The Best Feed for Your Horse's Lifestyle: Understanding Orchard, Bermuda, and Alfalfa Hay
- Tyler Hopkins
- Apr 29
- 3 min read
When it comes to keeping your horse healthy, happy, and full of energy, choosing the right type of hay is essential. At Las Vegas Horse Ranch, we offer premium hay options tailored to your horse’s unique needs — whether you're caring for a working horse, a senior, or a pasture companion.
Here's a quick guide to understanding the differences between Orchard Grass, Bermuda Grass, and Alfalfa Hay, so you can make the best choice for your horse’s lifestyle.
🌳 Orchard Grass Hay
Orchard grass hay is a soft, leafy, and highly palatable forage that's ideal for horses of all ages. It’s rich in fiber but lower in calories and protein compared to alfalfa, making it a great option for horses who are prone to weight gain or those needing a more moderate diet.
Benefits of Orchard Grass:
Gentle on sensitive stomachs
Supports consistent energy levels
Highly digestible and flavorful
Best For: Pleasure horses, senior horses, and horses with metabolic conditions.
🌾 Bermuda Grass Hay
Bermuda grass hay is a popular choice in warm climates like Las Vegas. It’s fine-stemmed, leafy, and provides a good balance of nutrition for horses in maintenance or light work. It's also less dusty than some other grasses, which can benefit horses with respiratory sensitivities.
Benefits of Bermuda Grass:
Great source of roughage
Helps maintain healthy digestion
Ideal for horses with lower protein needs
Best For: Horses at rest, light-working horses, and horses prone to laminitis.
🌿 Alfalfa Hay
Alfalfa hay is a powerhouse when it comes to protein and calcium content. It’s ideal for growing horses, lactating mares, and performance horses needing an extra nutritional boost. Due to its richness, it should be fed thoughtfully, often in combination with a grass hay.
Benefits of Alfalfa Hay:
High protein and energy levels
Supports muscle development and recovery
Excellent for weight gain and high-performance needs
Best For: Working horses, young growing horses, pregnant or nursing mares.
🐴 Find the Right Hay for Your Horse at Las Vegas Horse Ranch
Choosing the right hay can make all the difference in your horse’s health and happiness. Whether you’re looking for the consistent quality of Orchard Grass Hay, the digestive benefits of Bermuda Grass Hay, or the nutrient-packed richness of Alfalfa Hay — we have what you need.
Visit our store or stop by Las Vegas Horse Ranch today to stock up on the highest-quality hay in the valley!
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Horse Hay
What is the best hay for horses in Las Vegas?
The best hay depends on your horse’s needs. Orchard Grass Hay is ideal for sensitive or senior horses, Bermuda Grass Hay works well for maintenance diets, and Alfalfa Hay is great for horses needing high protein or weight gain. At Las Vegas Horse Ranch, we carry all three to suit different lifestyles.
Is alfalfa hay too rich for my horse?
Alfalfa hay is rich in protein and calcium, which can be too much for some horses if not balanced with grass hay. It's best for growing horses, lactating mares, or those in heavy work. For easier keepers, combine it with a lower-calorie hay like orchard or bermuda.
What’s the difference between orchard grass and bermuda hay?
Orchard grass is soft, leafy, and easy to digest — perfect for sensitive horses. Bermuda hay is finer-stemmed and slightly more fibrous, making it a great everyday option for horses not needing high protein levels.
Can I mix hay types in my horse’s diet?
Yes! Many owners mix alfalfa with bermuda or orchard grass to balance out energy and protein levels. This helps support performance without risking weight gain or digestive issues.
Where can I buy quality hay in Las Vegas?
You can find high-quality Orchard Grass, Bermuda, and Alfalfa hay at Las Vegas Horse Ranch.
Shop online or visit us in person.
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