Organic Horse Feeds You Can Buy Online

 I still remember the first time I ordered a sack of organic alfalfa pellets online — the box arrived at dusk, warm from the delivery truck, and when I opened it the smell hit me: sweet, green, a little like cut hay and summer. My mare, Lila, nosed the bag like she’d found treasure. She wasn’t fussy that week — which was lucky, because a few weeks earlier I’d learned the hard way that “organic” on a label doesn’t always mean the feed will work for your horse.

If you’re thinking about organic horse feeds you can buy online — good on you. There’s a little less guesswork, fewer synthetic additives, and often better traceability. But like anything with horses, the devil’s in the details. Here’s what I’ve learned after years of trial-and-error, ruined sacks, delighted horses, and a few sleepless nights worrying about a picky eater.

Why go organic? — and when it matters

Organic feeds remove synthetic pesticides, herbicides and, often, unnecessary additives. That can matter if your horse is sensitive, if you’re trying to manage metabolic issues, or if you just prefer cleaner sourcing. To my mind, the biggest wins are:

• cleaner hay and grains (fewer chemical residues),

• better forage quality in some small-batch producers,

• and sometimes a gentler profile for horses with allergies or compromised digestion.

But — important — organic isn’t a magic bullet. A poorly stored organic bale can be worse than a well-stored conventional one. Smell, feel, and condition still matter.

Types of organic feeds you can buy online (and how I use them)

• Organic alfalfa pellets / cubes — great for hard keepers and performance horses. I’ve fed soaked alfalfa pellets to older horses with missing teeth; they mash up smooth and the horses love the scent. Tip: always soak long enough to avoid choke.

• Organic grass hay (compressed bales) — many online farms sell bale-packed hay delivered to your yard. I once ordered early-season spring hay from a small organic farm — it looked lush, smelled grassy, but had more dust than expected. Lesson: ask for cut-date and storage details.

• Organic beet pulp (shreds) — gentle calories, especially when hydrated. I use this for horses that need calories but can’t handle grain.

• Organic grain mixes (oats, barley, certified mixes) — look for certified organic labels and minimal molasses/sugar if you’re managing insulin resistance.

• Seed and oil supplements (flax/linseed, cold-pressed oils) — great for coat and gut health; add gradually.

• Certified organic vitamin/mineral balancers — these are handy if the organic feed lacks fortification; but check the specs — some “organic” balancers contain non-organic trace elements.

How to choose online — what I actually check before I click “buy”

1. Certification & transparency — is there a certifying agency listed? Do they show farm photos, cut dates, or lab tests? If not, I message them. A good vendor replies quickly and gives bale pics.

2. Packaging & storage — resealable bags, breathable sacks, or vacuum-packed? If the vendor ships during hot months without insulation, consider delaying — heat can damage oils in seeds.

3. Customer reviews & local groups — I cross-check with local equestrian groups. Someone will have tried the same seller and can tell you about mould, dust, or delivery timing.

4. Sample packs — always appreciate these. If a seller offers small sample bags, buy one first. I’ve saved money and a ruined hay net by doing this.

Real mistakes I made (so you don’t have to)

• I once bought a highly-rated organic mix without asking about the cut date. It was early-season hay compressed months prior and turned out dusty and moldy inside — the stomach upset taught me to always check age and storage.

• I switched a metabolic-prone mare straight to an organic grain mix without tapering. She developed laminitis signs. Lesson: introduce any calorie-dense feed slowly — usually over 7–10 days — and monitor digital pulses and heat.

• I trusted “all-natural” marketing and ignored the ingredient list. Some products still hide sugars or high-molasses coatings. Read the label.

It would be even better if…

…brands provided a small, sealed sample with every bulk order and a clear cut-date label on every bale. And if online shops added an easy “regional suitability” tag — e.g., “best for humid climates” or “suitable for arid storage” — that would save us so many headaches. Also — resealable, sturdy packaging, please. I’ve seen feed spoil because the bag ripped in transit.

My go-to equipment when feeding organic feeds

• A breathable hay bag (prevents rapid spoilage and reduces waste).

• A scale for measuring portions — eyeballing leads to weight creep or loss.

• A soak bucket with mesh lid — safer when soaking pellets or beet pulp.

• A basic feed sieve — catches unexpected foreign objects and helps assess dust.

Seasonal and regional considerations

In humid regions — think monsoon or summer humidity — organic feeds can spoil quickly. Buy smaller quantities, or ensure vendors ship with moisture protection. In dry, dusty climates, look for compressed bales with protective wrap. Winter: high-quality organic alfalfa can save your hard keeper from a weight drop. In spring, new-cut hay can be very rich — reduce grain when turnout grass is lush.

Breed differences: Arabians and some native breeds tend to be more reactive to high-sugar feeds; warmbloods and thoroughbreds often need more calories for work. Ponies are notorious sugar-sensors — even organic grain can push them over the edge. Always base decisions on the individual horse, not the label.

Supplements: yes — but pick wisely

I prefer simple, evidence-backed supplements: probio­tics for gut support after antibiotics, omega-3 from cold-pressed flax for coat and inflammation, and a targeted mineral balancer when the forage is deficient. Avoid multi-ingredient “super mixes” that hide dosages — transparency matters.

Practical tips you can use tomorrow

• Buy a small sample first.

• Transition slowly over 7–10 days.

• Smell every bale — must be fresh, not sour.

• Check for dust and small dark spots (mold).

• Keep a feeding log for two weeks after changing feed: note manure quality, energy levels, coat shine, and any signs of laminitis.

Final anecdote — the payoff

After months of fussing with brands, I found a local organic mill that shipped small, vacuum-packed bags of timothy/alfalfa blend. Lila’s coat glowed, her energy stabilized, and — best of all — I stopped waking at 3 a.m. worrying about colic or laminitis. It wasn’t cheap, but the reduction in vet visits and the peace of mind? Worth every penny.

Takeaway — in short

Organic feeds bought online can be better for sensitive horses and for owners who value traceability — but buyer beware. Smell, storage, cut date, and ingredient transparency matter more than the word “organic.” Watch your horse closely when you change anything, and don’t be shy about asking vendors for photos and test results.

FAQs — quick, informal answers

Q: “My horse refuses the new organic pellets — what now?”
A: Try soaking them, mixing in a little molasses-free applesauce, or blending a small amount with the previous feed during transition. Also check texture — some pellets are dustier and off-putting.

Q: “Is organic hay worth the extra cost?”
A: If you have a sensitive or metabolic horse, often yes. If your horse does fine on conventional hay and you’re on a budget, prioritize good storage over organic labels.

Q: “How long can I store organic feed?”
A: Depends on packaging and climate. Vacuum-packed — months. Open sacks in humid climates — a week or two. When in doubt, buy smaller.

Q: “Can I mix organic and non-organic?”
A: Yes. The key is consistent nutrition. If you mix, ensure the overall diet meets your horse’s needs.

Q: “Any red flags when buying online?”
A: Vague product pages, no cut dates, no contact info — those are red flags. Also, super-low prices for “premium” hay — ask why.

Q:"Which is the best feed to buy from amazon?'

A:New Country Organics Organic Alfalfa Pellets – 50 lb