Hay Dunking in Equines | Why Does My Horse Dunk His Hay?

Hay dunking in horses is a habit that can turn slimy quickly, especially in warm weather. You may wonder why your horse eats a mouthful of hay and then dunks it into the water troughs. While some consider using a slow feeder or a hay net placed away from any area where the horse is dunking to reduce the mess, others ponder if this behavior is a sign of discomfort that warrants further investigation.

What is Hay Dunking? 

Hay dunking is a behavior exhibited by some horses where they take a mouthful of hay and then submerge it into a bucket of water or another water source before consuming it. This act of soaking the hay in water can be intriguing to horse owners and caretakers, often eliciting a range of opinions on whether it is a good or bad habit. At its core, hay dunking is a natural behavior that many equines engage in for various reasons, though the specific motivations can differ from horse to horse.

In the act of hay dunking, a horse usually picks up a wad of hay with its teeth, carries it over to the water bucket, and then deliberately dunks it into the water. The hay often becomes saturated quickly, and the horse then proceeds to eat the wet hay directly from the water or removes it to consume it separately. Some horses may even prefer to leave the hay submerged in the water for extended periods before finally eating it.

Though hay dunking is not practiced by all horses, it is not an uncommon behavior. It's observed in various breeds, age groups, and both domesticated and wild horses. While some may do it only occasionally, others make it a regular part of their feeding routine. Horse owners might notice that it's not just hay that gets the dunking treatment—some horses also dunk their grain or other feedstuffs. However, hay is the most commonly dunked item, perhaps because of its fibrous nature and the ease with which it can be carried to a water source.

Importance of Cleanliness for Equine Health

Maintaining a clean feed area is crucial for the overall health and well-being of your horse. The cleanliness of the water bucket and feed tub can significantly impact equine health, as a contaminated feeding environment can be a breeding ground for bacteria, mold, and parasites. This is especially true for horses that engage in hay dunking, as the act of submerging hay into water can introduce additional debris and possible contaminants into the water bucket.

Water buckets should be cleaned and disinfected regularly to ensure that they are free from algae, bacteria, and other potential hazards. In the case of hay dunkers, this may mean that water buckets need to be cleaned more frequently to remove hay particles and other detritus that may accumulate at the bottom. Fresh water should always be provided after cleaning to ensure your horse is drinking clean and safe water.

The feed tub also requires regular cleaning and sanitizing. Leftover feed can attract flies and other pests, and it can also become moldy if not cleaned out. Mold spores could cause respiratory issues or gastrointestinal upset, so it's best to remove any uneaten food promptly and wash the tub thoroughly. If you have a horse that enjoys dunking its hay, consider the implications for the feed tub as well. Saturated hay could leave more residues, requiring more frequent cleanings.

Hay dunkers add another layer of complexity to maintaining a clean feed area. Some owners choose to offer a separate water source specifically for dunking to keep the primary drinking water clean. Alternatively, if your horse is a frequent hay dunker, implementing a routine to check the water multiple times a day will be beneficial in keeping the area clean.

Hay Dunking as a Sign of Ulcers

While hay dunking could be normal behavior for some horses, a sudden change in habits warrants further investigation.  

There is anecdotal evidence to suggest that this behavior could potentially be linked to ulcers in some cases. The theory is that soaking hay in water might make it easier to swallow and less irritating to a sensitive stomach lining, thus providing some relief from the discomfort associated with ulcers. Horse owners who notice a sudden onset of hay dunking behavior in a horse that did not previously engage in it might consider ulcers as a potential underlying issue.

Ulcers in horses, specifically equine gastric ulcer syndrome (EGUS), are a common yet concerning health issue. They occur when the stomach lining is damaged by stomach acid, often as a result of stress, frequent use of NSAIDs, or irregular feeding patterns that leave the stomach empty for long periods. Symptoms can range from subtle signs like mild discomfort, poor coat condition, and reduced performance to more overt indicators such as weight loss, colic, and behavioral changes. 

Despite the intriguing connection between hay dunking and potential ulcers, it's important to note that there is no definitive scientific research backing this claim. Therefore, while hay dunking could serve as an observational clue, it is far from a diagnostic criterion. To properly diagnose ulcers, a veterinarian would typically perform an endoscopic examination to directly visualize the condition of the stomach lining. Other diagnostic tests, such as blood work or fecal tests, may also be utilized to rule out other conditions.

Check Your Hay Dunker's Teeth

Some have speculated that hay dunking could be an indication of dental issues. The idea is that soaking the hay in water may make it softer and easier to chew, thereby alleviating any discomfort or difficulty the horse might experience due to dental problems. Horse owners who notice that a horse has suddenly started dunking hay when it didn't do so before might consider dental issues as a possible reason behind this new behavior. A comprehensive veterinary dental examination would be the best course of action to rule out or confirm dental issues.

Dental care is an integral aspect of equine health that can significantly impact a horse's overall well-being and performance. Dental problems in horses can manifest in various ways, from difficulty chewing and weight loss to behavioral changes and even systemic health issues. Common dental problems include sharp enamel points, hooks, wave mouth, and periodontal disease. Veterinarians often recommend regular dental check-ups, usually annually, to ensure that any dental problems are identified and addressed promptly.

Despite the theories surrounding hay dunking and dental issues, it's crucial to note that there is currently no scientific research to substantiate this claim. Therefore, while it might serve as an observational clue, it should not be used as a diagnostic tool for determining dental health. A proper diagnosis would require a thorough examination by a qualified equine veterinarian, who may use specialized tools to inspect the horse's mouth and teeth closely. This could include the use of a dental speculum to hold the mouth open, along with manual and visual examination techniques.

Management Strategies for the Hay Dunker

While this may be a natural behavior for some horses, if your horse starts dunking his hay suddenly, it's crucial to consider reasons your horse may be doing so. Dunking habit is a serious issue that could indicate a medical problem like gastric ulcers, colic, or signs of dental or nasal irritation. Some believe that hay in water makes it easier for the horse to chew, particularly if the horse is suffering from any form of discomfort that warrants further investigation.

Equine health experts suggest that horses that dunk their hay may be trying to ferment the hay to make it easier to digest. However, there is no conclusive research to back these claims. If you find your horse's hay dunking habit concerning, ensure your horse always has a clean water source near the hay pile and contact your veterinarian for a comprehensive health check. You may also consider using a slow feeder or hay net to reduce the mess, as hay in their water buckets can turn slimy quickly, especially in warm conditions.

Remember, while some horses develop this habit, hay dunking may also arise from a sore throat, or other signs of discomfort. So, if this behavior started suddenly, it's important to rule out pain or any other underlying issues by seeking the advice of a veterinarian. To help you decide on the next steps for tackling tough-to-heal wounds, adding water to dry hay, or dealing with effects of longeing, a thorough veterinary assessment is indispensable. This ensures that you're not just treating symptoms but getting to the root of any issues affecting your horse's well-being.

Whether it's hay dunking horse behavior or other changes in equine nutrition and habits, always prioritize the health and comfort of your horse. Take note if your horse is dunking his hay in water while eating and whether he is moving away from any area where dry hay is present. Consulting with an equine nutritionist can provide further insights into how much hay your horse can grab a mouthful of, prior to feeding, and offer strategies to improve equine health overall. Remember, I provide consultations free of charge- just email me!