Hay Cubes or Chopped Forage
For horses that drop wads of hay, chew slowly, or have missing teeth -- cubed or chopped forage solves a chewing problem that long-stem hay can't, regardless of hay type.
Runner-up: Grass-Alfalfa Mix · Retake the quiz
Why this fits you
- Your horse drops wads of hay, eats slowly, or leaves long stems (quidding).
- Your horse has missing teeth or a vet has said they can't safely chew hay.
- You need the nutritional benefits of a specific hay type without the long-stem chewing challenge.
When a horse can't effectively chew long-stem hay -- due to dental issues, missing teeth, or a vet-identified chewing problem -- cubed or chopped forage delivers the same forage type (timothy, alfalfa, or a blend) in a form that's far easier and safer to chew and swallow. This matters for genuine safety: long-stem hay a horse can't properly chew is a real choke and colic risk, not just an inconvenience.
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
- Soak cubes if recommended for your horse to reduce choke risk further
- This solves a chewing problem -- pick the cube/chopped type that matches your horse's actual nutritional needs (grass, alfalfa, or mix)
- Have a vet check dental issues that are causing hay-dropping or quidding behavior
When this isn’t the right fit
Cubes solve a chewing problem, but they are not a reason to skip a dental exam. If your horse chews normally, long-stem hay is generally the better main forage, so use cubes where they are needed.
Other results from this quiz may suit your situation better:
- 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
- Bermudagrass Hay: for horse owners in the Southeast and Gulf Coast
- 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 quidding (dropping wads of hay) a safety concern?
It indicates the horse can't properly chew and break down long-stem hay, which raises real choke and colic risk if they continue attempting to eat it in that form.
Do hay cubes have the same nutrition as the hay type they're made from?
Generally yes -- cubes and chopped forage are made from the same hay (timothy, alfalfa, etc.), just processed into an easier-to-chew form, so choose the type matching your horse's nutritional needs as you would with long-stem hay.
Should I soak hay cubes before feeding?
Often recommended, especially for horses with dental issues or choke risk, since soaking softens the cubes further -- ask your vet for guidance specific to your horse.
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