The horse hay calculator determines daily forage requirements for horses based on body weight and activity level. Hay should form the foundation of every horse's diet, providing fiber essential for healthy gut function.
Calculate Daily Hay Requirements
Horse Hay Feeding Guide
Most horses need 1.5-2.5% of body weight in forage daily. Working horses and hard keepers may need 2.5-3%. Divide daily hay into at least 2-3 feedings for optimal digestive health.
Hay Quality
Hay quality varies enormously. Have hay tested for nutrient content if feeding horses with special needs (seniors, metabolic conditions, hard keepers). Good grass hay should be leafy, fragrant, and free of mold, dust, and weeds.
FAQ
Is this horse hay calculator free?
Yes, completely free with no signup required.
How much hay does a horse need per day?
Horses need approximately 1.5-2.5% of their body weight in forage daily. A 1,000-lb (450 kg) horse needs 15-25 lbs (7-11 kg) of hay/day with no pasture access. Easy keepers (metabolically efficient horses) can be kept at 1.5%; hard keepers or working horses may need up to 3%. Hay should always be the foundation of the diet.
Can a horse eat too much hay?
Easy keeper horses can gain weight on unlimited hay, especially with high-calorie hays like alfalfa. In these cases, limit to 1.5-2% body weight and choose low-starch timothy or grass hay. However, horses must always have access to some forage — never go more than 4-6 hours without forage, as this increases ulcer risk and colic potential.
Timothy vs. orchard grass vs. alfalfa — which is best?
Timothy and orchard grass are grass hays — moderate protein, moderate calcium, high fiber. Best for maintenance horses and easy keepers. Alfalfa is a legume hay — very high protein and calcium, higher calorie. Best for growing horses, pregnant/lactating mares, and horses in heavy work. Mix alfalfa with grass hay for most working horses.
How do I know if my horse is getting enough forage?
A horse at ideal weight with normal gut sounds, healthy manure output (well-formed fecal balls, not too dry or loose), and consistent energy is likely getting adequate forage. Body condition scoring (BCS) on a 1-9 scale is the standard way to assess: ideal is 4-5. Ribs should be felt but not seen.