How long to soak hay to reduce sugar

The amount of time for soaking doesn’t make much difference after 1-2 hours IF YOU USE ENOUGH WATER.  In a study using 25 liters of water for one flake of hay, WSC, ESC loss maximized after 1 hour.

(1) There is no reason for soaking hay overnight.  Some people have devised clever setups with irrigation timer/valve control units that will drain a soaking tub after a set time.

Soaking hay for weight loss

 In my climate with 10-15% humidity, I could spread soaked hay on chicken wire to dry and feed later in the day. Get inventive, and deal with the advantages and limitations in your situation.

You may notice that those selling bagged forage often cite the studies showing hay soaking is not reliable (when you don’t use enough water).

(4) If you can afford to buy bagged forage that is guaranteed low enough in sugar and you are too rushed to soak hay, or board your horse somewhere were the staff won’t do it, that may be your best option.  However, those of you with horses at high risk for laminitis have enough to worry about and spend your money on.   Just

how long can you soak hay for horses

how long can you soak hay for