Teff Grass Hay for Horses: Benefits, Nutrition & When to Feed It
Scientific guidance provided by Dr. Stephen Duren and Dr. Tania Cubitt, internationally recognized equine nutrition scientists at Performance Horse Nutrition
Over the past decade, teff grass hay for horses has become increasingly popular in the equine industry, especially among owners managing insulin resistance, equine metabolic syndrome (EMS), PPID, and laminitis risk. Many horse owners choose teff hay because it often tests lower in sugar and starch than many traditional grass hays. But is teff automatically a “safe” hay, and is it the right forage for every horse? Horse owners managing metabolic conditions often compare teff hay vs timothy hay for horses when selecting the safest forage. Understanding the nutritional profile of teff grass hay can help horse owners decide when it is beneficial and how to incorporate it into a balanced feeding program.
What Is Teff Grass?
Teff (Eragrostis tef) is a warm-season annual grass originally native to Africa. Today it is widely grown in the western and southwestern United States, where warm temperatures and dry climates support its growth. Unlike cool-season grasses such as timothy or orchard grass, teff:
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Grows best during warm summer months
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Produces very fine stems
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Creates soft, leafy hay
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Often tests lower in non-structural carbohydrates (NSC)
Because of this last characteristic, teff grass hay for horses has gained a strong reputation in feeding programs for horses with metabolic concerns.
Why Teff Grass Hay Became Popular for Horses
1. Often Lower in Sugar and Starch
Teff hay is frequently marketed as a low-sugar hay for horses. Many tested samples show:
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NSC levels below 10%
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Moderate protein (often 8–12%)
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Moderate fiber levels
For horses that require controlled sugar intake, this can make teff hay a valuable forage option. However, it is important to remember that teff hay is not automatically low NSC. Growing conditions, plant stress, fertilization, and harvest timing can all influence sugar levels. Read a full equine nutrition analysis of Blue Mountain Hay by Dr. Stephen Duren and Dr. Tania Cubitt of Performance Horse Nutrition here.
2. Soft Texture and Good Palatability
Teff hay typically has:
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Very fine stems
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Soft texture
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Good palatability
This can make it appealing for:
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Senior horses
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Horses with dental challenges
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Horses that avoid coarse or stemmy hay
Because forage intake plays a major role in digestive health, palatability can be an important factor in feeding programs.
3. Moderate Calorie Levels
Teff grass hay is generally:
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Lower in energy than alfalfa hay
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Similar or slightly lower in calories than many grass hays
This makes it useful for horses that require controlled calorie intake, such as easy keepers. For overweight or insulin-resistant horses, properly tested teff grass hay for horses can provide a practical foundation forage.
Horses That May Benefit from Teff Hay
Teff grass hay can be particularly useful for:
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Horses with equine metabolic syndrome (EMS)
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Insulin resistant horses
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Horses with PPID (Cushing’s disease)
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Horses with a history of laminitis
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Easy keepers requiring calorie control
However, teff hay alone may not provide enough energy for horses with higher nutritional demands.
These may include:
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Hard keepers
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High-performance horses
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Lactating mares
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Growing horses
In these situations, additional calories or protein sources may be needed.
Important Nutritional Considerations
1. Protein Levels May Be Moderate to Low
Teff hay is not considered a high-protein forage.
If horses have elevated protein requirements, such as during growth, lactation, or heavy work, feeding programs may need to include:
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Alfalfa hay
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Amino acid supplementation
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Additional protein sources
2. Calcium Content
Teff hay generally contains lower calcium levels than alfalfa hay and is often similar to other grass hays.
For some horses, this can be beneficial when excessive calcium intake is not desired. However, the overall diet must still be balanced to meet mineral requirements.
What to Look for in High-Quality Teff Hay
When selecting teff grass hay for horses, look for:
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Soft, leafy texture
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Green to light green color
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Fresh smell
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Low dust levels
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No mold or weeds
If teff hay is harvested too late, it can become stemmy and lose digestibility, reducing its nutritional value.
Teff Hay vs Other Grass Hays
Compared to traditional grass hays such as timothy or orchard grass, teff:
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Is a warm-season grass
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Often tests lower in NSC (but not always)
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Has finer stems
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May contain slightly lower protein levels
For horses with metabolic concerns, many owners choose teff because of its reputation for safer sugar levels. However, laboratory analysis is the only reliable way to determine forage safety.
The Bottom Line: Is Teff Grass Hay Good for Horses?
Teff grass hay can be an excellent forage option, especially for horses that require controlled sugar intake and moderate calorie levels.
When properly harvested and tested, it offers:
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Soft texture
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Often lower NSC levels
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Good palatability
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Digestible fiber for gut health
However, like all forages, its nutritional value depends on:
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Growing conditions
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Harvest timing
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Laboratory testing
The best hay for your horse is not chosen by name alone. It is chosen by nutritional analysis, body condition, and the individual needs of the horse. For many horses with metabolic concerns, properly tested teff grass hay for horses can be a valuable part of a balanced feeding program.
Frequently Asked Questions About Teff Hay for Horses
Is teff hay good for horses?
Yes. Teff hay is a warm-season grass forage often used for horses that require controlled sugar intake. It can provide digestible fiber, moderate calories, and good palatability when properly harvested and tested.
Is teff hay low in sugar?
Teff hay often tests lower in non-structural carbohydrates (NSC) than many grass hays, but sugar levels can vary depending on growing conditions and harvest timing. Hay should always be tested before feeding metabolic horses.
Is teff hay safe for horses with laminitis?
Many horse owners use teff hay in feeding programs for horses with laminitis or metabolic conditions because it may test lower in sugar. However, safety depends on the specific hay analysis.
Is teff hay better than timothy hay?
Teff hay and timothy hay serve different purposes. Timothy hay provides consistent fiber and moderate energy, while teff hay is sometimes preferred in metabolic feeding programs when sugar levels test lower.
What horses benefit most from teff hay?
Teff hay can work well for:
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Horses with EMS
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Insulin resistant horses
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Horses with PPID
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Horses prone to laminitis
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Easy keepers requiring calorie control
Reviewed by Dr. Stephen Duren and Dr. Tania Cubitt, internationally recognized equine nutrition scientists at Performance Horse Nutrition
Content produced in collaboration with
Petzbe Agency
