Forage and Hay for Horses in the USA 2025: Expert-Vetted Top 5 Low-Sugar, Gut-Healthy Options — Which One Suits Your Horse?

Ontario Dehy Timothy Alfalfa Cubes hold a best-in-class position for horse forage because they deliver a consistent, high-protein, low-dust feed that simplifies portioning and reduces storage and transport costs compared with loose hay. For equine managers focused on uniform nutrition and minimized waste, these cubes offer a technical advantage over bulk square bales and chopped products by providing predictable nutrient analysis and easier handling in wet or cold conditions.

Purina Hydration Hay Compressed Bales are market-leading for owners who prioritize rehydration, reduced spoilage and lower freight costs through dense packaging that reconstitutes well for picky or older horses. Financially they can be more efficient than traditional square bales because of reduced shipping volume, and technically they compete with pellets and cubes by offering more long-stem structure to support normal chewing and gut motility.

Standlee Premium Western Forage Timothy Grass Pellets earn their place by providing a uniform, low-mold, easily portioned pellet ideal for horses with dental issues or strict feed-control programs, delivering consistent fiber where variable bales can’t. Compared to cubes and compressed bales, the pellets offer a compact, shelf-stable solution that often lowers feedroom labor and spoilage costs while matching hay fiber needs without the bulk of loose forage.

Ontario Hay Sales First Cut Timothy Square Bales remain a practical choice for buyers seeking cost-effective, traditional long-stem forage that supports natural forage behavior and bulk feeding operations. Financially attractive on a per-ton basis versus processed forms, these square bales trade off convenience for lower price and greater availability, making them the go-to option when storage and quality monitoring are feasible.