Key Takeaways

• Timothy hay is generally superior for low sugar needs due to lower and more predictable NSC content compared to orchard grass
• Mature, second-cut timothy offers the lowest sugar levels with obvious seed heads indicating optimal maturity for metabolic horses
• Orchard grass tends to be higher in protein and calories with greater potential for elevated sugar levels, making it less suitable for EMS horses
• Hay testing is crucial for both types as growing conditions can cause significant variations in NSC levels regardless of grass type
• For metabolic horses, target NSC levels below 12% on a dry matter basis, with mature timothy hay being the safer choice

For horses requiring low sugar forage, timothy hay cut at maturity is the preferred choice over orchard grass, though individual testing remains essential for confirming safe NSC levels.

Understanding Low Sugar Forage Requirements

Horses with metabolic conditions including insulin resistance, equine metabolic syndrome (EMS), and laminitis history require careful forage selection to prevent dangerous glucose spikes. The challenge lies in identifying hays with consistently low non-structural carbohydrate (NSC) content while maintaining adequate nutrition.

NSC encompasses simple sugars, starch, and fructan – all compounds that can trigger insulin responses in sensitive horses. For horses with metabolic problems, NSC content should remain below 12% on a dry matter basis, with some experts recommending even lower levels of 10% or less for severely affected animals^[1].

Cool-Season vs Warm-Season Grass Considerations

Both timothy and orchard grass are cool-season grasses that store energy differently than warm-season varieties. Cool-season grasses can accumulate higher amounts of NSC because they produce fructan, a complex sugar that warm-season grasses cannot synthesize^[2]. This fundamental difference makes warm-season grasses like teff and bermudagrass generally safer choices for metabolic horses, though quality cool-season options still exist.

Timothy Hay: The Superior Low Sugar Choice

Timothy hay stands out as the better option for horses requiring low sugar forage due to its inherently lower and more predictable NSC content. When cut at proper maturity with visible seed heads, timothy hay consistently delivers the low sugar profile that metabolic horses need^[3].

Maturity Advantage for Sugar Control

Timothy hay offers a clear visual indicator of optimal cutting time for low sugar content. When timothy is allowed to mature and develop seed heads, the NSC content drops significantly as the plant converts sugars into structural components. This makes mature timothy hay an excellent choice for horses with insulin resistance or laminitis history.

Research from Kentucky Equine Research confirms that mature, stemmier hays are generally lower in NSC because they contain higher structural carbohydrate content^[4]. Timothy’s growth pattern makes this maturity easier to identify compared to orchard grass, giving horse owners better confidence in their hay selection.

Nutritional Profile Benefits

Timothy hay provides a moderate protein content of approximately 8%, which is ideal for most horses without creating excess protein that could stimulate insulin release. The balanced calcium to phosphorus ratio supports bone health while the lower calorie content helps prevent unwanted weight gain in easy keepers.

According to the Equi-Analytical database, grass hay (primarily timothy) averages 12.0% NSC, which falls within acceptable ranges for many metabolic horses when properly managed^[5]. However, individual testing remains crucial as variations exist based on growing conditions.

Fiber Quality and Digestive Benefits

Timothy hay serves as an excellent source of digestible fiber that supports healthy gut function without overwhelming the hindgut microbiome. The consistent fiber structure promotes proper chewing and saliva production, which helps buffer stomach acid and supports overall digestive health.

Orchard Grass: Understanding the Limitations

While orchard grass offers certain advantages in terms of yield and drought tolerance, it presents challenges for horses requiring strict sugar control. Orchard grass typically contains higher protein (10-12%) and calorie content with greater potential for elevated NSC levels^[6].

Higher Sugar Risk Factors

Orchard grass can be cut at various growth stages while maintaining reasonable yields, but this flexibility becomes a disadvantage for metabolic horses. Young orchard grass cuts may contain significantly higher sugar levels than mature cuts, and the visual cues for optimal cutting time are less obvious than with timothy.

Studies indicate that stressed cool-season grasses, including orchard grass, tend to accumulate higher NSC levels as a survival mechanism^[7]. This makes orchard grass more unpredictable in terms of sugar content, particularly during drought conditions or other environmental stressors.

Palatability Concerns

While orchard grass can produce high-quality, leafy hay when cut young, some horses find young orchard grass less palatable than expected. Horses accustomed to timothy may initially reject orchard grass, even when it appears to be superior quality. This palatability issue can complicate feeding programs for horses requiring consistent forage intake.

Calorie Density Challenges

The higher calorie content of orchard grass, while beneficial for hard keepers, creates problems for metabolic horses that need to lose weight or maintain condition on restricted calories. The increased energy density means horses require smaller amounts, potentially leaving them feeling hungry and stressed.

Critical Factors Affecting NSC Levels in Both Grasses

Regardless of grass type, multiple environmental and management factors significantly influence NSC content. Understanding these factors helps horse owners make better decisions when testing is not immediately available.

Harvest Timing Impact

Time of day during harvest dramatically affects sugar content in both timothy and orchard grass. Hay cut in the morning following nights with temperatures above 40°F will have lower NSC levels than hay cut in the afternoon^[8]. This occurs because plants use stored sugars for metabolism during nighttime hours, with lowest levels occurring in early morning.

The length of time hay spends drying in the field also affects final NSC content. Longer drying periods allow continued plant metabolism, which can reduce sugar levels. However, this must be balanced against weather risks and hay quality considerations.

Environmental Stress Factors

Drought conditions, poor fertilization, and temperature extremes cause cool-season grasses to accumulate higher NSC levels as survival mechanisms. Stressed timothy and orchard grass can contain significantly elevated sugar levels regardless of cutting maturity^[9]. This makes hay testing particularly important during challenging growing seasons.

Geographic factors also play a role, with higher elevation areas and regions with clear, sunny days and cool nights producing higher NSC forages. Irrigated forages in the western United States often accumulate higher sugar levels than those grown in more humid eastern regions.

Storage and Processing Effects

Proper hay storage helps maintain nutritional integrity and prevents mold development that could harm sensitive horses. However, storage conditions do not significantly alter NSC content once the hay is properly cured and baled.

Hay Testing: The Essential Safety Net

While timothy hay generally offers better prospects for low sugar forage, testing remains the only reliable method for confirming NSC levels. Visual assessment and grass type cannot guarantee safe sugar levels for metabolic horses^[10].

Testing Methodology and Frequency

Horse owners should test each new load of hay, collecting representative samples from 10-20 bales using a hay probe. Samples should be taken from the small end of square bales and the round side of round bales to ensure accurate representation of the entire lot.

The testing process typically costs less than $35 per sample and provides crucial information about NSC, protein, fiber levels, and mineral content. For horses with severe metabolic conditions, this small investment can prevent expensive veterinary emergencies and ongoing health problems.

Interpreting Test Results

When reviewing hay analysis reports, focus on the NSC value calculated as water-soluble carbohydrates (WSC) plus starch. For metabolic horses, seek hay with NSC levels below 12% on a dry matter basis, with some requiring even lower levels below 10%^[11].

According to Dr. Kathleen Crandell from Kentucky Equine Research, “Having a hay analysis allows nutritionists to fine-tune the diet in a way that is impossible without testing. It’s like having an exact recipe versus estimating ingredients”^[12].

Soaking and Management Strategies

When ideal low-sugar hay is unavailable, soaking can reduce NSC content in both timothy and orchard grass. However, this should be considered a temporary solution rather than a long-term management strategy.

Soaking Protocol for NSC Reduction

Soaking hay for 30-60 minutes in cold water can remove water-soluble sugars, though it also leaches important minerals including potassium, magnesium, and phosphorus. Cold water requires longer soaking times, up to two hours, while warm water works more quickly but increases bacterial growth risk.

Soaked hay must be fed immediately to prevent mold development and bacterial contamination. The discarded soaking water contains concentrated sugars and should not be offered to horses or used for other purposes.

Alternative Low-Sugar Forage Options

When suitable timothy or orchard grass is unavailable, consider warm-season alternatives like teff hay, which naturally contains lower NSC levels. Bermudagrass can also provide acceptable options, though quality varies significantly by region and growing conditions.

Commercial hay alternatives including tested chopped hay products and low-NSC hay pellets offer consistent nutritional profiles for horses requiring strict sugar control. These products may cost more than conventional hay but provide peace of mind for managing sensitive horses.

Feeding Guidelines for Metabolic Horses

Proper implementation of low-sugar forage requires attention to feeding amounts, frequency, and overall diet balance. Timothy hay’s advantages extend beyond sugar content to practical feeding considerations.

Intake Requirements and Safety

Horses should consume 1.5-2% of their body weight in forage daily, equaling 15-20 pounds for a 1,000-pound horse^[13]. This requirement remains constant for metabolic horses, making low-calorie options like mature timothy hay ideal for maintaining adequate fiber intake without excess calories.

Free-choice hay feeding often works well with low-NSC timothy hay, allowing horses to self-regulate intake while maintaining digestive health. This approach reduces stress and promotes natural feeding behaviors that support overall well-being.

Complementary Nutrition Considerations

Horses fed primarily timothy hay may require vitamin and mineral supplementation to balance their overall diet. A quality ration balancer provides essential nutrients without adding significant calories or sugar to the feeding program.

For horses requiring weight gain while maintaining low sugar intake, consider adding safe fat sources like ground flaxseed or specialized metabolic supplements rather than switching to higher-calorie forages.

Regional Considerations and Availability

Geographic location significantly impacts both timothy and orchard grass availability and quality. Understanding regional patterns helps horse owners make informed decisions about forage sourcing.

Timothy Hay Distribution

Timothy hay is most readily available in northern regions where growing conditions favor its production. The grass requires significant water and typically yields only two cuttings per year, limiting supply in drought-prone areas^[14].

Transportation costs can make timothy hay expensive in southern regions, but the consistent quality often justifies the investment for horses requiring reliable low-sugar forage.

Orchard Grass Alternatives

Orchard grass produces three cuttings per year and tolerates drought conditions better than timothy, making it more widely available. However, this increased availability doesn’t necessarily translate to better options for metabolic horses given the higher sugar variability.

Making the Right Choice for Your Horse

Timothy hay emerges as the superior choice for horses requiring low sugar forage due to its more predictable NSC content and clear maturity indicators. The visual cue of seed heads in mature timothy provides horse owners with confidence that they’re selecting appropriate forage for metabolic horses.

While orchard grass offers advantages in terms of availability and yield, its higher protein content, increased calorie density, and greater NSC variability make it less suitable for horses with metabolic conditions. The potential for elevated sugar levels outweighs the benefits for horses requiring strict dietary management.

For the best outcomes, choose mature timothy hay with visible seed heads and confirm safety through testing. When timothy is unavailable, carefully selected orchard grass with confirmed low NSC levels can serve as an alternative, though with increased vigilance required.

Timothy Hay vs Orchard Grass FAQs

Is timothy hay always lower in sugar than orchard grass?

Timothy hay tends to be lower in sugar than orchard grass, especially when cut at maturity with visible seed heads, but testing is essential since growing conditions can affect NSC levels in both grass types.

How can I tell if timothy hay was cut at the right maturity for low sugar?

Look for obvious seed heads in timothy hay, which indicate the grass was allowed to mature before cutting. Mature timothy with seed heads typically has lower NSC content than young, leafy cuts.

Can orchard grass be safe for metabolic horses if tested?

Yes, orchard grass can be suitable for metabolic horses if testing confirms NSC levels below 12%, but timothy hay generally offers more consistent low-sugar options with less variability between cuttings.

Which hay requires testing more urgently – timothy or orchard grass?

Both require testing for metabolic horses, but orchard grass has higher priority due to its greater NSC variability and tendency toward elevated sugar levels compared to mature timothy hay.

What should I do if neither timothy nor orchard grass tests safe for my EMS horse?

Consider soaking hay for 30-60 minutes to reduce water-soluble sugars, or switch to warm-season grasses like teff or tested commercial low-NSC forage products specifically designed for metabolic horses.

Timothy Hay vs Orchard Grass Citations

1. Thunes, C. Understanding Sugar Levels in Horses’ Hay. The Horse. 2024.
2. Standlee Forage. Low Carb Forage Options for Horses. Standlee Premium Products.
3. Oregon State University Extension. Understanding Sugar and Nonstructural Carbohydrates in Equine Pasture and Hay. 2023.
4. Crandell, K. Horse Hay: Understanding Sugar and Starch Content. Kentucky Equine Research. 2025.
5. Kentucky Equine Research. NSC Levels in Horse Forages. 2018.
6. Standlee Forage. Timothy & Orchard Grass Nutritional Information. Standlee Premium Products.
7. Kentucky Performance Products. Factors That Affect NSC Levels in Hay. 2020.
8. Kentucky Performance Products. Picking Hay for Sugar/Starch Sensitive Horses. 2022.
9. Pennsylvania State University Extension. Understanding a Hay Analysis. Penn State Extension.
10. Getty Equine Nutrition. How to Interpret Your Hay Analysis Report: The Basics.
11. Platinum Performance. Equine Metabolic Syndrome: Feeding Horses with EMS.
12. Crandell, K. Horse Hay: Understanding Sugar and Starch Content. Kentucky Equine Research. 2025.
13. Kentucky Performance Products. Picking Hay for Sugar/Starch Sensitive Horses. 2022.
14. Foxden Equine. Timothy Hay vs Orchard Grass Hay. Foxden Equine Nutrition.