At NZ Tack Saddlery, we believe good nutrition starts with great forage. Chaff is a simple, natural way to support your horse’s health every day whether you’re feeding a happy hacker, a performance horse, or one with special dietary needs.
We proudly stock Future Feeds and Purvis chaff, both grown and processed right here in New Zealand. In this guide, we’ll explain the different types of chaff we offer: Timothy, Lucerne, Oaten and Meadow, and we'll help you decide which one is best for your horse.
Why Feed Chaff?
Chaff is simply chopped forage. It has a lot of benefits:
- Encourages chewing, which produces saliva and helps protect the stomach from acid.
- Slows down fast eaters, reducing the risk of choke and digestive upset.
- Makes it easier to mix in supplements and pellets so your horse eats everything.
- Provides extra fibre to help meet your horse’s daily forage needs.
Most horses should eat around 1.5–2% of their body weight in forage (hay, pasture, chaff) each day. Chaff is a great way to add variety and balance to their diet.
The Four Main Types of Chaff
| Chaff Type | Main Benefits | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Timothy | Low in sugar and starch, gentle on the digestive system, and endophyte-free. | Good-doers, laminitis-prone horses, and those needing a low-NSC diet. |
| Lucerne (Alfalfa) | High in quality protein and calcium. Great for muscle development and stomach health. | Performance horses, poor doers, growing youngsters, lactating mares, and ulcer-prone horses. |
| Oaten | Soft, sweet and very palatable. Horses usually love it. | Fussy eaters or horses needing a bit more energy. Not ideal for insulin-resistant or laminitic horses. |
| Meadow | A mix of pasture grasses, similar to what horses graze naturally. | Everyday use for most horses. A versatile, balanced fibre source. |
Choosing the Right Chaff
1. Timothy Chaff
Why choose it: It’s naturally lower in sugar and starch, making it a safe, gentle option. It’s also free from endophytes, which some horses react to.
Great for: Easy keepers, laminitis-prone horses, or those with metabolic issues.
2. Lucerne Chaff
Why choose it: Packed with quality protein and calcium, lucerne supports muscle development and helps buffer stomach acid, ideal for ulcer-prone horses.
Great for: Horses in work, young growing horses, lactating mares, or those needing extra weight or condition.
3. Oaten Chaff
Why choose it: Soft and tasty, a great way to tempt picky eaters or add variety. Just be aware that oaten can be higher in sugar and starch, especially early cuts.
Great for: Fussy eaters or horses needing more calories. Avoid for insulin-resistant or laminitic horses unless tested.
4. Meadow Chaff
Why choose it: A natural mix of grasses, similar to pasture. It’s a balanced, versatile option for many horses.
Great for: General daily feeding for most horses.
Special Considerations
Laminitis or Insulin Resistance
If your horse has laminitis or metabolic issues, choose a chaff with low sugar and starch (NSC). Timothy and some mature meadow chaffs are good options.
Ulcer-Prone Horses
For horses with sensitive stomachs, lucerne chaff can help buffer acid and protect the stomach lining. Feeding a small amount before exercise is especially helpful.
What is NSC?
NSC stands for Non-Structural Carbohydrates. It’s the combined amount of sugars and starch in a feed or forage. These are the carbohydrates that are quickly broken down in the small intestine, releasing glucose into the bloodstream.
For most horses, moderate levels of NSC are fine. But for horses with conditions like laminitis, insulin resistance, or Cushing’s (PPID), too much sugar and starch can trigger problems. That’s why it’s important to choose a chaff with low NSC if your horse is sensitive.
As a general guide, many vets and nutritionists recommend looking for chaff with NSC (sugar + starch) below 10% for these horses. Timothy and some Meadow chaffs are often good low-NSC options.
Our Chaff Brands
-
Future Feeds (Canterbury): High-quality NZ-grown Timothy, Lucerne, Oaten and Meadow chaff. Consistent, clean, and perfect for everyday feeding.
- Purvis Feeds (South Island): Premium Lucerne Chaff + Oil. Long-cut, dust-free and highly palatable. Ideal for performance horses and poor doers.
Quick Chaff Selector
- Easy keeper or laminitis-prone: Timothy or Meadow
- Performance, young, or poor doer: Lucerne
- Fussy eater: Oaten (check NSC if needed)
- Endophyte sensitive: Timothy
Need Help Deciding?
Every horse is different, and we’re here to help. If you’re unsure which chaff suits your horse best, get in touch with us and tell us a bit about your horse’s age, workload, health and condition. We’ll help you choose the perfect option from our range.
