What Horse Feed is Best?

Understanding the Basics of Horse Feed

When it comes to your horse’s health, choosing the right horse feed is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. A proper diet supports performance, weight maintenance, coat quality, and digestive health. Whether your horse is a casual trail companion or a high-performance athlete, their feed matters.

Horse feed comes in many forms, but not all options are created equal. The most common types of feed include traditional hay bales, pelleted feeds, and alfalfa cubes. Each format has benefits and potential drawbacks depending on your horse’s needs, lifestyle, and age.

Knowing what makes up a balanced horse feed is essential. Most horses require a combination of roughage (forage), energy sources, and in some cases, added protein or fat. Hay is the foundation of most equine diets, while pellets and cubes can enhance or simplify feeding routines.

Quality is key. Horse feed should be clean, mold-free, and suited to your horse's digestive system. Choosing the wrong feed can lead to issues such as colic, weight loss, and metabolic disturbances.

At RR Ranch in Erda, Utah, we specialize in providing premium horse feed options, including locally sourced hay bales, nutrient-dense pellets, and easy-to-feed alfalfa cubes—all crafted with your horse’s health in mind.

The Role of Forage in a Horse’s Diet

Forage makes up the majority of a horse’s diet and is crucial for maintaining digestive health. Horses are natural grazers, designed to eat high-fiber, low-energy feed over many hours throughout the day. That’s why hay bales are a cornerstone of horse feed. The University of Minnesota Extension says, “Feed your horse based on its nutritional needs, which include digestible energy, carbohydrates, fats, amino acids, minerals, vitamins and water.”

Feeding good-quality hay bales mimics natural grazing and keeps the digestive system moving, reducing the risk of colic or ulcers. It also keeps your horse mentally content and occupied, preventing boredom and associated behavior problems.

Hay bales provide long-stem fiber, which stimulates chewing and saliva production. This saliva helps buffer stomach acid and supports healthy digestion. When horse feed is too concentrated or lacks fiber, it can throw off this essential balance.

At RR Ranch, our hay bales come in a variety of types—including alfalfa, grass, and orchard—ensuring that every horse gets the right balance of nutrients and fiber. Whether you're feeding a hard keeper or an easy-doer, we have the right hay bale for you.

Incorporating high-quality forage into your horse’s feed plan isn’t optional—it’s foundational. RR Ranch is your source for reliable, premium hay bales for every kind of horse.

Hay Bales: The Gold Standard in Horse Feed

Hay bales remain the most trusted form of horse feed due to their simplicity and effectiveness. They’re ideal for long chewing sessions, promote good dental wear, and are easy to portion based on activity level and size.

There are two main types of hay used in horse feed: grass hay and legume hay. Grass hay (like orchard or timothy) is ideal for horses in maintenance mode, while alfalfa is better suited for young, growing, lactating, or hard-working horses due to its higher protein and calcium.

Feeding hay bales gives you a more natural approach to horse nutrition. It encourages grazing behavior, keeps horses fuller longer, and allows for customized feeding programs. Plus, many horses simply prefer hay in its long-stemmed, natural form.

Proper storage and sourcing are essential. Poor-quality hay can introduce mold spores and toxins into your horse feed. That’s why all hay at RR Ranch is locally sourced, cured correctly, and stored to maintain maximum freshness and nutrient integrity.

If you're asking “What horse feed is best?”, high-quality hay bales from RR Ranch are always part of the answer. They provide the bulk of what your horse needs in a reliable, familiar form.

Hay Pellets: Convenient and Consistent

Hay pellets are a modern innovation in horse feed. They are made by grinding and compressing hay into a dense, easy-to-handle pellet that offers the same nutritional value as traditional forage—but in a more convenient format.

Pellets are excellent for horses with dental issues, older horses, or those with limited pasture access. They’re also dust-free, which makes them a great horse feed option for animals with respiratory sensitivities.

Because hay pellets are uniform in size and content, you can feed with precision. There’s no guesswork—each scoop contains a predictable amount of calories, protein, and fiber. This consistency is especially helpful in managing weight or special dietary needs.

RR Ranch carries a full line of hay pellets, including alfalfa and grass varieties, to fit a wide range of equine nutrition plans. Whether you’re supplementing your hay bales or using pellets as your primary horse feed, we’ve got what you need.

For busy barns and horse owners, hay pellets are a convenient, clean, and nutritionally complete alternative to flakes and loose hay. And when you buy local from RR Ranch, you’re getting the freshest, most carefully handled feed available.

Alfalfa Cubes: Power-Packed and Easy to Store

Alfalfa cubes are another form of compressed horse feed that’s ideal for horses requiring extra protein, energy, or calories. They’re made by chopping and compressing alfalfa hay into uniform cubes that are easy to feed, soak, and store.

Cubes are particularly useful for traveling, as they’re tidy, lightweight, and easy to measure. You can soak them for hydration, making them a perfect feed for horses prone to dehydration, poor appetite, or dental concerns.

As a horse feed, alfalfa cubes deliver a concentrated dose of protein and calcium, making them suitable for performance horses, broodmares, and growing foals. The University of Kentucky Department of Animal & Food Sciences says, “It is easier for the horse owner to monitor and regulate the daily intake of cubed forage than long-stem hay.” However, they should be fed in balance with grass hay or other roughage to avoid excess nutrients.

At RR Ranch, our alfalfa cubes are sourced from Utah-grown alfalfa, harvested at peak quality and processed with care. We offer cubes in a variety of sizes and packaging formats to suit every barn’s needs.

When you’re exploring your horse feed options, alfalfa cubes offer the perfect blend of convenience and high performance—especially when they come fresh from RR Ranch.

Which Horses Benefit Most from Hay Bales?

Hay bales are an excellent horse feed choice for a wide range of equines—from trail horses to broodmares and everything in between. Because they mimic a horse’s natural grazing pattern, they work well as the foundational element of almost every horse's diet.

Easy keepers—those that maintain weight with minimal feed—thrive on high-fiber grass hay bales. These hays provide volume without excess calories, making them ideal for ponies, minis, or horses in light work.

Performance horses, nursing mares, and growing foals benefit from alfalfa hay bales thanks to their elevated protein and calcium content. These horses require a more nutrient-dense horse feed, and alfalfa helps meet those needs efficiently.

Horses with behavioral issues like stall boredom or cribbing also benefit from hay bales, as they keep them busy for longer periods. This reduces stress and promotes mental well-being, especially in stalled environments.

RR Ranch offers hay bales for every horse type—grass, alfalfa, and blends—all harvested and stored for optimal freshness. When you shop with us, you're getting horse feed tailored for your specific needs, backed by local expertise.

When Are Pellets the Best Horse Feed Option?

Hay pellets shine in specific scenarios, especially when feeding older horses, those with bad teeth, or horses with respiratory sensitivities. Their small size, soft texture, and dust-free nature make them a favorite among veterinarians and equine nutritionists.

Pellets are also excellent for weight gain. Since they’re dense and easy to digest, they’re ideal for hard keepers or horses recovering from illness. As a horse feed, they allow for precision feeding that supports steady conditioning.

Soaked pellets are perfect for horses who struggle to chew long-stem hay or who need additional hydration. The soft mash makes consumption easy and reduces choke risk—especially important for senior horses.

In busy barns or boarding facilities, pellets streamline feeding routines. Each bucket or scoop contains predictable nutrition, making them one of the most time-efficient forms of horse feed available.

At RR Ranch, we stock high-quality hay pellets made from Utah-grown forage. Whether you’re replacing or supplementing hay bales, our pellet options provide a safe, convenient horse feed alternative.

How Alfalfa Cubes Support Performance Horses

Performance horses have intense nutritional demands—higher energy output, muscle recovery, and stamina. Alfalfa cubes are a top-tier horse feed for these athletes, delivering concentrated calories and quality protein in every bite.

Because they’re made from pure alfalfa, cubes help maintain topline muscle, support hooves and coat health, and fuel long training days. Many trainers use alfalfa cubes as a post-workout recovery feed or to support sustained energy levels.

Cubes are also a good solution for horses that can’t tolerate grain-based concentrates. As a forage-based horse feed, alfalfa cubes reduce the risk of digestive upset while providing equivalent nutritional punch.

RR Ranch’s alfalfa cubes are clean, fresh, and easy to soak—making them perfect for use at events or during travel. You can feed them dry or wet, and horses typically take to them immediately due to their aroma and flavor.

If you’re wondering what horse feed is best for your show or racehorse, alfalfa cubes from RR Ranch should be a staple in your feeding program.

Comparing Hay Bales vs Pellets

Hay bales and pellets both offer excellent nutrition, but each has unique advantages. Hay bales provide long-stem fiber that promotes chewing and saliva production. Pellets, on the other hand, are compact, convenient, and easy to feed.

Bales offer natural feeding behavior and are better for boredom prevention. However, they require more storage space and manual labor. Pellets are less messy, easier to measure, and ideal for feeding in wet weather or confined spaces.

Cost can vary depending on availability and harvest conditions. Pellets tend to be slightly more expensive per pound, but they’re also less wasteful when fed correctly. Both formats offer top-quality horse feed when sourced from reputable providers.

RR Ranch sells both hay bales and pellets, allowing customers to build a custom horse feed plan. Many customers use bales as the base diet and pellets as a supplement or backup for travel and emergencies.

Choosing between hay bales and pellets depends on your barn setup, horse’s health, and your convenience needs. RR Ranch’s feed experts are happy to help you weigh the options.

How to Mix and Match Horse Feed for Optimal Nutrition

For many horse owners, the best strategy involves using a combination of hay bales, pellets, and alfalfa cubes. This approach balances nutrition, convenience, and horse preferences, leading to a more flexible feeding plan.

A typical feeding strategy might include grass hay bales for bulk forage, pellets to boost fiber or protein intake, and alfalfa cubes as a high-energy top-dress. Mixing these horse feed options allows you to tailor nutrition more precisely.

Soaking cubes or pellets can help support hydration or transition horses with chewing problems. Meanwhile, keeping hay bales in the stall or pasture gives horses something to munch on throughout the day.

Rotating feed types also helps prevent feed fatigue. Some horses grow bored with the same hay and benefit from variety, which supports better overall intake and digestion.

At RR Ranch, we make it easy to blend hay bales, pellets, and alfalfa cubes into a cohesive horse feed program. Our staff can help you build a feeding routine that supports health, performance, and peace of mind.

Feeding Strategies for Senior Horses

Senior horses often have specific dietary challenges—worn teeth, reduced digestive efficiency, and changes in metabolism. That’s why choosing the right horse feed for aging equines is critical to their long-term health.

Hay bales may become harder to chew, especially if they’re stemmy or coarse. In this case, switching to hay pellets or soaked alfalfa cubes can ensure your senior horse still receives the necessary fiber and protein in a soft, digestible format.

Alfalfa cubes are particularly helpful when you need to maintain or increase weight. Their high caloric density and easy-to-chew texture make them an excellent choice for older horses struggling to hold condition during cold months or illness recovery.

Pellets are also a great option for senior horses. They’re less dusty than traditional hay and easier to portion for small, frequent meals. Many owners feed a combination of soaked pellets and cubes to maximize hydration and digestion.

RR Ranch understands the nutritional demands of senior horses. That’s why we offer hay bales, pellets, and alfalfa cubes that support aging equines with the gentle, balanced nutrition they need.

How Storage and Convenience Affect Feed Choices

When selecting horse feed, storage plays a major role. Hay bales require a dry, spacious area to stay mold-free. Pellets and cubes, however, come in bagged form and are easier to stack, store, and protect from the elements.

Pellets and alfalfa cubes are ideal for barns with limited space or for mobile feeding setups. They’re tidy, moisture-resistant (when stored properly), and reduce the mess that hay bales sometimes create.

Hay bales are best stored off the ground, covered, and away from moisture and pests. If stored correctly, they’re an economical and nutritionally sound horse feed. However, they can be harder to move or feed in precise portions.

RR Ranch offers all three types of feed with storage-friendly packaging and expert tips on best practices. Whether you’re managing a full barn or just one horse at home, we make it easy to keep your feed fresh and your barn organized.

Choosing the right horse feed isn’t just about nutrition—it’s also about practicality. Our goal is to make it easier for you to feed your horses well, day in and day out.

Alfalfa: When Is It Too Much?

Alfalfa-based horse feed is rich in protein and calcium, making it a powerhouse for performance and growing horses. But too much alfalfa can lead to imbalances, particularly in idle or metabolically sensitive horses.

Feeding exclusively alfalfa hay bales, pellets, or cubes can cause excess calcium intake, which may disrupt the balance of other minerals. Some horses may also become too energetic or gain unwanted weight if overfed this rich forage.

That’s why it’s important to feed alfalfa in moderation or as part of a blended diet. Pairing alfalfa with grass hay bales or using pellets to control protein intake can help maintain nutritional balance.

Alfalfa cubes from RR Ranch are ideal for controlled supplementation. You can feed by weight or volume and adjust based on workload, season, and body condition.

Our team can help you determine the right mix of horse feed, ensuring your horses get the benefits of alfalfa without the risks of overfeeding. Balance is the key—and we’re here to help you find it.

Hydration Tips for Pellets and Cubes

Soaking horse feed—especially hay pellets and alfalfa cubes—is an excellent way to boost hydration and prevent issues like choke or impaction colic. For horses with dental problems or during hot Utah summers, this extra moisture is vital.

Most cubes and pellets absorb water quickly and expand into a soft, mash-like consistency. This makes them easier to chew and digest while increasing fluid intake. It’s also helpful when transitioning horses to new feed or when appetite is low.

RR Ranch recommends soaking cubes and pellets for 15–30 minutes depending on texture and your horse’s preferences. Always use clean, fresh water and feed the mash immediately to prevent spoilage or fermentation.

Soaked horse feed also works well for administering supplements, electrolytes, or medications—especially for picky eaters. The mash masks flavors and ensures full consumption.

Whether dry or soaked, hay pellets and alfalfa cubes from RR Ranch offer the flexibility and nutrition your horses need, in every season and situation.

The RR Ranch Advantage: Local, Trusted, and Fresh

When it comes to selecting the best horse feed, trust matters. At RR Ranch, we’re more than just a feed store—we’re your neighbors, your fellow riders, and your partners in animal care. We take pride in offering locally sourced hay bales, pellets, and alfalfa cubes with uncompromising quality.

Our products are grown, harvested, and processed right here in Utah, so you know your horse feed hasn’t sat in a warehouse or traveled hundreds of miles. Freshness means more nutrients, better palatability, and safer feeding.

We work directly with Utah farmers and forage producers to bring you consistent, clean, and nutrient-rich horse feed in every format. Plus, our knowledgeable team is always available to help you choose the right product for your specific animals and setup.

Whether you’re feeding one horse or a whole herd, RR Ranch has the feed you need and the service you deserve. We’re proud to be Erda’s trusted source for premium equine nutrition.

If you want feed you can feel good about—from pasture to trough—RR Ranch is the answer. We feed our own animals with the same hay bales, pellets, and cubes we sell to you.

Feed Better. Buy Local. Choose RR Ranch.

When you're asking yourself, "What horse feed is best?"—look no further than RR Ranch in Erda, Utah. We offer premium hay bales, nutritious pellets, and power-packed alfalfa cubes that are locally grown, carefully processed, and trusted by Utah’s horse community.

Our expert staff is here to help you find the perfect feed solution—whether you're managing a show barn, breeding facility, or backyard paddock. With RR Ranch, you're not just buying horse feed—you're buying confidence, consistency, and care.

Visit our store in Erda or give us a call today to learn more about our feed options, delivery availability, and seasonal specials. Support your local agricultural community. Feed your horses with the highest quality forage around.

Choose RR Ranch. Because your horse feed should be as dependable as your horse.