{"id":4386,"date":"2025-12-02T14:55:33","date_gmt":"2025-12-02T14:55:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/metazoa.nl\/?p=4386"},"modified":"2025-12-28T15:36:38","modified_gmt":"2025-12-28T15:36:38","slug":"hay-is-not-just-hay","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/metazoa.nl\/en\/hay-is-not-just-hay\/","title":{"rendered":"Hay is not just hay: Hay to You and Metazoa provide the foundation for truly natural feeding."},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wpb-content-wrapper\"><p>[vc_row el_class=&#8221;global headersection headerimage&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1766936195949{background-image: url(https:\/\/metazoa.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Ruwvoer.jpg?id=4394) !important;background-position: center !important;background-repeat: no-repeat !important;background-size: cover !important;}&#8221;][vc_column el_class=&#8221;outer-col-1&#8243;][vc_empty_space height=&#8221;220px&#8221; el_class=&#8221;deskonly&#8221;][vc_empty_space height=&#8221;80px&#8221;][vc_row_inner el_class=&#8221;row-0 home&#8221;][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;1\/12&#8243;][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner el_class=&#8221;centered&#8221; width=&#8221;10\/12&#8243;][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h1 style=\"text-align: center;\">Hay is not just hay:<br \/>\nHay to You and Metazoa provide the foundation for truly natural feeding.<\/h1>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=&#8221;50px&#8221;][vc_empty_space height=&#8221;34px&#8221;][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;1\/12&#8243;][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row el_class=&#8221;global grid&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1748809565914{background-color: #FFFFFF !important;background-position: center !important;background-repeat: no-repeat !important;background-size: cover !important;}&#8221; el_id=&#8221;copsytuk&#8221;][vc_column el_class=&#8221;outer-col-1&#8243;][vc_empty_space height=&#8221;40px&#8221;][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221; el_class=&#8221;terugnaar&#8221;]<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/metazoa.nl\/en\/blog\/\"><i class=\"fa-solid fa-caret-left\"><\/i> Back to overview<\/a><\/strong>[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=&#8221;20px&#8221;][vc_empty_space height=&#8221;20px&#8221;][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"93\" data-end=\"231\"><strong data-start=\"93\" data-end=\"145\">Good nutrition starts with the basics: roughage. <\/strong>For horses and donkeys, that usually means hay but what exactly makes hay \u201cgood\u201d?<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"233\" data-end=\"426\">Anyone searching for the right hay quickly encounters terms like meadow hay, seed hay or alfalfa hay. The options are many, and the differences in quality even greater.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"428\" data-end=\"607\">That\u2019s why <strong data-start=\"439\" data-end=\"457\">Metazoa Horses<\/strong> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.haytoyou.nl\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong data-start=\"462\" data-end=\"476\">Hay to You<\/strong><\/a> have joined forces to bring clarity.<br data-start=\"513\" data-end=\"516\" \/>Not all hay is the same \u2014 and your horse deserves roughage that supports its natural needs.<\/p>\n<h2 data-start=\"614\" data-end=\"652\"><strong data-start=\"617\" data-end=\"652\">1. Why roughage matters so much<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"653\" data-end=\"844\">Horses are natural grazers. In the wild, they spend up to 16 hours a day grazing:<br data-start=\"734\" data-end=\"737\" \/>small bites, rich in fibre, slowly digested, producing a steady flow of saliva and continuous gut activity.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"846\" data-end=\"907\">Good hay takes over this role when pasture access is limited:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-start=\"911\" data-end=\"953\">It provides fibres for healthy digestion<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"911\" data-end=\"953\">It brings structure and calm to the digestive process<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"911\" data-end=\"953\">It keeps energy levels stable<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"1047\" data-end=\"1134\">But the <strong data-start=\"1055\" data-end=\"1066\">quality<\/strong> of the hay determines how much your horse truly gets from its diet.<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"1141\" data-end=\"1184\"><strong data-start=\"1144\" data-end=\"1184\">\u00a0 \u00a0 A. MEADOW HAY: the closest to nature<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"1185\" data-end=\"1276\">Meadow hay comes from a variety of grasslands and can therefore vary widely in composition.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1278\" data-end=\"1301\">The best meadow hay is:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-start=\"1303\" data-end=\"1373\">High in structure<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1303\" data-end=\"1373\">Low in sugar<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1303\" data-end=\"1373\">Diverse in grass species<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"1375\" data-end=\"1567\"><strong>Hay to You selects hay from production meadows with poor soils and moderate fertilisation.<\/strong> This most closely resembles what horses would eat in nature: balanced, modest and naturally varied.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1569\" data-end=\"1610\">When buying meadow hay, always check:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-start=\"1614\" data-end=\"1654\">The origin and method of fertilisation<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1614\" data-end=\"1654\">Sugar levels (ask for an analysis)<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1614\" data-end=\"1654\">Avoid ecologically managed herb meadows (risk of toxic plants such as ragwort)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 data-start=\"1783\" data-end=\"1825\"><strong data-start=\"1786\" data-end=\"1825\">\u00a0 \u00a0 B. SEED HAY: ideal for easy keepers<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"1826\" data-end=\"1937\">Seed hay is a by-product of grass seed production and consists of dry, fibrous stems of a single grass species.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1939\" data-end=\"1953\">This makes it:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-start=\"1957\" data-end=\"1972\">Low in energy<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1957\" data-end=\"1972\">High in structure<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1957\" data-end=\"1972\">Less palatable (so horses don\u2019t overeat)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"2041\" data-end=\"2171\">Perfect for easy keepers or overweight horses. Do alternate with meadow hay or different batches to maintain sufficient variety.<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"2178\" data-end=\"2222\"><strong data-start=\"2181\" data-end=\"2222\">\u00a0 \u00a0 C. ALFALFA HAY: a powerful supplement<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"2223\" data-end=\"2396\">Alfalfa is not a grass but a legume, naturally rich in protein, vitamins, minerals and calcium. Alfalfa hay is ideal for horses needing extra nutritional support, such as:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-start=\"2400\" data-end=\"2414\">Sport horses<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2400\" data-end=\"2414\">Young horses in development<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2400\" data-end=\"2414\">Horses recovering from injury or intense work<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"2498\" data-end=\"2577\">Use it as a <strong data-start=\"2510\" data-end=\"2524\">supplement<\/strong>, not a complete replacement for grass or meadow hay.<\/p>\n<div class=\"pointer-events-none h-px w-px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" data-edge=\"true\">\n<h2 data-start=\"2584\" data-end=\"2623\"><strong data-start=\"2587\" data-end=\"2623\">2. Roughage replacers for horses<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"2624\" data-end=\"2676\">Sometimes hay alone isn\u2019t enough, for example when:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-start=\"2680\" data-end=\"2709\">Hay lacks nutritional value<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2680\" data-end=\"2709\">Quality is inconsistent<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2680\" data-end=\"2709\">A horse struggles to chew (age, teeth)<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2680\" data-end=\"2709\">Roughage availability is limited<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2680\" data-end=\"2709\">Extra variation is needed<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"2849\" data-end=\"2925\">In these cases, roughage replacers can offer a safe and natural alternative. Metazoa offers <strong data-start=\"2942\" data-end=\"2985\">two pure, fibre-rich roughage replacers<\/strong>:<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;][vc_single_image image=&#8221;3080&#8243; img_size=&#8221;medium&#8221; alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; css=&#8221;&#8221;][vc_empty_space height=&#8221;40px&#8221;][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"2993\" data-end=\"3021\"><strong data-start=\"2997\" data-end=\"3019\">NaturalFit HayCobs<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"3022\" data-end=\"3071\"><strong>= 100% chopped Timothy grass, pressed into cobs<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-start=\"3075\" data-end=\"3091\">Must be soaked<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3075\" data-end=\"3091\">Ideal for horses with chewing issues or dust sensitivity<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3075\" data-end=\"3091\">Fibre-rich, pure and grain-free<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"3190\" data-end=\"3265\"><a href=\"https:\/\/metazoa.nl\/en\/product\/naturalfit-haycobs\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>NaturalFit HayCobs<\/strong><\/a> is a soft, safe mash that perfectly fits the horse\u2019s natural eating behaviour.<\/p>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;][vc_single_image image=&#8221;3072&#8243; img_size=&#8221;medium&#8221; alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; css=&#8221;&#8221;][vc_empty_space height=&#8221;40px&#8221;][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"2993\" data-end=\"3021\">NaturalFit Care<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"3298\" data-end=\"3337\"><strong>= 100% chopped Timothy grass, fed dry<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-start=\"3341\" data-end=\"3376\">High in structure and low in dust<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3341\" data-end=\"3376\">Helps horses eat more calmly<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3341\" data-end=\"3376\">A valuable addition to hay, especially in winter<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"3464\" data-end=\"3553\"><a href=\"https:\/\/metazoa.nl\/en\/product\/naturalfit-care\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">NaturalFit Care<\/a> adds variety, fibre and natural support with zero artificial additives.<\/p>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space height=&#8221;40px&#8221;][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"3560\" data-end=\"3602\"><strong data-start=\"3563\" data-end=\"3602\">The perfect addition to quality hay<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"3603\" data-end=\"3651\">Both NaturalFit HayCobs and NaturalFit Care are:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-start=\"3653\" data-end=\"3769\">Grain-free<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3653\" data-end=\"3769\">Free from soy and molasses<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3653\" data-end=\"3769\">Made from pure Timothy grass<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3653\" data-end=\"3769\">Suitable for sensitive horses<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"3771\" data-end=\"3859\">They complement quality hay and help fill nutritional gaps when hay alone is not enough.<\/p>\n<h2 data-start=\"3866\" data-end=\"3898\"><strong data-start=\"3869\" data-end=\"3898\">3. What suits your horse?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"3899\" data-end=\"4001\">Every horse is different. Breed, age, workload and health all influence which roughage source is best.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4003\" data-end=\"4012\">Our tips:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-start=\"4016\" data-end=\"4044\">Analyse your hay regularly<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"4016\" data-end=\"4044\">Rotate types of hay for natural diversity<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"4016\" data-end=\"4044\">Use supplements like BalanceFit, HayCobs or Care to complete the ration<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 data-start=\"4173\" data-end=\"4210\"><strong data-start=\"4176\" data-end=\"4210\">4. Together for healthy horses<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"4211\" data-end=\"4353\">At both Metazoa and Hay to You, everything revolves around one mission:<br data-start=\"4282\" data-end=\"4285\" \/><strong data-start=\"4285\" data-end=\"4353\">feeding horses as nature intended: pure, honest and in balance.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4355\" data-end=\"4425\">With the right combination of hay and balanced nutrition, you support:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-start=\"4429\" data-end=\"4457\">A healthy digestive system<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"4429\" data-end=\"4457\">Feeding that aligns with the horse\u2019s natural needs<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"4429\" data-end=\"4457\">A stable and calm energy supply<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"4550\" data-end=\"4665\">Because good feeding starts with good roughage. And good roughage starts with knowledge, trust and collaboration.<\/p>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=&#8221;40px&#8221;][vc_separator css=&#8221;&#8221;][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221;]<strong data-start=\"4672\" data-end=\"4694\">Want to know more?<\/strong><br data-start=\"4694\" data-end=\"4697\" \/>Explore Hay to You\u2019s roughage selection or contact Metazoa for personalised feeding advice for your horse.[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=&#8221;40px&#8221;][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]<\/p>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[vc_row el_class=&#8221;global headersection headerimage&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1766936195949{background-image: url(https:\/\/metazoa.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Ruwvoer.jpg?id=4394) !important;background-position: center !important;background-repeat: no-repeat !important;background-size: cover !important;}&#8221;][vc_column el_class=&#8221;outer-col-1&#8243;][vc_empty_space height=&#8221;220px&#8221; el_class=&#8221;deskonly&#8221;][vc_empty_space height=&#8221;80px&#8221;][vc_row_inner el_class=&#8221;row-0 home&#8221;][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;1\/12&#8243;][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner el_class=&#8221;centered&#8221; width=&#8221;10\/12&#8243;][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221;] Hay is not just hay: Hay to You and Metazoa provide the foundation for truly natural feeding. [\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=&#8221;50px&#8221;][vc_empty_space height=&#8221;34px&#8221;][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;1\/12&#8243;][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row el_class=&#8221;global grid&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1748809565914{background-color: #FFFFFF !important;background-position: center !important;background-repeat: no-repeat !important;background-size: cover !important;}&#8221;&hellip;&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/metazoa.nl\/en\/hay-is-not-just-hay\/\" class=\"\" rel=\"bookmark\">Read More &raquo;<span class=\"screen-reader-text\">Hay is not just hay: Hay to You and Metazoa provide the foundation for truly natural feeding.<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":4388,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"neve_meta_sidebar":"","neve_meta_container":"","neve_meta_enable_content_width":"off","neve_meta_content_width":70,"neve_meta_title_alignment":"","neve_meta_author_avatar":"","neve_post_elements_order":"","neve_meta_disable_header":"","neve_meta_disable_footer":"","neve_meta_disable_title":"","neve_meta_reading_time":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[68,61,63,64,60,65,66,67,69,62],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4386","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-veulen-en","category-maag-of-darmgevoeligheid-en","category-ouder-paard-en","category-overgewicht-en","category-drachtige-merrie-en","category-professionals-en","category-recreatiepaard-en","category-sportpaard-en","category-zomereczeem-en","category-ondergewicht-en"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v28.1 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Hay is not just hay: Hay to You and Metazoa provide the foundation for truly natural feeding. - Metazoa<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Good nutrition starts with the basics: roughage. 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