Timothy hay is what hay owners choose for horses with metabolic issues or when a vet recommends it. It costs more than Rhodes or Bermuda hay from every supplier in the UAE. That price difference isn’t padding, it comes down to where the hay is grown and shipped from. At Animal Feed UAE, we help horse owners across the UAE choose the right forage based on their horse’s health, workload, and budget.
Most Timothy hay in the UAE comes from imports, mainly the United States. In contrast, Rhodes and Bermuda hay are usually sourced from Pakistan or grown nearby in the Gulf. A 45 to 50kg bale of Timothy usually costs 120 to 150 AED. This higher price is mainly due to the longer freight distance. In comparison, you’d pay less for a similar Rhodes or Bermuda bale.
Timothy is a cool season grass. It doesn’t grow well in the Gulf’s climate. So, there’s no local production to offset import costs, unlike Rhodes. If a supplier quotes Timothy at a price near Rhodes grass, check it. Genuine imported Timothy usually doesn’t compete with local hay prices.
Timothy hay is sold by cut. The cut you choose affects its texture. It also changes its nutrition. Many first-time buyers don’t realize this.
First cut has thicker stems and visible seed heads. It feels coarser but is higher in fiber. This makes it great for horses needing a filling, low-calorie forage. The second cut is leafier, softer, and greener. It has more protein, so it’s a favorite for picky eaters. It’s great for horses needing extra nutrition without switching to alfalfa hay. Some suppliers offer a third cut. This cut is the softest and has the most leaves. However, it is also the most expensive and least common in the UAE.
Ask your supplier directly about the cut of the batch before you order in bulk. “Timothy hay” alone doesn’t specify what you’re getting. This detail is crucial, unlike Rhodes grass, where cut number is rarely discussed.
Timothy is the best option for horses. This includes those with Cushing’s disease, Equine Metabolic Syndrome, or laminitis. It’s often preferred over Rhodes grass for these issues.
Its low sugar, calcium, and protein content means it won’t spike insulin like richer hays or pasture grass. This is what vets often aim to manage with these conditions. If your horse has any of these issues, Timothy hay is usually a safer choice than Rhodes or Bermuda. Still, check with your vet about the best feeding plan before changing hay types.
Senior horses with dental issues often do better on softer second cut Timothy. It needs less chewing than coarser first cut hay or stemmy Rhodes grass.
Most horses need about 1.5 to 2 percent of their body weight in forage each day. Checking these numbers before you order helps you avoid running out or buying too much.
A 500kg horse on a maintenance diet needs about 7 to 8kg of hay daily. That’s roughly 210 to 240kg for the month. With an average bale weight of 45 to 50 kg, you’ll need about 5 bales a month. At 120 to 150 AED each, the monthly cost for Timothy hay is around 600 to 750 AED, not including delivery.
Horses in moderate work need about 2 percent of their body weight in feed. For a 500kg horse, that means around 6 to 7 bales a month. When feeding multiple horses, multiply the amount needed. Also, add a buffer of one or two extra bales. Hay consumption can change daily based on their appetite and how much time they spend in the pasture.
Timothy hay isn’t just for horses. It’s the top choice for rabbits and guinea pigs, even more than Rhodes or Bermuda hay.
Its high fiber content helps small herbivores move food through their guts. This is especially important for rabbits. Their digestion relies on a steady fiber intake, more so than horses. Rabbits and guinea pigs can thrive on either first or second cuts of hay, unlike horses. Softer second cuts are usually easier for younger or smaller animals to handle. If you supply pet stores or breed rabbits and guinea pigs, choose smaller bales. The 30kg size works better. Larger bales, like 350 to 400kg, are for equestrian centers.
Timothy is more expensive, so it’s important to know when that cost is justified for your farm or stable.
If you have a horse prone to metabolic issues or laminitis, choose Timothy hay. It’s also good for senior horses with dental problems. Plus, it’s great for rabbits and guinea pigs. The higher price is usually worth it. Rhodes grass is good for general-purpose horses, cattle, or camels. It helps with maintenance. Plus, it costs less per kilogram. This is true for animals without specific health issues.
A standard 45 to 50 kg bale costs between 120 and 150 AED. This is higher than Rhodes or Bermuda because of import costs from the United States.
First cut is coarser and higher in fiber, better for horses needing a filling, low calorie forage. The second cut is softer and leafier. It has a bit more protein. This makes it a great option for picky eaters or horses that need extra nutrition.
Yes, its low sugar, low calcium, and low protein content makes it a safe forage choice for metabolic issues. Always consult your veterinarian and refer to ADAFSA’s animal health guidance for best feeding and welfare practices.
A horse weighing 500 kg needs about 7 to 10 kg of food each day. This is roughly 1.5 to 2 percent of its body weight. The exact amount depends on how hard the horse works.
Yes, Timothy hay is the top choice for rabbits and guinea pigs. It has a lot of fiber, which helps with digestion.
It’s not for all horses. It works well for metabolic horses, seniors, and small herbivores. Rhodes grass is cheaper and better for general livestock feeding.
Need premium Timothy Hay for your rabbits, guinea pigs, or horses today? We deliver fresh, high-fiber hay across the UAE with services for farms, stables, and pet owners.
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