Horses

  1. Home
  2. Home & Garden
  3. Horses

My hay is only a bit dusty or moldyis it okay to feed?

By Katherine Blocksdorf, About.com

Question: My hay is only a bit dusty or moldy—is it okay to feed?

Even hay that is a bit moldy can cause big problems.

Answer: Never feed dusty or moldy hay. Even if you wet the hay with water, the horse can breath in enough mold spores to seriously damage its lungs. One winter of feeding moldy hay can turn an athletic riding or driving horse into a horse that few people will want. There is no cure for damaged lungs and drugs can only partially alleviate symptoms. Most horse sports will not allow a horse to compete if drugged.

More Horses Q&A

Explore Horses

About.com Special Features

Green Your Clean

Rid your home of grime and harsh chemicals by cleaning with these natural items. More >

Basic Cleaning Supplies

Every home is different, but this basic cleaning supply list is a good starting point. More >

Horses

  1. Home
  2. Home & Garden
  3. Horses

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.