Bermudagrass Hay
For horse owners in the Southeast and Gulf Coast -- bermudagrass is the most widely available quality hay in the region, and works well for maintenance and weight management.
Runner-up: Timothy or Orchardgrass Hay · Retake the quiz
Why this fits you
- You're in the Southeast or Gulf Coast, where bermudagrass is the regionally dominant hay.
- Your horse is at a good or overweight body condition and doesn't need extra calories.
- You want a widely available, regionally practical maintenance hay.
Bermudagrass is a warm-season grass and the most widely available quality hay across much of the Southeast and Gulf Coast, where cool-season grasses like timothy don't grow as readily. It's generally lower in sugar than many cool-season grasses, making it a reasonable choice for weight management in addition to being the practical regional default.
How it compares
| Hay type | Protein | Sugar/starch risk | Typical use |
| Timothy or Orchardgrass Hay | 8-10% | Moderate | Healthy adult maintenance |
| Low-Sugar Hay | Varies (tested) | Tested under 10% | Metabolic/laminitis horses |
| Alfalfa Hay | 15-20% | Low-moderate | Growth, lactation, heavy work |
| Grass-Alfalfa Mix Hay | 10-15% | Low-moderate | Moderate work, ulcers, seniors |
| Bermudagrass Hay | 7-10% | Generally low | Southeast maintenance |
| Hay Cubes or Chopped Forage | Varies by type | Varies by type | Dental/chewing issues |
Buying checklist
- Good quality bermuda should be leafy, not overly stemmy
- Coastal bermuda (a common variety) is widely available in the Southeast specifically
- Generally suitable for weight management given its typically lower sugar profile
When this isn’t the right fit
Bermudagrass is not a natural fit outside the Southeast and Gulf Coast, where it may be hard to find. It may also be too lean for a horse that needs extra calories, such as a growing, nursing or hard-working horse.
Other results from this quiz may suit your situation better:
- Hay Cubes or Chopped Forage: for horses that drop wads of hay, chew slowly, or have missing teeth
- Alfalfa Hay: for young growing horses, nursing mares, or horses in heavy work
- Grass-Alfalfa Mix Hay: for moderate work, older horses, or gastric-sensitive horses
- Low-Sugar Hay: for metabolic horses (insulin resistance, EMS, Cushing's/PPID) or those with a laminitis history
- Timothy or Orchardgrass Hay: for most healthy adult horses in light to moderate work
Because this touches your horse’s health or comfort, check with your veterinarian before you act on a general guide like this one.
Run the numbers
Frequently asked questions
Why is bermudagrass the default hay in the South?
Cool-season grasses like timothy and orchardgrass don't grow as well in warm Southern climates, so bermudagrass, a warm-season grass, became the regionally dominant, widely available hay option there.
Is bermudagrass good for overweight horses?
Its typically lower sugar content compared to many cool-season grasses makes it a reasonable regional choice for weight management, alongside restricting overall quantity.
Can I feed bermudagrass to a horse outside the South?
Yes, if available -- it's not exclusive to the South, just more commonly grown and available there due to climate.
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