What Are the Benefits of Feeding Alfalfa to Horses?

Hay is fed to horses either while they are in their stables, or when the quality of grass in the fields is poor --- for instance during the winter. Alfalfa is a nutritious, high protein variety of hay that is free of dust and mold. It is normally fed in cube form. There are several benefits of feeding alfalfa.

  1. Convenience

    • Alfalfa is convenient to feed horses as it comes in small cubes, which are easy to handle, reducing mess and waste during feeding. Alfalfa cubes are denser than regular hay bales, so they require less room for storage, and they are easier to transport, as they take up less space in your vehicle and won't make a mess. They also stay fresh longer than baled hay.

    Nutritional Value

    • Alfalfa has a higher percentage of digestible nutrients than any other form of hay or roughage. It is a very high protein feed that is high in energy, as well as calcium and vitamins. As with any high energy food, you should make sure that you feed the horse an appropriate amount, with consideration to how much energy your animal is using. A horse of approximately 1100 pounds who does light work --- used just for pleasure riding, not for competition --- needs to be fed approximately 15 to 16 pounds of alfalfa cubes a day.

    Dust and Mold

    • A common problem with baled hay is that is can be dusty or moldy. Alfalfa hay has low dust and mold spores. Consuming moldy hay can be potentially damaging, causing your horse to cough, especially in horses with pre-existing respiratory problems. In extreme cases, it can result in permanent lung damage. Feeding your horse alfalfa instead can prevent this.

    Considerations

    • Despite the benefits of alfalfa, there are some negative aspects to consider. One of the main problems is that, in cube form, it can cause your horse to bolt down its feed, which can be dangerous for horses with esophageal problems. Alfalfa is also more costly than regular baled hay. And it is not suitable for horses that are prone to laminitis, as it's too rich.