Are Round Hay Bales Healthy for Horses to Eat?

Updated June 30, 2025

Dr. Lydia Gray talks about her reservations with feeding horses round bales of hay that are kept outside uncovered in the weather, as opposed to flakes of hay that are kept in the barn. Dr. Gray discusses the pros and cons with feeding round bales, including herd dynamics and access to appropriate portions of forage for each horse. She also touches on mineral content in round bales and a horse's daily nutrient requirements for overall health.