Low calorie hay isn’t always safe for easy-keepers and metabolic horses.
- Jul 15
- 3 min read
Low calorie hay is commonly sought after for easy-keepers, especially those with metabolic conditions where excess fat worsens dysfunction.
But here’s the mistake that many well-meaning horse owners aren’t even aware they’re making....Low calorie does not automatically mean low sugar.
For horses prone to metabolic disorders or laminitis, we need to consider BOTH calories and sugar content, and focusing on one over the other can impact the success of our feeding program.
For example, look at the analysis results of a 1st cut 2025 grass hay I tested this spring.
While we can feed more of it without excessively supplying calories, the NSC content is not suitable for many horses, and could contribute to an increased risk of health issues.
We can use the species of hay (ie cool season vs warm season) to guess average sugar content, but that’s just that - a guess. Without testing your hay, it’s impossible to know if the sugar content is appropriate for your horse’s fiber, calorie and metabolic needs.
To cover their fiber requirement to support both mental & digestive health.
Use their bodyweight to estimate minimum fiber requirement. While an absolute minimum of 1.0% BW DM is defined, this incredibly restricted rate is reserved for clinical situations in combination with supervision of a veterinarian. For most normal situations, we consider 1.5% BW DM to be the minimum forage requirement for horses to consume daily.
To ensure we're providing this amount, I recommend investing in a feed scale and weighing hay rations. Feeding by 'eye' is one of the most common sources of overproviding calories to easykeepers, and by weighing our (tested) hay, we can know the exact calories that are coming from it!
To consider caloric needs:
Use bodyweight estimations and body condition scoring to estimate ideal body weight. BCS 7+ = overweight, and their current body weight is NOT ideal.
Use their ideal body weight to calculate their calorie needs. Add up all the calories in the diet and compare their intake to their needs. Most overweight horses are consuming more calories than they need, which leads to fat accumulation.
Adjust the diet to meet their nutrient requirements while controlling calories. A calorie deficit by diet, exercise, or ideally both, is required to reduce their body condition to a healthy score. A nutrition professional can help you do this safely, as rapid weight loss can cause serious health issues.
To consider their metabolic needs.
Sugar-sensitive horses will need hay that is <10-12% NSC, while also being low in calories so that we can maximize chew time to effectively meet their fiber requirement (aim for at least 1.5% BW in forage unless working with your vet and a nutrition professional), reduce the risk of ulcers and promote optimal mental wellness.
Know what you're dealing with: Tests to determine insulin sensitivity can help you better avoid laminitis flare ups. Horses who are insulin resistant will be at higher risk for laminitis, and require more stringent management. Work with your vet and a nutrition professional to develop a plan that works with your horse's metabolic status.
While every horse’s diet could benefit from a hay test, it’s hugely important for the health of metabolic horses.
Test your hay. Consider both calories AND sugar content. Weigh your hay to control intake of both.
Need a hand? Book a hay test, or opt for a Feed & Forage consultation to get your horse a custom diet based on your forage.
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