Can I feed a horse grass that has been mower cut?

Question

I have been told that horses cannnot eat fresh mowed grass, while I can pick grass with my hands and feed that to the horse. True or false?

Answer 1

the problem with mower grass is the possible motor oils or fuel that come off the mower while cutting

Answer 2

Yes, i've heard this too. I've fed a few handfuls to my horses but not much. I suspect it's not really the fresh grass but grass that has been allowed to stay out a bit and is wet.

But, the way i look at it is:
What do i gain by feeding my horse fresh cut grass - I could save a tiny, tiny bit on hay. Potential for harm, I think it low but if there was a problem it would be expensive (every vet call for a horse problem is!) so is it worth it to me to feed a little bit of grass to my horse even with only a small potential for a problem? My answer to that is 'no'.

Answer 3

You should NEVER give clippings to horses. First the grass is not the same as horses eat. Second, oils from the mower are toxic. Third, the grass quickly starts to forment releasing noxious gasses and will cause colic which is extremely painful and not the same as a normal tummy ache that you or I might get. I have treated it many times though my horse never had it, but it is horrible to watch a horse die of it! It is not worth the risk. As for tack cleaning, at least clean the bit and girth after every ride!

Answer 4

True, never feed a horse mowed grass. You can only feed them grass picked from your hand if it is fresh. Grass that has been picked then left out (unless its hay) will make a horse sick if they eat it.

Answer 5

True and False
There is bacteria in everything they eat. Their digestive system has acclimated to their diet. Anything new you give them should be very little at a time. Even changing their food should be done gradually over a period of 10 days. I wash the carrots and apples I give my horses with antibacterial. You never know what or how much will upset their system.
Mowed grass is probably not clean enough. I would bar on the safe side.
Common grass doesn't have the nutrients they need anyway.

Answer 6

Do not feed your horse mowed grass. The grass ferments quickly and could cause your horse to colic.

Answer 7

Mown grass cuttings tend to heat up quickly, and can cause a horse to colic if he eats too much. However, freshly picked grasses are just like what he would "pick" himself, so that is OK.

Answer 8

you shouldn't feed grass clippings
Due to the small size and high moisture content, grass clippings can ferment very quickly. Even if you feed them right away, your horse can easily eat too quickly, leading to choke or colic. In addition, certain plants that may grow in your lawn or chemicals you use to treat your lawn may be harmful to your horse.

Answer 9

They cannot feed on freshly mowed lawn.