Do I really need a hay analysis?

Short answer

If you want to make informed nutrition decisions — yes.

Hay is the foundation of most equine diets. Without testing it, supplementation is guesswork. A hay analysis tells you protein, energy, mineral levels, and non-structural carbohydrates (NSC), which are especially important in metabolic horses (Mad Barn; ECIR Group).

Real-Life Example

Your horse gains weight easily and seems “sensitive.” You assume they need a low-starch feed and add supplements.

But without knowing your hay’s NSC or mineral profile, you could be:

• Over-supplementing
• Missing a deficiency
• Feeding higher sugar than you realize

Testing the hay first clarifies what’s actually needed — and what isn’t.

It Depends

A hay analysis is especially important if:

• Your horse has EMS, IR, or PPID
• You’re managing laminitis risk
• Your horse is a hard keeper or easy keeper
• You’re adding multiple supplements
• You want to balance minerals precisely

If you feed large amounts of hay daily (most horses do), knowing its composition provides stability and prevents stacking unnecessary products.

When to Seek Guidance

If your horse shows:

• Unexplained weight gain or loss
• Poor hoof quality
• Behavioral changes
• Recurrent metabolic concerns

Work with a veterinarian or equine nutritionist to interpret results properly.

A hay analysis provides data — but context matters.

Sources:
Mad Barn – Forage Testing & Mineral Balancing
ECIR Group – “Know Your Hay” guidance
National Research Council (NRC) Nutrient Requirements of Horses