Orchard Grass vs Timothy Hay for Horses: Nutrition, Differences & Best Choice

June 16, 2026

As a horse owner, one of the most important decisions you make every single day is what goes into your horse's feed bucket and what gets tossed into the hay net. Choosing the wrong type of hay can silently affect your horse's health, energy levels, weight, and even long-term digestion.

And when it comes to the two most popular hay choices in the equine world, the debate of orchard grass vs timothy hay for horses is one that every owner eventually faces.

Both orchard grass hay and timothy hay are excellent forage options. But they are not the same and the right choice for your horse depends on factors like age, activity level, weight, and underlying health conditions.

In this complete guide, we'll break down everything you need to know: the nutritional value of both hays, their key differences, which horses benefit most from each, and practical feeding tips to help you make the best decision.

Quick Answer: Both orchard grass and timothy hay are safe and nutritious for horses. Orchard grass is softer, higher in calories, and more digestible making it ideal for hard keepers and performance horses.

Timothy hay is lower in sugar and higher in fiber, making it a safer choice for easy keepers and horses with metabolic conditions. The best hay depends entirely on your individual horse's needs.

What Is Timothy Hay?

Timothy hay (Phleum pratense) is one of the most widely recognized and trusted horse hays in the world. Named after farmer Timothy Hanson, who popularized its cultivation in the United States in the 1700s, timothy grass is a cool-season perennial grass that thrives in the Northern United States, Canada, and parts of Europe.

What does timothy hay look like?

Timothy hay is easy to identify. It has:

Stiff, upright stems that are hollow and cylindrical
A distinctive cylindrical seed head (resembling a cattail) at the top
A slightly rough texture compared to orchard grass
A dull to medium green color, depending on the cut

Timothy hay is typically harvested in two cuts per season. The first cut tends to be coarser, stemmy, and higher in fiber. The second cut is leafier, softer, and higher in protein often preferred by finicky horses.

Why is timothy hay so popular for horses?

Timothy has earned its reputation because it is:

Consistently available in most regions of North America
Well-balanced in nutrients — not too rich, not too poor
Lower in calories and sugar, making it suitable for horses that need controlled diets
Easy to digest for most horses, including seniors with dental issues

Timothy hay is the go-to choice for easy keepers (horses that maintain or gain weight easily), horses with insulin resistance (IR), Cushing's disease (PPID), or laminitis conditions where low sugar intake is critical.

What Is Orchard Grass Hay?

Orchard grass (Dactylis glomerata) is another cool-season perennial grass that has rapidly grown in popularity as a horse forage.

Originally native to Europe, orchard grass is now widely cultivated across the United States especially in the Southeast, Mid-Atlantic, and Pacific Northwest regions where it adapts well to varying soil and climate conditions.

What does orchard grass hay look like?

Unlike timothy, orchard grass has a distinctly different appearance:

Soft, fine stems with a flat, ribbon-like leaf structure
A lighter, bright green color when freshly baled and properly cured
No prominent seed head — instead it has a branching, cluster-like flower structure
A noticeably softer texture that horses find more palatable

If you hold a flake of orchard grass hay, it feels almost silky compared to the stiffer feel of timothy.

What is in orchard grass hay?

Orchard grass hay contains a rich blend of nutrients including digestible fiber, crude protein, energy, vitamins (especially Vitamin A precursors), and minerals like calcium and phosphorus.

It is particularly valued for its high digestibility, which means horses extract more usable energy from each pound consumed.

Orchard Grass First Cut vs Second Cut Like timothy, orchard grass is typically harvested in multiple cuts per season:

First cut orchard grass hay is harvested in late spring. It tends to be coarser, higher in fiber, and slightly lower in protein. It's good for horses needing more roughage.
Second cut orchard grass hay is harvested in summer. It is leafier, softer, higher in protein and energy, and more palatable — often the preferred choice for performance horses and hard keepers.

Why do horses love orchard grass?

Horses consistently show a strong preference for orchard grass over many other hay types. Its soft texture, sweet smell, and high palatability make it particularly attractive to picky eaters. If you have a horse that refuses other hays, orchard grass is often the solution.

Nutritional Value of Orchard Grass and Timothy Hay for Horses

Understanding the nutritional value of orchard grass and timothy grass hay for horses is the key to making the right feeding decision. Below is a detailed comparison of their core nutrients:

Nutrient	Orchard Grass Hay	Timothy Hay
Crude Protein	8–12%	7–11%
Digestible Energy	Higher (1.0–1.1 Mcal/lb)	Moderate (0.88–0.95 Mcal/lb)
Fiber (NDF)	55–65%	60–70%
Sugar (NSC)	10–15%	7–12%
Calcium	0.25–0.40%	0.20–0.35%
Phosphorus	0.25–0.35%	0.20–0.30%
Vitamin A (Beta-Carotene)	Higher	Moderate
Palatability	Very High	High

Breaking Down the Key Nutrients:

Crude Protein: Orchard grass generally offers slightly higher protein levels, making it better suited for growing horses, pregnant/lactating mares, and performance horses with higher protein requirements.

Digestible Energy: Orchard grass provides more calories per pound. This is excellent for horses that struggle to maintain body weight (hard keepers) but can be a concern for easy keepers prone to obesity.

Fiber (NDF – Neutral Detergent Fiber): Timothy hay has a higher fiber content, which means more gut fill and longer chewing time. This is beneficial for digestive health and reducing boredom-related behaviors like cribbing or wood chewing.

Sugar (NSC – Non-Structural Carbohydrates): Timothy hay is generally lower in NSC, making it the safer choice for horses with insulin resistance, laminitis, or Cushing's disease. Orchard grass, while not excessively high, contains slightly more sugar and should be monitored for metabolically sensitive horses.

Calcium & Phosphorus: Both hays provide a reasonable calcium-to-phosphorus ratio. This is important for bone health, especially in growing foals and performance horses.

Vitamin A: Orchard grass tends to be higher in beta-carotene (a Vitamin A precursor), supporting immune function, vision, and reproductive health.

Key Differences Between Orchard Grass and Timothy Hay

Here is a clear side-by-side breakdown of the difference between orchard grass and timothy hay across the most important categories:

1. Taste & Texture Orchard grass is noticeably softer and more palatable. Most horses prefer it over timothy when given a free choice. Timothy has a coarser, stiffer texture due to its hollow stems — some horses are fine with it, while pickier eaters may leave it behind.

2. Energy & Calorie Content Orchard grass wins here. It is more energy-dense, which is great for horses that need to gain or maintain weight. Timothy is lower in calories, which is better for horses on a restricted diet.

3. Fiber Content Timothy hay is higher in structural fiber (NDF), meaning it takes longer for horses to digest and provides more sustained gut fill. This makes it excellent for horses that need to eat slowly or are prone to digestive upset.

4. Sugar Content Timothy hay is generally lower in sugar (NSC), making it the safer option for metabolically sensitive horses. Orchard grass has moderately higher sugar levels, though this varies depending on when it was cut and how it was stored.

5. Palatability Orchard grass is the clear winner. Its soft texture and naturally sweet aroma make it highly attractive to horses, including those with dental issues or picky appetites.

6. Growth & Cutting Frequency Orchard grass grows faster and can produce 3–4 cuts per season in ideal conditions, while timothy typically produces 2 cuts per season. This can affect regional availability and pricing.

7. Cost & Availability Timothy hay is more widely available in the Northern US and Canada and has been a market staple for decades. Orchard grass is becoming more widely available and may be slightly more affordable in regions where it grows abundantly. Prices vary significantly by region and season.

8. Stem-to-Leaf Ratio Orchard grass has a higher leaf-to-stem ratio, meaning more digestible, leafy material per bale. Timothy has more stems, contributing to its higher fiber content but also making it less rich in digestible nutrients.

Is Orchard Grass Hay Good for Horses?

Yes orchard grass hay is an excellent forage choice for the majority of horses. It is safe, nutritious, and highly palatable. Here's a closer look at why orchard grass is good for horses and which horses benefit most.

Benefits of Orchard Grass Hay for Horses:

Higher Calorie Density: Orchard grass provides more digestible energy per pound than timothy. This makes it an ideal hay for:

Hard keepers — horses that struggle to maintain body weight
Performance horses — horses in heavy work that need sustained energy
Growing foals — who need extra calories for development
Pregnant and lactating mares — who have significantly elevated energy and protein demands

Superior Palatability: Because orchard grass is softer and more aromatic than timothy, horses find it irresistible. This is particularly valuable for:

Senior horses with dental issues who struggle to chew coarser hay
Sick or recovering horses with reduced appetites
Picky eaters who refuse other types of hay

High Digestibility: The lower fiber (NDF) content in orchard grass means horses can break it down more efficiently, extracting more nutrients with less digestive effort. This supports overall gut health and nutrient absorption.

Good Vitamin & Mineral Profile: Orchard grass is rich in beta-carotene (Vitamin A), supporting immune function, vision, and reproduction. It also provides a balanced calcium-to-phosphorus ratio important for bone and muscle health.

Is Orchard Grass Safe for Horses to Eat?

Absolutely. Orchard grass is completely safe for horses to eat. It is a natural, non-toxic grass that horses in the wild would readily graze on.

The only consideration is for horses with metabolic conditions (insulin resistance, laminitis, Cushing's) who may need hay with lower NSC levels — in which case, having your orchard grass tested before feeding is recommended.

Is Orchard Grass Hay High in Sugar?

This is one of the most commonly asked questions among horse owners and the answer requires a nuanced understanding of NSC (Non-Structural Carbohydrates) in hay.

What is NSC in hay?

NSC refers to the combined sugar (simple sugars + fructans) and starch content in forage. For horses with insulin resistance, Cushing's disease (PPID), or a history of laminitis, high NSC hay can trigger dangerous insulin spikes and inflammatory responses.

Orchard Grass NSC Levels:

Orchard grass typically has an NSC range of 10–15%, while timothy hay typically falls between 7–12%. This means orchard grass can be moderately higher in sugar — but it is not automatically dangerous.

The actual sugar content in any hay depends heavily on:

Time of day it was cut (afternoon hay is higher in sugar than morning-cut hay)
Season (spring and fall grass tends to be higher in NSC)
Weather conditions (stress from drought or frost increases NSC)
Cutting stage (early boot stage hay is lower in NSC than heading-stage hay)

Is Orchard Grass Safe for Metabolically Sensitive Horses?

For horses with the following conditions, caution is advised:

Insulin Resistant (IR) horses: Stick to hay with NSC under 10–12%. Timothy is generally the safer choice, but tested low-NSC orchard grass can also work.
Horses with Cushing's Disease (PPID): Same rule applies — low NSC is essential. Always test before feeding.
Laminitis-prone horses: Avoid high-sugar hay, particularly during spring grass flushes. Soaking hay for 30–60 minutes can reduce NSC by 20–30%.

Expert Tip: Never guess test your hay. Send a sample to a certified forage laboratory (such as Equi-Analytical or Dairy One) for a complete nutritional analysis. This is the only way to know the exact NSC, protein, and energy content of the specific hay batch you're feeding.

Is Timothy Hay Better Than Orchard Grass for Horses?

This is perhaps the most hotly debated question in equine nutrition — and the honest answer is: it depends on the horse.

Neither orchard grass nor timothy hay is universally "better." Each has distinct strengths that make it the right choice for specific horses and situations.

When Timothy Hay Is the Better Choice:

Easy keepers who gain weight rapidly and need a low-calorie, high-fiber forage
Horses with insulin resistance (IR) who require low-NSC hay
Horses with Cushing's disease (PPID) needing careful sugar management
Laminitis-prone horses that must avoid high-energy diets
Senior horses with controlled weight needs (though some seniors actually do better on orchard grass due to palatability)
Horses in light work or retirement who do not need high energy forage

When Orchard Grass Hay Is the Better Choice:

Hard keepers who struggle to maintain healthy body weight
Performance horses in regular moderate-to-heavy work
Growing foals with elevated protein and calorie demands
Pregnant and lactating mares requiring extra nutrition
Picky eaters who refuse or under-consume coarser hays
Horses recovering from illness who need to rebuild body condition
Senior horses with dental issues who need soft, easy-to-chew forage

Can You Feed Both?

Yes and many experienced horse owners do exactly that. Mixing orchard grass and timothy hay gives you the best of both worlds: the palatability and energy of orchard grass combined with the fiber and lower sugar of timothy. A common approach is a 50/50 mix, adjusted based on the individual horse's condition and needs.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Hay & Forage for Horses

When deciding between orchard grass hay and timothy hay (or any forage), consider these critical factors:

1. Your Horse's Age

Foals and young horses need higher protein and energy — orchard grass is often preferred.
Adult horses in regular work can thrive on either hay type.
Senior horses often benefit from orchard grass due to its palatability and digestibility, but weight management needs must be considered.

2. Activity Level

Performance and working horses need more energy — orchard grass delivers.
Pasture pets and light-work horses do well on timothy's lower-calorie profile.

3. Health Conditions

Metabolic conditions (IR, PPID, laminitis): Timothy is generally safer, or NSC-tested orchard grass under 10–12%.
Dental issues: Orchard grass is easier to chew.
Digestive sensitivity: Higher-fiber timothy may support gut motility better.

4. Body Condition Score (BCS)

Horses with a BCS below 4 (too thin): Orchard grass helps add weight.
Horses with a BCS above 6 (overweight): Timothy helps control calories.

5. Quality Indicators to Look For Regardless of hay type, always assess quality before buying:

Color: Bright green = good. Yellowed or bleached = nutrient loss.
Smell: Fresh, sweet, grassy scent. No mustiness or mold odor.
Texture: Soft to moderate. No excessive dust or debris.
Leafiness: More leaves = more digestible nutrition.
Mold-free: Never feed moldy hay — it can cause serious respiratory and digestive issues.

6. First Cut vs Second Cut Orchard Grass

First cut orchard grass hay: More fiber, coarser, better for gut fill
Second cut orchard grass hay: More protein, leafier, better for performance and hard keepers

7. Budget & Regional Availability Hay prices vary widely by region. In areas where orchard grass grows abundantly, it may actually be cheaper than timothy. Always buy the best quality you can afford — cheap, poor-quality hay costs more in veterinary bills in the long run.

When to Cut Orchard Grass Hay?

The timing of the harvest has a profound impact on the nutritional value, palatability, and sugar content of orchard grass hay.

Understanding when to cut orchard grass hay helps producers and buyers make smarter decisions.

Optimal Cutting Stage:

Boot Stage (Pre-Heading): The seed head is still enclosed within the leaf sheath. This is the ideal cutting stage for maximum protein and energy with lower fiber and NSC. Hay cut at this stage is the most nutritious and palatable.
Early Heading Stage: The seed head has just emerged. Slightly higher in fiber, still good nutritional value. A common commercial cutting point that balances yield and nutrition.
Full Heading / Post-Bloom: The plant is mature. Higher in fiber (NDF), lower in protein and digestible energy. Less palatable. Best for horses that need high roughage and lower calories.

How Cutting Timing Affects the Hay:

Cutting Stage	Protein	Energy	Fiber	Palatability
Boot Stage	Highest	Highest	Lower	Best
Early Heading	High	High	Moderate	Very Good
Full Heading	Lower	Lower	Higher	Good
Post-Bloom	Lowest	Lowest	Highest	Lower

First Cut vs Second Cut:

The first cut of orchard grass (spring) tends to be coarser and higher in fiber because the plant has had all winter to develop thick stems. The second cut (summer) is softer, leafier, and more nutrient-dense because the plant regrows from established roots and produces more leaf material.

Storage Tips After Cutting:

Allow hay to dry to below 15–18% moisture before baling to prevent mold.
Store in a dry, covered barn with good airflow.
Keep hay off the ground on pallets to prevent moisture absorption.
Use within 12–18 months for best nutritional value.

Tips for Feeding Orchard Grass Hay and Timothy Hay to Horses

Whether you choose orchard grass, timothy, or a combination of both, these practical feeding tips will help you get the most out of your hay and keep your horse healthy.

1. How Much Hay Should You Feed Per Day?

The general guideline is to feed 1.5–2.5% of your horse's body weight in forage per day. For a 1,000 lb (450 kg) horse, that equals approximately 15–25 lbs (7–11 kg) of hay daily. Adjust based on body condition, pasture access, and energy demands.

2. Mixing Orchard Grass and Timothy Hay

Combining both hays is a popular and effective strategy. A typical 50/50 mix gives horses the palatability and nutrition of orchard grass along with the fiber and lower sugar content of timothy. You can also adjust the ratio based on your horse's condition more orchard grass for hard keepers, more timothy for easy keepers.

3. Transitioning to a New Hay Type

Never switch hay types abruptly. A sudden change in forage can disrupt the hindgut microbiome and lead to colic or loose manure. Transition gradually over 7–14 days:

Days 1–3: 75% old hay, 25% new hay
Days 4–7: 50% old hay, 50% new hay
Days 8–11: 25% old hay, 75% new hay
Days 12–14: 100% new hay

4. Use Slow Feeder Hay Nets

Slow feeder nets extend eating time and mimic natural grazing behavior. This reduces:

Hay waste (horses pull out and trample less)
Boredom and stable vices (cribbing, weaving)
Risk of digestive upset from eating too quickly
Risk of ulcers from long gaps between forage consumption

5. When to Add Supplements

Even high-quality hay rarely meets all of a horse's nutritional needs, especially for:

Performance horses: May need added calories from hay cubes, beet pulp, or grain
Senior horses: Often benefit from added Vitamin E, omega-3 fatty acids, and digestive enzymes
Horses with metabolic issues: May need magnesium, chromium, or specific low-sugar feeds
Pregnant/lactating mares: Often need added calcium, phosphorus, and protein

Always consult with an equine nutritionist or veterinarian before adding supplements.

6. Common Feeding Mistakes to Avoid

Buying hay without checking quality — Always inspect before purchasing
Switching hay types suddenly — Always transition gradually
Overfeeding easy keepers — Monitor body condition monthly
Underfeeding hard keepers — Thin horses lose condition faster than owners realize
Ignoring forage testing — Especially critical for metabolically sensitive horses
Feeding hay on the ground — Increases parasite intake and respiratory dust exposure

Is orchard grass safe for horses to eat?

Yes, orchard grass is completely safe for horses to eat. It is a natural, non-toxic grass that is widely fed to horses across the United States.

The only exception is for horses with insulin resistance, laminitis, or Cushing's disease, who may need low-NSC hay in those cases, having your orchard grass tested for sugar content before feeding is strongly recommended.

Final Verdict Orchard Grass vs Timothy Hay for Horses

After a thorough comparison, here is the bottom line on orchard grass vs timothy hay for horses:

Choose Orchard Grass Hay if your horse is:

A hard keeper needing more calories
A performance or working horse
A pregnant or lactating mare
A picky eater or has dental issues
A growing foal needing extra protein and energy

Choose Timothy Hay if your horse is:

An easy keeper prone to weight gain
Insulin resistant, laminitic, or has Cushing's disease
A pasture pet or lightly worked horse
A senior horse on a calorie-controlled diet

Feed Both if:

You want a balanced, well-rounded forage program
Your horse has mixed nutritional needs
You want to improve palatability while keeping sugar in check

At the end of the day, quality matters more than the hay type. A well-grown, properly cured, bright green bale of either orchard grass or timothy hay will serve your horse far better than a poor-quality bale of either variety.

For Alberta horse owners looking for clean and properly stored forage, Horse Creek Hay & Feed is a trusted local source for quality timothy hay, feed, and forage options that match different horse needs. When in doubt, get your hay tested and work with an equine nutritionist or vet to build the right feeding program for your horse.

When in doubt, get your hay tested and work with an equine nutritionist or vet to build the right feeding program for your horse.

Did this guide help you decide between orchard grass and timothy hay for your horse? Share this post with a fellow horse owner who might find it useful

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