Sainfoin: Premium Hay, Soon in Pellets Too

The healthy, bloat-safe forage choice for horses and cattle — nutrient-dense, highly palatable, and delivered fresh from Wyoming’s Bighorn Basin.

See Our Current Hay Offerings

Premium Sainfoin Hay

The Healthy Alternative to Alfalfa

Sainfoin hay is one of the most nutrient-dense and animal-friendly forages available. Known as the “healthy alfalfa alternative,” sainfoin provides excellent digestibility, natural tannins for gut health, and consistent high protein without the risks of bloat. It’s an ideal forage for both horses and cattle that need the highest quality hay to maintain condition, support performance, and thrive year-round.

What is Sainfoin?

Sainfoin (Onobrychis viciifolia) is a perennial legume, similar in appearance to alfalfa but with distinct advantages. Native to Europe and Asia, it’s long been prized as a premium forage because it combines high protein with natural plant compounds that improve animal health.

Unlike alfalfa, sainfoin contains condensed tannins that help animals digest protein more efficiently while also protecting against bloat. Its deep taproot system allows it to thrive in dry conditions and retain nutritional quality throughout the growing season.

Why Isn’t Sainfoin More Common?

Sainfoin is a bit more challenging to grow and harvest than alfalfa, which is why it’s less widely available in the U.S. It requires well-drained soils and careful management to maintain stand longevity. Despite these challenges, ranchers and livestock owners who have access to sainfoin often swear by it, noting improved herd health, better feed efficiency, and happier animals.

By sourcing sainfoin from Wyoming’s Bighorn Basin — one of the few regions in the country with ideal growing conditions — we’re able to provide this rare, high-value forage consistently.

Why Choose Sainfoin?

Sainfoin has earned a reputation as one of the most animal-friendly forages available. From improved gut health to higher palatability, it delivers benefits that go beyond basic nutrition — and our hay test results prove it.

  • Bloat-Safe: Naturally high in tannins, sainfoin helps reduce the risk of bloat in cattle.
  • Gentle on Digestion: Horses benefit from sainfoin’s easy digestibility, making it excellent for sensitive or performance horses.
  • Palatability: Animals love the sweet, leafy flavor — meaning less waste in the feed bunk or hay feeder.
  • Nutrient-Rich: Our recent hay tests show protein levels between 15–18% and Relative Feed Values (RFV) of 135–150, placing our sainfoin mix firmly in the Premium to Excellent range.
  • Supports Immunity: Natural tannins and bioactive compounds have been linked to improved parasite resistance, healthier rumen function, and stronger immune systems.

Our Sainfoin Offerings

We deliver sainfoin as part of our Premium Certified Hay program, sourced from Wyoming’s Bighorn Basin and delivered across WY, UT, CO, and ID, with nationwide delivery available.

  • Premium Sainfoin/Orchard Grass Mix – our most popular option, with about 70% sainfoin and 30% orchard grass, balancing nutrition and long fiber.
  • Pure Sainfoin Pellets (Coming Soon!) – a 100% sainfoin option in pelleted form, perfect for supplementing or feeding when baled sainfoin isn’t available.

Bale Sizes Available:

  • 3x3x8 Large Square Bales
  • 21-Bale Bricks (stacked, wrapped, and ready for transport/storage)

All hay is fresh-cut and tested to ensure it falls in the Premium to Excellent range — the highest quality available.

Delivery & Logistics

We run regular routes through Wyoming, Utah, Colorado, and Idaho and can arrange nationwide delivery on larger orders. Every load is handled carefully to ensure your hay arrives clean, green, and barn-ready.

Hay Test Results

Recent analysis on our Premium Sainfoin/Orchard Mix:

  • Protein: 15–18%
  • Relative Feed Value (RFV): 135–150
  • Acid Detergent Fiber (ADF): 30–33%
  • Neutral Detergent Fiber (NDF): 40–45%
  • Moisture: 10–12%

(Values may vary slightly per cutting. Full PDFs available upon request.)

Did You Know?

  • Sainfoin means “healthy hay” in French.
  • Studies in Europe show sainfoin-fed cattle and sheep often have lower parasite loads compared to those fed alfalfa.
  • Horses tend to waste less sainfoin than other hays because of its sweet, leafy flavor.
  • Its deep roots help improve soil health, making it a sustainable forage choice for the future.

Trusted Forage. Backed by Experience.

At 4Bends, we understand that what goes into your herd matters. That’s why we source sainfoin hay from trusted growers in Wyoming’s Bighorn Basin and the high-altitude meadows of Colorado. Every bale is cut, cured, and stored with care to ensure maximum nutrition and freshness.

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Ready to order sainfoin for your horses or cattle?

Easy ordering, direct from the ranch

Whether you’re stocking up for horses, cattle, or a mixed herd, our team makes it simple to secure the hay you need. Fill out the form below or call us at (307) 677-5315 and we’ll provide a tailored quote with delivery options to match your setup.