Feeding Alfalfa to Horses | Forage Series
Feeding alfalfa to horses is a common practice in the horse world, offering significant nutritional benefits for many classes of horses. As a legume hay, alfalfa hay is higher in protein and calcium compared to grass hay, making it an ideal choice for horses with specific dietary needs. This versatile forage for horses is available in various forms, including bales of alfalfa, pellets, and cubes, providing flexible options for feeding programs. However, the suitability of alfalfa for horses depends on the horse’s diet, workload, and health conditions.
Benefits of Feeding Alfalfa Hay to Your Horse
Alfalfa is known for its high nutritional value, providing an excellent source of energy, protein, and calcium. The content of alfalfa makes it particularly beneficial for underweight horses, thin horses, and hard-working horses like performance horses and endurance horses. Horses fed alfalfa often show improved body condition, muscle development, and energy levels, making it a staple in performance horse nutrition.
Alfalfa contains essential nutrients that support growth and recovery, which is why many classes of horses, including mature horses, benefit from it. A high alfalfa diet can also help balance the needs of horses that need additional energy or horses must recover from intense workloads. Additionally, alfalfa is a good choice for horses with ulcers, as its calcium content helps buffer stomach acid, reducing the risk of gastric irritation.
Growing Horses and Performance Horses
Growing horses and performance horses require nutrient-dense feeds to support their development and energy demands. Alfalfa is usually the hay to feed in such cases because it provides high levels of digestible protein and calcium. The content of the hay, particularly in straight alfalfa hay, ensures these horses receive the essential building blocks they need.
For young, growing equines, alfalfa makes a significant contribution to bone growth and muscle formation, helping to meet the increased demands of horse diets during this critical stage. In contrast, endurance horses and other hard-working horses rely on alfalfa hay as a concentrated energy source to fuel their performance. Feeding alfalfa hay can be a strategic way to enhance performance horse nutrition while maintaining body condition.
Alfalfa Products: Cubes, Pellets, and Hay to Feed Your Horse
There are various alfalfa products available to meet the dietary needs of many classes of horses, including metabolic horses and those with unique requirements. Options like straight alfalfa hay, cubes, and pellets allow for flexibility in feeding and ensure that horses benefit from alfalfa in the most suitable form for their individual needs.
Cubes are ideal for horses with worn teeth or those that have difficulty chewing straight grass hay. When soaked, they create a soft, easy-to-digest meal, making them particularly beneficial for metabolic horses or older horses that require additional care.
Pellets provide a convenient and consistent way to deliver alfalfa to my horses, especially when traveling or when precise portions are needed. These are excellent for supplementing grazing alfalfa or balancing forage in areas where alfalfa pasture isn't available.
Bales of alfalfa are a traditional option for feeding straight alfalfa to horses that need higher protein and calcium content. However, the suitability of feeding a high amount of alfalfa depends on the horse, particularly for those with equine metabolic syndrome or other health conditions requiring limited energy intake. When selecting alfalfa hay, the quality and content of any hay should be evaluated, as horses benefit from alfalfa that is clean, mold-free, and well-cured. Alfalfa fields typically grow best in well-drained soils, contributing to high-quality hay that meets the needs of certain horses, such as those recovering from illness or needing extra calories.
By incorporating these alfalfa products strategically into a feeding program, horse owners can ensure their horse’s diet meets nutritional needs while avoiding overfeeding or creating imbalances. Balancing alfalfa with grass hay, or using it as a complement to straight grass hay, helps maintain an appropriate energy and nutrient balance for all classes of horses.
Horses with Ulcers
Horses with ulcers require special care, and feeding alfalfa to horses can be a key part of their management. Alfalfa is high in calcium, which helps neutralize stomach acid, reducing irritation in the horse’s gastrointestinal system. As a result, alfalfa is good for preventing and managing ulcers in horses diagnosed with gastric issues.
Adding alfalfa to my horses’ diets can create a natural buffer against acidity, particularly for horses prone to ulcers. Feeding alfalfa makes horses more comfortable and supports overall digestive health, making it a highly recommended feed for horses in this category. However, it’s important to monitor the amounts of alfalfa provided, ensuring it is balanced with grass hay and feed to avoid excess energy intake.
References & Additional Resources
Hintz, H. F., & Kelleher, D. L. (1983). "Alfalfa in Horse Feeding." Journal of Animal Science.
Harris, P. A., & Ellis, A. D. (2016). "Nutritional Implications of Feeding Alfalfa to Horses." Equine Veterinary Journal.
National Research Council (NRC). (2007). Nutrient Requirements of Horses: Sixth Revised Edition. National Academies Press.
Frape, D. (2010). Equine Nutrition and Feeding. Wiley-Blackwell.
Duren, S. E., & Crandell, K. M. (2010). "The Role of Alfalfa in Equine Diets." Kentucky Equine Research.
Geor, R. J., Harris, P. A., & Coenen, M. (2013). Equine Applied and Clinical Nutrition: Health, Welfare, and Performance. Saunders Elsevier.
McKenzie, H. C., & Gee, E. K. (2008). "Alfalfa as a Forage Choice for Horses." Practical Horse Feeding and Nutrition. RVC Publications.
Kohnke, J. R. (1998). Feeding Horses in Australia: A Guide for Owners and Trainers. Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation.
Hoffman, R. M., & Costa, L. R. R. (2017). The Horse Nutrition Handbook. Storey Publishing.
Gill, R. J. (2019). Forage Choices for Equine Health: Alfalfa and Beyond. Cambridge Equine Press.