this can translate into substantial savings.

4. No Processing Required
Traditional hay comes straight from the field (albeit baled and dried). Some horse owners prefer feeding with minimal processing to keep diets as natural as possible.

Comparing Hay Cubes vs. Traditional Hay

Let’s take a side-by-side look at these options based on key criteria:

When Hay Cubes Might Be the Better Choice

There are many situations where hay cubes for horses outperform traditional hay in terms of practicality and nutritional value:

1. Senior Horses

Older horses often struggle with dental decay or missing teeth, which can make chewing long-stem hay difficult. Hay cubes—especially when soaked—allow them to continue receiving forage without discomfort.

2. Horses Prone to Colic or Choke

Hay cubes help regulate portion control and digestion, particularly when soaked. This makes them a safer option for horses that eat too quickly or have a history of choke or colic.

3. Traveling and Boarding

Hay cubes are ideal for shows, events, and trail rides due to their lightweight, compact form. They also create less mess, making them boarding-friendly.

4. Space-Limited Storage

If you don’t have a barn or dry hay storage facility, hay cubes are a lifesaver. They can be stored in bins and remain fresh longer with proper care.

When to Stick with Traditional Hay

Despite the many advantages of hay cubes, traditional hay still remains a preferred forage option for many owners.

1. Budget-Conscious Barns

If you’re feeding multiple horses and managing tight margins, traditional hay might be the more cost-effective choice—especially if purchased in bulk.

2. Healthy Horses with Good Dentition

Horses with strong, healthy teeth can handle long-stem hay with ease. In these cases, the added chewing and enrichment benefits are preferable.

3. Encouraging Natural Behavior

If your horse is stalled or doesn’t have access to pasture, hay helps simulate grazing and reduce boredom. It can also minimize cribbing and stall vices.

Feeding Tips for Hay Cubes

If you decide that hay cubes are right for your horse, follow these tips for safe feeding:

• Always introduce gradually: Sudden dietary changes can upset a horse’s digestive system.

• Soak for safety: Soaking hay cubes until they become mash-like can prevent issues, particularly for senior horses or those prone to choke.

• Measure carefully: Use a scale or scoop to portion hay cubes according to your horse’s weight and dietary needs.

• Monitor hydration: Soaked cubes provide some moisture, but ensure your horse always has access to clean water.

• Mix it up: Combine hay cubes with some traditional hay or pasture time for variety and stimulation, especially if long chewing is important.

Are Hay Pellets the Same as Hay Cubes?

No—hay pellets are smaller and more finely ground than hay cubes. While they’re also compressed forage, pellets have less fiber length and don’t support chewing in the same way. Hay cubes provide more chewing time and can be a better replacement for long-stem hay than pellets, especially if you're looking to maintain gut motility and reduce ulcer risk.

Which One Is Best?

Choosing between hay cubes vs. traditional hay depends on your horse’s individual needs, your facility’s limitations, and your personal preferences as a caregiver. Both forms of forage have their strengths.

Hay cubes for horses are an excellent, nutritionally consistent option that’s particularly useful for senior horses, those with dental issues, and anyone looking for a cleaner, more convenient feeding solution. On the other hand, traditional hay provides vital chewing time, encourages natural behaviors, and often comes with a lower cost.

Ultimately, many owners find success in using a combination of both—traditional hay as a primary forage source and hay cubes as a supplement or alternative when needed.