How to Soak Hay Cubes and Pellets for Horses: A Quick Guide

July 23, 2025

If you’ve ever wondered whether soaking hay cubes or pellets is necessary, the short answer is: in many cases, yes - and it’s easier than you might think. Soaking forage is a simple way to help your horse stay hydrated, avoid choke, and enjoy their feed more. Whether you use hay cubes or hay pellets, soaking transforms dry feed into a soft, mash-like consistency that's easier to chew and digest.

Here’s how to soak forage cubes and pellets and why it matters.

Why Soak Forage Cubes or Pellets?

While dry cubes and pellets are safe for most horses when fed properly, soaking them provides added peace of mind - especially for:

• Horses prone to choke
• Senior horses or those with dental problems
• Horses that need extra hydration support
• Picky eaters who prefer soft feed

Soaking Hay Cubes and Pellets: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Choose your forage: Start with high-quality forage cubes or pellets, such as alfalfa cubes, timothy hay pellets, or a blend designed for your horse’s needs. Always measure for the required weight of forage dry prior to adding water.
2. Add water: Use a 2:1 water-to-forage ratio by volume (for example, 2 cups of water for every 1 cup of cubes or pellets).
3. Let it soak: Allow the forage to soak for typically a minimum of 30 minutes. In cold weather, it may take longer. Use warm water to speed up the process if needed.
4. Stir and check consistency: The cubes or pellets should break apart easily and form a soft, mash-like texture.
5. Feed and discard any leftovers: Soaked forage should be fed fresh. Discard anything uneaten after a few hours to prevent spoilage.

Tips for Soaking Success

• Use a clean bucket or feed pan with enough room for expansion.
• Adjust soaking time based on your horse’s preferences or weather conditions.
• For horses and other livestock that are new to eating pellets and cubes, we recommend soaking these products for the first 2-3 feedings and then they can be offered without soaking. If an animal is a more aggressive eater, we recommend soaking to prevent choke.

Small Effort, Big Benefits

Whether your goal is hydration, safety, or simply enhancing your horse’s feeding experience, soaking hay cubes or pellets is an easy way to support your horse’s health. With consistent use, you may even notice better water intake, digestion, and enthusiasm at feed time. That’s a win for you and your horse.