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Hay cubes are one of those feeds that goat owners either swear by or have never tried. If you’ve been curious about whether they’re worth adding to your feeding routine, the short answer is yes.
Here’s what you need to know about feeding hay cubes to goats, from nutrition to practical tips.
Can goats eat hay cubes?
Yes, goats can eat hay cubes safely. They provide the same basic nutrition as loose hay because that’s exactly what they are, just compressed into a dense block.
Hay cubes work well for goats that waste a lot of loose hay by trampling it or dragging it through bedding. They also make life easier if you’re short on storage space or need to transport feed.
Alfalfa cubes are the most common type you’ll find at feed stores, though timothy and orchard grass cubes are available too.
What are hay cubes made of?
Hay cubes are simply dried hay that has been chopped and compressed into rectangular blocks, usually about 2 inches square. The compression process preserves the nutritional content of the original hay, so you’re not losing vitamins or minerals.
Alfalfa hay cubes run around 15-22% protein, which makes them a solid choice for does in milk or growing kids. Timothy hay cubes come in lower at 8-11% protein, which is better suited for adult wethers and bucks that don’t need as much protein in their diet.
Benefits of hay cubes for goats
The number one advantage is reduced waste. Goats are messy eaters, and loose hay often ends up on the ground where they refuse to touch it.
Hay cubes stay contained and goats tend to eat more of what you put out.
Storage is another win. Cubes stack neatly and take up far less barn space than hay bales.
They’re also easier to haul if you’re traveling with goats or don’t have a truck for bale pickup.
Hay cubes tend to resist mold better than loose hay because the compression squeezes out air, which means less risk of the dangers associated with moldy hay. They still need to be stored in a dry, covered area to stay in good shape.
They do cost more per pound than baled hay, but the reduced waste usually makes up for the price difference.
Choking risk and how to prevent it
The main concern with hay cubes is choking, especially with goats that eat fast and don’t chew thoroughly. This is easy to prevent by soaking the cubes in water for 10 to 15 minutes before feeding.
Soaked cubes soften up and break apart easily, which makes them much safer for aggressive eaters. The soaking water turns into a light tea that goats will often drink, which is a sneaky way to get extra hydration into an animal that isn’t drinking enough.
During winter, soak the cubes in warm water. Goats appreciate the warmth and tend to eat and drink more during cold weather when intake usually drops.
Mixing in a few oats adds extra energy during the coldest months.
Hay cubes vs. Hay pellets
These two feeds look similar but they’re not the same thing. Cubes are larger chunks that require real chewing, which is better for rumen health because chewing stimulates saliva production and helps buffer the rumen.
Pellets are much smaller and get eaten quickly without much jaw work. They pass through the rumen faster and may not provide the same long-stem fiber benefit that goats need for proper digestion.
If you have the choice, cubes are generally the better option for adult goats as a primary roughage source. You can also supplement with straw for bedding and light roughage.
Pellets work fine as a supplement but shouldn’t replace loose hay or cubes entirely.
Final Thoughts
Hay cubes are a practical, nutritious feed option for goats of all ages. They offer the same nutrition as loose hay with less waste and easier storage.
Soak them before feeding to prevent choking, and use them alongside browse or pasture when possible. Pair them with sunflower seeds for a protein boost during lactation.
Your goats will do well on them, and your feed bill might even come out ahead once you factor in the hay you’re no longer throwing away.
Frequently Asked Questions
Goats can eat hay cubes with no trouble. In fact, hay cubes can be a good alternative to traditional hay for goats. They're easy to store and transport and they last longer than traditional hay. Goats also find hay cubes to be more palatable than traditional hay.
Yes, goats of all ages and breeds can eat hay cubes. Soak the cubes in water for 10-15 minutes before feeding to prevent choking, especially for goats that eat fast.
Hay cubes are dried hay that has been chopped and compressed into rectangular blocks, usually about 2 inches square. Alfalfa cubes are most common, though timothy and orchard grass cubes are also available.
Hay cubes preserve the same nutritional content as the original hay. Alfalfa cubes run around 15-22% protein, while timothy cubes come in at 8-11% protein. They also resist mold better than loose hay.
