Key Takeaways:

• Soaking hay removes 8-50% of water-soluble carbohydrates, while steaming only reduces 0-18%
• Combining soaking for 9 hours followed by steaming achieves the highest sugar reduction at 24-51%
• Soaking can increase bacterial counts by up to 500% and leaches essential minerals
• Steaming preserves nutrients while eliminating 95-99% of respiratory irritants
• Target hay with less than 10% NSC (100g/kg DM) for horses with EMS or laminitis history

The direct answer: Soaking hay is more effective than steaming for reducing sugar content in hay, with soaking removing 8-50% of sugars compared to steaming’s 0-18% reduction. However, soaking increases bacterial growth and mineral loss, while steaming preserves nutrients and hygiene. The most effective approach combines 9 hours of soaking followed by 50 minutes of steaming, achieving 24-51% sugar reduction with improved hay cleanliness.

Understanding Water-Soluble Carbohydrates in Hay

When you’re managing a horse with EMS, insulin resistance, or laminitis, understanding what’s in your hay matters more than almost anything else. Water-soluble carbohydrates (WSC) include simple sugars like glucose and fructose, plus short-chain fructans that dissolve in water.^[1] These are the troublemakers that can spike your horse’s insulin and potentially trigger a laminitis episode.

Most hay contains between 100-310g of WSC per kilogram of dry matter.^[2] For a healthy horse, that’s usually fine. But for horses with metabolic conditions, you need to get that number under 100g/kg DM (10% NSC).^[3] That’s where hay treatment methods come into play.

Non-structural carbohydrates (NSC) are the sum of WSC plus starch. When your vet recommends keeping NSC below 10-12%, they’re talking about keeping your horse’s diet low in rapidly absorbed sugars that affect blood glucose and insulin levels.^[4] Think of WSC as the portion you can remove through soaking, since these compounds literally dissolve in water.

Why Sugar Content Matters for EMS Horses

Horses with Equine Metabolic Syndrome have altered insulin regulation. Their bodies don’t process dietary sugars efficiently, leading to elevated insulin levels that damage the sensitive laminae in the hooves.^[5] Research shows that 18-27% of the equine population has EMS, making this a widespread concern.^[6]

According to Dr. Amy Parker, equine nutritionist at McCauley’s, “Metabolic horses need to consume diets low (less than 15% of the total diet) in sugars and starches.”^[7] This means every flake of hay matters, and choosing the right preparation method can mean the difference between a sound horse and one at risk.

The Science Behind Sugar Removal

When hay is submerged in water, WSC leach out from the plant cells into the surrounding water. The longer you soak and the warmer the water, the more sugar dissolves.^[8] Hot water accelerates this process because heat increases molecular movement, allowing sugars to dissolve faster than in cold water.

Steaming works differently. High-temperature steam (around 100°C) primarily kills bacteria, molds, and fungi while slightly altering the hay’s structure.^[9] Some WSC may be lost through this process, but the reduction is minimal and highly variable, ranging from barely measurable to about 18% in some studies.^[10]

How to Reduce Sugar in Hay Through Soaking

Soaking hay has become the go-to method for many horse owners dealing with metabolic issues. It’s inexpensive, requires no special equipment, and when done correctly, removes a significant amount of sugar.

Step-by-Step Soaking Method

The most effective soaking protocol for balancing sugar reduction with safety involves these specific steps. First, choose a clean container large enough to completely submerge your hay. A 75-liter tub works well for a 7kg hay net.^[11] Fill it with cold tap water in winter or warm water in summer for faster sugar removal.

Place your hay in a hay net before soaking. This makes removal much easier and prevents hay from becoming waterlogged and difficult to handle. Submerge the net completely, ensuring all hay is under water. Sugar leaching only occurs when hay is fully immersed.^[12]

For horses with moderate insulin resistance, soak for 30-60 minutes in warm water or 60 minutes in cold water.^[13] This is the current recommendation from equine nutritionists as it reduces sugar while minimizing nutrient loss and bacterial proliferation. Madeline Boast, equine nutritionist, advises: “During summer, soak hay for no more than one hour and feed it immediately.”^[14]

After soaking, lift the hay net and let excess water drain for several minutes. Discard all soaking water – never let your horse drink it. The water contains the dissolved sugars you’re trying to eliminate, plus minerals that leached from the hay.^[15] Feed the hay immediately after draining to prevent bacterial and mold growth on the damp forage.

What Soaking Removes Besides Sugar

While soaking effectively reduces WSC, it’s not selective. Research from the University of Minnesota shows that soaking also removes beneficial nutrients.^[16] Potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, and calcium leach into the water along with the sugars. Protein content decreases, and overall dry matter is reduced by 10-15%.

A study examining mineral losses found that magnesium and phosphorus are particularly susceptible to leaching during soaks longer than one hour.^[17] This means horses on soaked hay diets need careful supplementation to prevent mineral imbalances. Most horse owners feeding soaked hay long-term should add a ration balancer or vitamin-mineral supplement to their horse’s diet.

The dry matter loss is significant. If you’re feeding your horse 10kg of dry hay and soak it, you might only be providing 8.5-9kg of actual forage after accounting for what dissolved in the water.^[18] For horses already on restricted diets, this matters. You may need to increase the volume of hay you offer to ensure adequate fiber intake.

Hay Steaming for Sugar Reduction Methods

Steaming hay emerged as a respiratory health solution, but many horse owners hope it will also reduce sugar content. The reality is more nuanced. While steaming offers tremendous benefits for hay hygiene and respiratory health, it’s not the most effective sugar reduction method.

How Hay Steaming Works

Commercial hay steamers work by injecting high-temperature steam (typically 100°C) into a sealed chamber containing hay for 50 minutes.^[19] The heat penetrates the hay, killing bacteria, mold spores, and dust mites while slightly altering the hay’s structure. This process eliminates 95-99% of respiratory irritants without soaking the hay in water.^[20]

Professor Meriel Moore-Colyer’s research at Royal Agricultural University shows that steaming’s effect on WSC is highly variable and unpredictable.^[21] Single steaming produced consistent but minimal results across different hay types – typically reducing WSC by only 3-18%. Double steaming proved inconsistent, with some hays losing only 12% of WSC while others lost up to 36%.^[22]

Dr. Juliet Getty, equine nutritionist, notes that while “steaming can significantly improve the WSC level to a point where it is safe to feed free-choice,” this depends entirely on your hay’s starting sugar content.^[23] If your hay tests at 15% NSC, steaming might bring it down to 12-13% – acceptable for some metabolic horses but not all.

The Respiratory Health Advantage

Where steaming truly excels is respiratory health. A landmark study published in the Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine found that horses fed steamed hay were 65% less likely to develop Inflammatory Airway Disease (IAD) compared to those fed dry hay.^[24] Neither soaked hay, haylage, nor commercial “dust-free” hay provided this protective effect.

For horses with heaves, equine asthma, or any respiratory sensitivity, steaming is the gold standard treatment. The high temperature denatures proteins and nucleic acids in bacteria and fungi, making them non-functional and eliminating the allergenic response.^[25] This benefit alone makes steaming worthwhile for many horses, even if sugar reduction is minimal.

Nutrient Preservation with Steaming

Unlike soaking, steaming preserves the mineral and protein profile of hay. Research at the University of Guelph confirmed that steamed hay maintains its nutritional integrity much better than soaked hay.^[26] Calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and other minerals remain in the hay rather than leaching into water.

The only nutrient lost through steaming is WSC itself, and even that loss is minimal and variable.^[27] For horses needing maximum nutrition from their forage – such as hard keepers or senior horses – steaming offers a way to reduce respiratory irritants without compromising nutritional value.

Combining Soaking and Steaming: The Best of Both Methods

Research has identified the most effective hay treatment protocol: soak first, then steam. This combination achieves maximum sugar reduction while maintaining hay hygiene.

The Science Behind Combined Treatment

Moore-Colyer’s research team found that soaking hay for 9 hours followed by steaming for 50 minutes reduced WSC by 24-51% across different hay types.^[28] This represents a fourfold increase in sugar reduction compared to steaming alone. The soaking leaches out water-soluble sugars, then steaming eliminates the bacteria that proliferated during the soak.

The order matters critically. Soaking then steaming reduces bacterial content by up to 99%, while steaming then soaking creates an ideal environment for bacterial growth and proves ineffective.^[29] The heat treatment must come after the water treatment to properly sanitize the hay.

This method successfully brought hay WSC content down to the recommended level of 100g/kg DM (10% NSC) for horses with metabolic disorders.^[30] For horses with severe insulin resistance or a history of laminitis, this combined approach provides the safest forage option.

Practical Implementation

Implementing a soak-then-steam protocol requires commitment and equipment. You’ll need a large soaking container, a commercial hay steamer (like a Haygain unit), and a structured feeding schedule. Plan to soak hay the night before feeding, then steam it in the morning.

Set up your soaking area where water drainage won’t cause problems. In summer, soak hay in a shaded area to slow bacterial growth. In winter, you might use lukewarm water initially, though it will cool quickly during a long soak. After 9 hours, remove the hay, drain it thoroughly, and place it directly in your steamer.

The 50-minute steam cycle will heat the hay to approximately 100°C throughout, killing bacteria while the high moisture content from soaking helps steam penetrate more effectively.^[31] After steaming, the hay should be fed immediately while still warm, which most horses find highly palatable.

Cost and Time Considerations

The combined method is the most labor-intensive and expensive option. Commercial hay steamers cost $1,000-$2,500 depending on size and model. You’ll also need electricity to run the steamer (typically for 50 minutes per treatment) and water for both soaking and steaming.

Time investment is significant: 9 hours for soaking plus 50 minutes for steaming means you need to plan at least 10 hours ahead of each feeding. For horses eating twice daily, this becomes a substantial management commitment. However, for horses with severe metabolic issues where laminitis risk is high, this investment can be worth the prevention of a devastating health crisis.

Bacterial Growth Risks in Soaked Hay

One of the most serious concerns with soaking hay is bacterial proliferation. When you soak hay, you’re creating a warm, moist, nutrient-rich environment – exactly what bacteria need to multiply rapidly.

Understanding the Bacterial Risk

Research mapping bacterial profiles on soaked hay found dramatic changes in microbial populations. Even a 10-minute soak increases bacterial counts by 150%.^[32] After 9 hours of soaking, bacterial populations increase fivefold.^[33] Some studies found bacterial counts exceeding the safe upper limit of 20 μg/g for animal feed after prolonged soaking.^[34]

The study also revealed an increase in Enterobacteriaceae – a family of bacteria that includes potential pathogens like E. coli, Salmonella, and Klebsiella.^[35] While not all soaked hay develops dangerous pathogenic bacteria, the unpredictable nature of bacterial growth makes this a real concern. The specific bacterial response varies by hay type, soaking duration, and environmental conditions.

Dr. Kathleen Crandell, equine nutritionist at Kentucky Equine Research, warns that this bacterial proliferation “possibly poses a health risk to horses eating the hay.”^[36] Horses have sensitive digestive systems, and introducing large quantities of foreign bacteria can disrupt normal gut flora, potentially leading to colic or other digestive upset.

Minimizing Bacterial Growth During Soaking

Several strategies can help minimize bacterial risks when soaking hay. First, always use fresh, clean water for each soak. Never reuse soaking water, as it becomes progressively more contaminated.^[37] Clean your soaking containers regularly with a diluted bleach solution to prevent biofilm buildup that harbors bacteria.

Temperature management is crucial. In warm weather, bacteria multiply much faster. During summer months, reduce soaking time to 30 minutes maximum and feed immediately.^[38] Madeline Boast emphasizes that in hot weather, “soaking for less than 30 minutes usually doesn’t impact palatability” and significantly reduces bacterial growth risk.^[39]

Never let soaked hay sit before feeding. The moment you remove hay from the soak water, bacterial colonization accelerates. Damp hay left in a feed bin or hay net for even an hour can develop a sour smell from fermentation and bacterial growth.^[40] If your horse doesn’t eat all the soaked hay within 2-3 hours, remove and discard it rather than leaving it to become a bacterial breeding ground.

For horses with compromised immune systems, consider whether soaking is worth the bacterial risk. Young foals, geriatric horses, or those recovering from illness may be more susceptible to bacterial challenges from soaked hay. In these cases, steaming or seeking naturally low-NSC hay may be safer alternatives.

Testing Your Hay: When to Reduce Sugar in Hay

Before investing time and effort into hay treatment, you need to know what you’re working with. Hay testing is the only way to determine if sugar reduction is necessary and how much reduction you achieve.

How to Test Hay for Sugar Content

Professional hay analysis costs $25-45 per sample and provides detailed nutritional information including WSC, ESC (ethanol-soluble carbohydrates), starch, protein, minerals, and fiber fractions.^[41] Several reputable laboratories offer equine-specific hay testing, including Equi-Analytical, Rock River Laboratory, and Dairy One.

To collect a proper sample, take core samples from at least 10-15 bales representing your hay batch. Use a hay probe to reach into the center of bales, as outer layers may have different nutrient profiles due to sun exposure or moisture.^[42] Mix all samples together, then send about 1 cup of the mixed sample to the lab.

Request testing for: WSC (water-soluble carbohydrates), ESC (ethanol-soluble carbohydrates), Starch, NSC (WSC + Starch), Crude Protein, ADF and NDF (fiber measurements), and Major minerals (calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium). This comprehensive analysis costs slightly more but provides the complete picture needed for managing metabolic horses.

Interpreting Hay Analysis Results

Understanding your results requires knowing the target values. For horses with EMS, insulin resistance, or laminitis history, aim for NSC below 10% on a dry matter basis (equivalent to 100g/kg DM).^[43] Some severely affected horses may need even lower levels, while mildly insulin-resistant horses might tolerate up to 12% NSC.^[44]

Pay attention to the “as-fed” versus “dry matter” values in your analysis. The as-fed numbers account for the moisture naturally present in hay (typically around 10%), giving you a more accurate picture of what your horse actually consumes.^[45] For example, hay showing 12% NSC on a dry matter basis actually contains about 10.8% NSC as-fed – potentially safe for many metabolic horses.

Dr. Shannon Pratt-Phillips, equine nutritionist, recommends having hay analyzed “as is” before deciding to soak.^[46] If your hay already tests below 10% NSC, soaking isn’t necessary and would only deplete valuable minerals. If it tests high (15% NSC or above), then soaking becomes an important management tool.

Testing Before and After Treatment

The most valuable information comes from testing hay both before and after treatment. This tells you exactly how much WSC your specific hay loses through soaking or steaming. Remember that WSC reduction is highly variable and depends on hay type, maturity, cutting, and growing conditions.^[47]

To test treated hay, prepare a sample exactly as you would for feeding: soak for your chosen duration, drain thoroughly, then let it dry completely before sending to the lab. Compare the post-treatment NSC value to your pre-treatment test. This data helps you determine if your current protocol achieves safe NSC levels or if you need to adjust soaking time.

For horses on long-term soaked hay diets, test your post-soak hay to calculate actual mineral content so you can properly balance your supplementation program.^[48] Knowing exactly how much calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium remain after soaking allows you to provide precise supplementation rather than guessing.

Alternative Strategies Beyond Soaking and Steaming

While soaking and steaming are popular hay treatment methods, they’re not the only options for managing sugar intake in metabolic horses. Sometimes choosing the right hay from the start is more effective than treating high-sugar hay.

Selecting Naturally Low-Sugar Hay

The easiest approach is sourcing hay that’s naturally low in NSC. Warm-season grasses like teff and Bermuda grass typically contain lower sugar levels than cool-season grasses.^[49] Late-cut or mature hay generally has lower WSC than early-cut or immature hay because as plants mature, they convert sugars into structural fibers.^[50]

Ask your hay supplier about cutting date and grass maturity. Hay cut when plants are flowering or going to seed typically has lower sugar content than leafy, vegetative hay.^[51] While mature hay may be less palatable and lower in protein, for horses with severe metabolic issues, the lower sugar content outweighs these disadvantages.

Growing conditions matter too. Hay grown under ideal conditions – adequate rainfall, moderate temperatures, no stress – tends to have higher sugar content than hay from stressed plants.^[52] Ironically, hay that looks less perfect might be metabolically safer. However, visual inspection can’t reliably predict NSC content, so testing remains essential.

Timothy Hay Cubes and Low-NSC Alternatives

For horse owners in climates where soaking is impractical (subfreezing winters) or for those who can’t access hay steamers, commercial low-NSC forage products offer alternatives. Timothy hay cubes tested at less than 10% NSC can partially or completely replace regular hay.^[53]

These processed forages undergo consistent testing and manufacturing processes that ensure predictable NSC content. While more expensive per pound than regular hay, they eliminate the variability and labor of hay treatment. Many metabolic horses do well on a diet combining tested low-NSC hay with timothy cubes to reach safe sugar levels.

Beet pulp (without added molasses) provides another low-NSC forage alternative. With an NSC content around 8-10%, beet pulp can extend limited low-sugar hay supplies or add fiber to the diet of horses needing additional calories from fat and fiber rather than sugar.^[54] Soak beet pulp shreds for 15-30 minutes before feeding to prevent choking risk.

Pasture Management for Sugar Control

For horses with access to pasture, grass sugar content becomes even more critical. Pasture grass NSC levels fluctuate wildly throughout the day and year. Sugars are lowest in early morning (before sunrise) when night temperatures stay above 40°F, as grasses use stored sugars for respiration overnight.^[55]

Sunlight triggers photosynthesis, causing sugar accumulation throughout the day, with peak levels in late afternoon.^[56] This means a horse grazing at 4 PM consumes dramatically more sugar than one grazing at 6 AM on the same pasture. For metabolic horses requiring grazing turnout, limit access to early morning hours and use grazing muzzles to restrict intake.

Stressed pastures – from drought, frost, or overgrazing – can have dangerously high sugar levels as grasses preserve sugars for survival rather than using them for growth.^[57] Monitor weather conditions and consider pulling metabolic horses from pasture during stressful periods. A low-sugar diet combined with careful pasture management provides the best protection.

Practical Feeding Guidelines for EMS and IR Horses

Managing horses with metabolic issues requires a comprehensive feeding strategy beyond just treating hay. Understanding total daily ration and balancing nutrition with sugar restriction ensures your horse stays healthy while reducing laminitis risk.

Daily Forage Requirements

Horses need a minimum of 1.5-2% of their body weight in forage (dry matter) daily for proper digestive function.^[58] For a 500kg (1100lb) horse, that’s 7.5-10kg (16.5-22lbs) of hay per day. Restricting forage below this amount increases gastric ulcer risk and can lead to stereotypic behaviors like wood chewing or stall walking.

For metabolic horses, the challenge is providing adequate forage volume while keeping sugar and calorie intake low. This is where treated hay becomes valuable. Soaked hay reduces calorie density while maintaining fiber content, allowing you to feed a larger volume without excess calories.^[59] This keeps horses satisfied and their digestive systems functioning properly.

Use slow-feeder hay nets with 1.5-inch holes to extend eating time and mimic natural grazing behavior. Research shows that horses eating from slow feeders consume hay more slowly, producing more saliva (which buffers stomach acid) and experiencing fewer digestive disturbances.^[60] For metabolic horses on restricted hay rations, slow feeders help stretch limited forage throughout the day.

Balancing Soaked Hay Diets

Horses eating primarily soaked hay need careful nutritional supplementation. Since soaking leaches minerals – particularly calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and potassium – you must replace these nutrients through a ration balancer or vitamin-mineral supplement.^[61] Without supplementation, horses develop mineral deficiencies that affect bone health, muscle function, and overall wellbeing.

Choose a low-NSC ration balancer specifically formulated for metabolic horses. These products provide concentrated vitamins and minerals with minimal calories and sugar, typically fed at 1-2 lbs per day for an average horse.^[62] Quality ration balancers include essential amino acids (lysine, methionine, threonine) that may be depleted from mature, low-protein hay.

Emily Smith, equine nutritionist at Platinum Performance, emphasizes that for safe horse feeding plans, “A vitamin/mineral supplement is suggested to meet daily nutrient requirements” when feeding soaked hay long-term.^[63] Don’t guess at supplementation needs – work with a nutritionist to calculate specific requirements based on your hay analysis and your horse’s individual needs.

Monitoring and Adjusting the Diet

Regular body condition scoring (BCS) and weight monitoring help determine if your feeding program is working. For overweight metabolic horses, aim for gradual weight loss of 0.5-1% of body weight per week.^[64] Faster weight loss risks hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver disease), while too-slow weight loss means the horse remains at elevated laminitis risk.

Use weight tape measurements or a livestock scale monthly to track progress objectively. Body condition should improve gradually – you should see increased definition over the ribs and reduced cresty neck thickness over 3-6 months. If weight isn’t decreasing despite dietary restriction, consult your veterinarian about insulin testing and thyroid function evaluation.

Watch for signs that your horse isn’t tolerating soaked hay well. Some horses refuse soaked hay initially or show decreased appetite. Gradual introduction helps: start by soaking only half the daily hay ration, mixing it with dry hay, and slowly increase the proportion of soaked hay over 1-2 weeks.^[65] If your horse persistently refuses soaked hay, steaming might be a better option, as most horses find steamed hay more palatable.

Case Study: A 12-year-old Morgan mare with EMS was managed on hay soaked for 60 minutes in warm water, fed three times daily. After having her hay analyzed pre and post-soak, her owner supplemented with a low-NSC ration balancer to replace lost minerals. Over six months, the mare lost 50kg (approximately 10% of her body weight) safely and showed no further laminitis episodes. Her insulin levels normalized, demonstrating the effectiveness of a well-managed soaked hay diet combined with proper supplementation.^[66]

Conclusion

When choosing between soaked hay and steaming to reduce sugar in hay for your EMS or insulin-resistant horse, consider your specific situation carefully. Soaking remains the most effective single method for sugar reduction, removing 10-50% of WSC depending on duration and water temperature. However, it comes with trade-offs: increased bacterial growth, mineral depletion, and the need for careful timing and supplementation.

Steaming offers superior hay hygiene and respiratory health benefits while preserving nutritional integrity, but reduces sugar minimally (0-18%). For horses needing maximum sugar reduction with optimal hygiene, combining 9 hours of soaking followed by 50 minutes of steaming achieves 24-51% WSC reduction while eliminating bacterial contamination – though this requires significant time and equipment investment.

The most important step is testing your hay before and after treatment to know exactly what your horse is eating. Work with your veterinarian and an equine nutritionist to develop a feeding plan tailored to your horse’s needs, whether that involves soaked hay, steamed hay, combined treatment, or sourcing naturally low-NSC forage. With proper management, most metabolic horses can be kept safe and healthy while enjoying adequate forage to support their wellbeing.

Reduce Sugar in Hay FAQs

Does soaking hay reduce sugar enough for laminitis-prone horses?

Soaking hay for 30-60 minutes reduces sugar by 10-25%, which can make high-NSC hay safer for laminitis-prone horses. However, to confirm the post-soak hay is below the recommended 10% NSC threshold, you should test your hay both before and after soaking since results vary significantly by hay type.^[67]

How long should I reduce sugar in hay by soaking it?

For optimal results, soak hay for 30-60 minutes in warm water or 60 minutes in cold water to reduce sugar by 10-25% while minimizing bacterial growth and nutrient loss. Longer soaking times (9 hours) remove more sugar (27-42%) but dramatically increase bacterial contamination and should only be used when hay is fed immediately.^[68]

Is steaming hay better than soaking for reducing sugar in EMS horses?

Steaming hay is not better than soaking for sugar reduction, as it only reduces WSC by 0-18% compared to soaking’s 10-50% reduction. Steaming excels at improving respiratory health by eliminating 95-99% of dust, mold, and bacteria while preserving minerals, making it ideal for horses with both metabolic and respiratory concerns.^[69]

Can I reduce sugar in hay without soaking or steaming?

Yes, you can reduce sugar intake by selecting naturally low-NSC hay such as late-cut grass hay, warm-season grasses (teff, Bermuda), or mature hay that tests below 10% NSC. You can also replace a portion of high-sugar hay with low-NSC timothy hay cubes or add beet pulp (no molasses) to dilute the overall diet NSC content.^[70]

What’s the safest way to reduce sugar in hay for horses with severe insulin resistance?

The safest and most effective method is soaking hay for 9 hours followed by steaming for 50 minutes, which reduces WSC by 24-51% while eliminating bacterial contamination to less than 1%. This combined approach brings hay to the recommended 100g/kg DM (10% NSC) threshold while maintaining hay hygiene for horses with severe insulin resistance or laminitis history.^[71]

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