Orchard Grass Hay for Horses: Benefits, Nutrition & When to Feed It

What Is Orchard Grass Hay?

Orchard grass (Dactylis glomerata) is a cool-season perennial grass commonly grown throughout the United States.

It is known for its:

• Soft texture
• Leafy growth
• High palatability
• Strong regrowth between cuttings

Compared to some grass hays, orchard grass tends to be less stemmy and more leaf-dominant, especially in earlier cuttings.

Because of its texture and digestibility, orchard grass hay is widely used in feeding programs for horses that prefer softer, more palatable forage.

Why Many Horses Prefer Orchard Grass Hay

1. Softer Texture

Orchard grass is typically:

• Finer-stemmed than first-cutting timothy
• Less coarse than many mixed grass hays

This makes it especially appealing for:

• Picky eaters
• Senior horses
• Horses with dental challenges

If your horse sorts through hay or leaves coarse stems behind, orchard grass hay may reduce waste and improve forage intake.

2. Moderate Energy and Protein

Typical nutrient ranges vary depending on maturity and growing conditions, but orchard grass often tests within these ranges:

Crude Protein: 8–12%
NDF (fiber): 50–65%
NSC (sugar + starch): variable, must test
Calcium: moderate

Compared to other forages:

• Orchard grass provides more energy than very mature grass hay
• It contains less protein and calcium than alfalfa

For many pleasure horses and moderate-performance horses, orchard grass works very well as a primary forage. When additional calories are required, some feeding programs combine orchard grass with alfalfa hay for horses. Read a full equine nutrition analysis of Blue Mountain Hay by Dr. Stephen Duren and Dr. Tania Cubitt of Performance Horse Nutrition here.

3. Good Digestibility

Because orchard grass often has a high leaf-to-stem ratio, it can be:

• Highly digestible
• Well fermented in the hindgut
• Supportive of steady manure consistency

This makes orchard grass a good choice for horses needing consistent digestive support.

Is Orchard Grass Safe for Easy Keepers?

It can be - but testing is essential.

Like all grass hays, sugar and starch levels (NSC) depend on:

• Time of day harvested
• Weather conditions
• Stage of maturity
• Fertilization practices

If your horse has:

• Insulin resistance
• Equine metabolic syndrome (EMS)
• PPID (Cushing’s disease)
• Laminitis history

Always test your hay rather than assume sugar levels based on forage type. Early-cut orchard grass may be higher in energy than mature grass hay.

Orchard Grass vs Timothy Hay

Horse owners often ask which forage is better. The truth is that it depends on the individual horse.

Orchard Grass Hay 

• Softer texture
• Higher leaf content
• Often more palatable
• Sometimes slightly higher energy

Timothy Hay

• Often more stemmy (especially first cutting)
• Very consistent fiber profile
• Widely available

Some horses clearly prefer one over the other. Palatability matters because forage intake drives digestive health.

You can learn more in our guide to timothy hay for horses.

Orchard Grass vs Alfalfa

Alfalfa differs from orchard grass because it is a legume rather than a grass.

Compared to alfalfa, orchard grass hay generally contains:

• Lower protein
• Lower calcium
• Lower calorie density

For horses that require higher nutritional density, such as:

• Performance horses
• Growing horses
• Lactating mares

orchard grass is sometimes paired with alfalfa hay for horses to increase protein and calorie intake.

What to Look for in High-Quality Orchard Grass Hay

When selecting orchard grass hay, look for:

• Bright green color
• Fresh, clean smell
• Soft, flexible stems
• Minimal dust
• No mold
• Limited weeds

Leafiness is a good indicator of quality, but maturity at harvest still matters. Very mature orchard grass can become stemmy and less digestible.

Ideal Uses for Orchard Grass Hay

Orchard grass hay works well for:

• Pleasure horses
• Light to moderate performance horses
• Senior horses (if soft and leafy)
• Horses that dislike coarse hay
• Owners wanting a grass-only feeding program

However, some horses may require additional calories beyond what orchard grass provides.

These may include:

• Hard keepers
• High-performance horses
• Broodmares
• Growing horses

In those cases, orchard grass can be paired with other forages or concentrates.

The Bottom Line

Orchard grass hay is a highly palatable, moderate-energy grass forage that works well for many horses.

Its soft texture and digestibility make it especially appealing to picky eaters and senior horses.

However, as with any forage, the most important step is testing.

• Hay species matters.
• Maturity matters more.
• Testing matters most.

The best hay for your horse is the one that:

• Meets your horse’s metabolic needs
• Supports gut health
• Maintains ideal body condition
• Is clean and mold-free
• Is eaten consistently

FAQs

Is orchard grass hay good for horses?
Yes. Orchard grass hay provides moderate protein, digestible fiber, and balanced calories, making it suitable for many horses.

Is orchard grass better than timothy hay?
Neither forage is universally better. Orchard grass is often softer and more palatable, while timothy provides a very consistent fiber profile.

Is orchard grass hay high in sugar?
Not necessarily. Sugar levels depend on harvest conditions, maturity, and environment. Horses with metabolic conditions should have hay tested.

Can horses eat orchard grass every day?
Yes. Many horses consume orchard grass hay daily as their primary forage when it meets their nutritional needs.

Is orchard grass good for senior horses?
Yes. Its softer stems and leafy structure can make it easier for senior horses to chew and digest.