Premium Teff Grass Hay – Low-Sugar Forage for Sensitive Horses

Premium Teff Grass Hay is quickly becoming the go-to choice for horse owners managing metabolic conditions. That sweet, fresh aroma when you open a bale tells you this is something special. Grown in the fertile valleys of the western United States, our Teff grass offers a unique combination of palatability and nutritional balance that you simply do not find in many other forages.

Managing a horse with insulin resistance or Cushing’s disease is no easy task. We know because we have been there ourselves. That is why every step of our production process is focused on delivering clean, consistent hay that gives you peace of mind. From careful field selection to proper curing and baling, we treat every bale like it is going to our own barn.

Nutritional Breakdown

Parameter	Value	Benefit
Crude Protein	10-15%	Supports muscle maintenance without excess
RFV (Relative Feed Value)	110-135	Moderate energy with excellent digestibility
ADF (Acid Detergent Fiber)	32-38%	Moderate digestibility with good fiber structure
NDF (Neutral Detergent Fiber)	58-65%	Supports healthy gut function and digestive health
Moisture Content	Under 12%	Safe storage, prevents mold and heating
TDN (Total Digestible Nutrients)	50-58%	Reliable energy for maintenance and light work
Calcium	0.3-0.5%	Supports bone health and muscle function
Phosphorus	0.2-0.3%	Balanced with calcium for proper utilization

Why Choose Premium Teff Grass Hay

What makes Teff grass so special? The answer lies in its unique nutritional profile. When you buy wholesale hay from us, you are getting a forage that delivers exceptional value across the board.

• Low Sugar and Starch: Teff grass naturally contains lower levels of non-structural carbohydrates than most other hays. This makes it the ideal choice for horses with insulin resistance, Cushing’s disease, or those prone to laminitis.
• Fine, Palatable Stems: The delicate texture and fine stems make this hay highly appealing. Even picky eaters tend to clean up every last bite, which means less waste and better nutrition for your animals.
• Excellent Digestibility: Teff grass is highly digestible with good fiber structure. This supports healthy gut function and efficient nutrient absorption, so your animals get more from every pound they eat.
• Versatile Feeding Options: Need small square bales for easy handling? Large square bales for efficiency? Round bales for pasture feeding? We offer multiple forms to suit your operation and feeding preferences.
• Ideal for Sensitive Animals: The naturally low calcium and balanced mineral profile make Teff grass suitable for animals with specific dietary requirements or those prone to urinary issues.

Understanding Hay Cuttings

Teff grass is typically harvested as a single cutting, though some growers manage multiple cuttings depending on the season. Each cutting has its own characteristics and best uses.

1st Cutting Teff Grass Hay

Our primary offering is 1st cutting Teff grass, harvested in mid-summer around July. This cutting offers the best balance of nutrition and availability.

• Harvest Timing: Mid-summer, around July
• Characteristics: Fine stems, good leaf-to-stem ratio, light green color
• Nutrition: Moderate protein at 10-12%, good fiber content
• Best For: Horses on maintenance diets, animals with metabolic issues, easy keepers
• Pros: Lower sugar content, highly palatable, excellent for sensitive horses
• Cons: Lower yield per acre compared to some other grasses

2nd Cutting Teff Grass Hay

When available, 2nd cutting offers higher protein content and even softer texture.

• Harvest Timing: Late summer to early fall, August to September
• Characteristics: Very fine stems, high leaf content, darker green color
• Nutrition: Higher protein at 12-15%, more digestible
• Best For: Performance horses, growing animals, any horse needing increased nutrition
• Pros: Higher protein, excellent palatability, superior quality
• Cons: Limited availability, higher price point

3rd Cutting Teff Grass Hay

3rd cutting is rarely available due to the growing season limitations in most regions.

• Harvest Timing: Late fall, October or later
• Characteristics: Very fine, soft, excellent leaf retention
• Nutrition: Highest protein at 14-16%, highly digestible
• Best For: Senior horses, convalescing animals, horses with dental issues
• Pros: Extremely palatable, easy to chew, highest quality
• Cons: Very limited availability, highest cost

Our Standard: We primarily offer 1st cutting Teff grass hay, which we believe offers the best balance of nutrition, palatability, and value for most horse owners. This cutting is harvested at the optimal stage to maximize nutrition while maintaining the low sugar profile that makes Teff grass so valuable for metabolic horses.

Best Use Cases by Animal

Horses

Teff grass is particularly valuable for horses with specific dietary needs. We recommend it for:

• Horses with insulin resistance or equine metabolic syndrome
• Horses with Cushing’s disease (PPID)
• Horses prone to laminitis or founder
• Easy keeper horses needing low-calorie forage
• Performance horses needing balanced nutrition without excess sugar
• Not recommended for: Horses requiring high-calorie, high-protein diets unless supplemented with grain or higher-protein forage

Feeding Tip: Teff grass is naturally low in sugar and starch, making it safe to feed free-choice to most horses with metabolic issues. However, always transition gradually over 7 to 10 days to allow digestive adaptation.

Dairy Cattle

While Teff grass does not match alfalfa’s protein levels, it offers valuable benefits for dairy operations:

• Dry cows: Provides low-energy forage ideal for the dry period
• Heifers: Supports proper rumen development without excessive energy
• Mix with alfalfa: Creates balanced rations with controlled sugar content

Feeding Tip: Teff grass works well as a complement to higher-protein forages in dairy rations. Consider mixing 50:50 with alfalfa for balanced nutrition in lactating cows.

Beef Cattle

Our bulk hay offers significant value for beef operations, particularly for animals that do not need excessive energy.

• Growing calves: Supports steady growth without excess fat deposition
• Breeding stock: Provides reliable nutrition for reproductive performance
• Finishing cattle: Balances rations with moderate energy levels

Goats and Sheep

Small ruminants appreciate the fine texture of Teff grass:

• Dairy goats: Provides low-sugar forage that supports milk quality
• Meat goats and sheep: Supports growth without excessive fat
• Breeding stock: Maintains body condition without obesity

Rabbits, Guinea Pigs, and Chinchillas

Teff grass is excellent for small herbivores:

• Adult rabbits and guinea pigs: Provides ideal fiber with lower calcium
• Chinchillas: Supports digestive health with proper fiber structure
• All life stages: Safe for growing and adult small pets

Teff Grass Hay vs Timothy Hay

Both Teff grass and Timothy hay are excellent forage options. However, they have distinct differences that make one better suited for certain situations. Here is how they compare.

Feature	Teff Grass Hay	Timothy Hay
Protein	10-15% (Moderate)	8-10% (Moderate)
Sugar and Starch	Very Low	Low to Moderate
Palatability	Excellent, soft, fine stems	Good, coarser texture
Calcium	0.3-0.5% (Low)	0.3-0.5% (Low)
Best For	Metabolic horses, sensitive animals	All purpose, adult horses, rabbits
Availability	Limited, primarily western US	Widespread, available nationwide

Our Verdict: For horses with metabolic conditions, Teff grass is clearly the superior choice. Its lower sugar content and softer texture make it ideal for sensitive animals. For maintenance horses with no metabolic concerns, Timothy hay remains a reliable, cost-effective option. Many of our customers choose to feed Teff grass to their sensitive animals and Timothy hay to the rest of the herd.

Our Grower’s Promise

Every bale we sell carries our reputation. Here is what you can expect when you buy from us:

• Bright Green Color: A sign of proper curing and high nutrient retention
• Sweet, Fresh Aroma: The unmistakable smell of quality hay, never musty or moldy
• Fine, Soft Stems: Gentle handling preserves the delicate texture that makes Teff grass so palatable
• Weed-Free: Our fields are carefully managed and scouted for weeds; we do not bale what we would not feed
• Low Dust: Proper moisture management prevents excessive dust that can irritate respiratory systems
• Consistent Quality: Every load is visually inspected for nutritional consistency

Our guarantee: If you are not completely satisfied with the quality of our Teff grass hay, we will make it right. Your animals deserve the best, and we are committed to delivering that every single time.

Storage and Handling Instructions

Proper storage is critical to preserving the quality of your Teff grass hay. Follow these guidelines to protect your investment:

1. Keep It Dry: Moisture is the enemy. Store bales in a dry, well-ventilated barn or shed. If storing outside, use tarps and elevate bales on pallets.
2. Off the Ground: Place bales on wooden pallets, concrete slabs, or gravel to prevent wicking moisture from the ground.
3. Allow Airflow: Stack bales with gaps between rows to promote air circulation and prevent heat buildup.
4. Check Moisture: Bales should feel dry to the touch. If you notice heating, mold, or a musty smell, separate those bales immediately.
5. Monitor Shelf-Life: Properly stored Teff grass hay can last 6 to 12 months without significant nutrient loss. For best results, feed within 12 months of harvest.

Warning: Never feed moldy or heated hay to animals. It can cause serious health issues including colic, respiratory problems, and mycotoxin poisoning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Teff grass hay safe for horses with insulin resistance?

Yes, Teff grass is one of the safest hays for horses with insulin resistance, equine metabolic syndrome, or Cushing’s disease. It naturally contains lower levels of sugar and starch compared to most other grasses. However, we still recommend testing each load to verify sugar content for absolute peace of mind.

How does Teff grass compare to Timothy hay for my horse?

Teff grass is generally lower in sugar and starch than Timothy hay, with a softer, more palatable texture. Both are excellent forages, but Teff grass is preferred for horses with metabolic issues. Timothy hay remains a reliable all-purpose choice and is more widely available and often more affordable.

Can Teff grass hay be fed free-choice to horses?

Yes, Teff grass hay can generally be fed free-choice to horses, including those with metabolic issues. Its low sugar and starch content makes it safe for ad libitum feeding in most cases. However, monitor your horse’s body condition and adjust intake as needed. Always transition gradually over 7 to 10 days.

Is Teff grass hay suitable for rabbits and guinea pigs?

Absolutely. Teff grass hay is excellent for rabbits, guinea pigs, and chinchillas. Its fine stems and low calcium content make it ideal for adult small pets who need a high-fiber, moderate-calcium diet. The soft texture is also appreciated by smaller animals with delicate mouths.

What is the shelf life of Teff grass hay?

When stored properly in a dry, well-ventilated area off the ground, Teff grass hay can maintain quality for 6 to 12 months. Key signs of freshness include bright green color, sweet smell, and fine, soft texture. After 12 months, nutrients begin to degrade, particularly vitamin A. For best results, feed within 12 months of harvest.

Quality hay is the foundation of a healthy operation. We take that responsibility seriously, and it shows in every bale. When you choose our premium Teff grass hay, you are choosing a forage that supports the health of your most sensitive animals. It is not just feed. It is peace of mind in every bite.