Why you should be steaming your horse's hay

Steaming hay is an effective way to reduce the amount of dust, mould, and other harmful particles that can be present in hay. Horses that have respiratory issues such as allergies or asthma, which can be aggravated by inhaling these particles, can see huge overall health benefits from this practice as steaming hay can help reduce respiratory irritants.

Additionally, steaming hay can also increase the nutritional value of the hay by preserving more of the nutrients that may be lost during the traditional drying process. This can be especially important for horses that require a high-quality diet, such as those in training or those with health conditions that require specific nutritional needs.

Why steam your horse's hay?

Steaming hay offers several benefits for horses, including:

1. Reduced respiratory irritation: Steaming hay can help reduce the amount of dust, mould, and other harmful particles that can be present in the hay, which can cause respiratory irritation in horses. This is especially important for horses with allergies or respiratory issues, such as heaves or COPD.
2. Improved digestive health: Steaming hay can help increase the digestibility of the hay, making it easier for horses to break down and absorb nutrients. This can be especially important for horses with digestive issues or those that require a high-quality diet.
3. Increased nutritional value: Steaming hay can help preserve more of the hay's nutrients that may be lost during the traditional drying process. This can be especially important for horses that require a high-quality diet, such as those in training or those with health conditions that require specific nutritional needs.
4. Reduced waste: Steaming hay can help reduce the amount of hay that is wasted due to dust and other particles that horses may avoid. This can be especially important for owners looking to minimize their hay expenses.

Is steaming hay beneficial to laminic horses?

Steaming hay can be beneficial for laminitic horses, but it's important to work with a veterinarian or equine nutritionist to determine the appropriate type of hay and steaming process to use.

Laminitis is a condition that affects the horse's hooves, causing inflammation and damage to the sensitive laminae. It's often triggered by overconsumption of carbohydrates, so it's important to manage a laminitic horse's diet carefully. In some cases, feeding hay that has been steamed or soaked to reduce its sugar and carbohydrate content can be helpful.

Steaming hay can also be beneficial for laminitic horses by reducing the amount of dust and mould that may be present in the hay, which can be a trigger for some horses. However, it's important to note that steaming hay does not reduce its sugar content, so it's important to choose low-sugar hay to begin with. It's also important to use a steaming process that does not leach out the hay's nutrients, which can be important for horses that require a high-quality diet to manage their condition.

In summary, steaming hay can be beneficial for laminitic horses, but it's important to work with a veterinarian or equine nutritionist to determine the appropriate type of hay and steaming process to use based on the horse's individual needs. A comprehensive approach to managing laminitis may include a combination of diet management, medication, and other treatments, so it's important to work with a qualified professional to develop an effective management plan.

How long should I steam my horse's hay?

The length of time that hay should be steamed can vary depending on the type of hay, the steaming equipment, and other factors. As a general guideline, hay should be steamed for at least 30 minutes to effectively reduce dust, mould, and other harmful particles that can be present in hay.

However, the ideal steaming time can also depend on the specific needs of your horse. For example, some horses with respiratory issues may benefit from longer steaming times, while others may not require as much steaming.

It's also important to follow the manufacturer's instructions for your steaming equipment and to monitor the hay during the steaming process to ensure that it does not become too wet or over-steamed.

Steamed vs soaked hay

Steamed hay and soaked hay are two methods of reducing the sugar and carbohydrate content, as well as dust and mould, in the hay. Here are some differences between the two:

1. Nutrient preservation: Steamed hay generally preserves more nutrients than soaked hay. This is because steaming uses heat to kill bacteria and mould, while soaking may result in the leaching of nutrients from the hay.
2. Time: Steaming hay typically takes less time than soaking. Depending on the type of hay and equipment used, steaming may take around 30-60 minutes, while soaking may require several hours.
3. Sugar content: Steaming hay may not reduce sugar content as much as soaking. Soaking hay in water for several hours can remove some of the soluble carbohydrates (sugars) in the hay, which may be beneficial for horses with metabolic conditions that require a low-sugar diet.
4. Digestibility: Soaked hay may be more digestible than steamed hay. This is because soaking hay in water can soften it, making it easier for horses to break down and absorb the nutrients.

Steamed hay is generally considered better than soaked hay for horses for several reasons:

1. Nutrient preservation: Steamed hay generally preserves more nutrients than soaked hay. This is because steaming uses heat to kill bacteria and mould, while soaking may result in the leaching of nutrients from the hay.
2. Dust and mould reduction: Steaming hay is a more effective method for reducing dust and mould in hay than soaking. Steaming can kill up to 99% of mould and bacteria present in the hay, which can be beneficial for horses with respiratory issues or allergies.
3. Convenience: Steaming hay generally requires less time than soaking. Depending on the type of hay and equipment used, steaming may take around 30-60 minutes, while soaking may require several hours.
4. Consistency: Steaming hay produces a more consistent product than soaking. The amount of sugar and carbohydrate reduction is more predictable with steaming, whereas, with soaking, the amount of reduction can vary depending on factors such as the type of hay and the length of soaking time.
5. Reduced waste: Steaming hay can help reduce the amount of hay that is wasted due to dust and other particles that horses may avoid. This can be especially important for owners looking to minimize their hay expenses.

Conclusion

Overall, while soaking hay can be a beneficial method for reducing sugar and carbohydrate content, steaming hay is generally considered the better method for reducing dust and mould and preserving nutrients. Steaming may be more appropriate for horses with respiratory issues, while soaking may be more appropriate for horses with metabolic conditions that require a low-sugar diet.

Which is the best hay steamer to use? 

Science-based solutions are part of modern-day horse management, and steaming hay to eliminate respiratory irritants and harmful pollutants is the best way to ensure your horse can breathe easily. Therefore, we are thrilled to introduce you to the next innovation in horse health - the nuveq® Summit Hay Steamer.