How to Feed Alfalfa Cubes to a Horse

Alfalfa cubes provide an alternative to long-stem hay and are similar in nutrition content. If your horse suffers from respiratory problems, alfalfa cubes eliminate the dust problems that hay presents. The University of Kentucky reports that horses offered cubes consumed the entire portion, while horses offered long-stem hay consumed only a partial portion. When offering your horse alfalfa cubes, carefully control the portion size to prevent unintended weight gain.

Things You'll Need

  • Alfalfa cubes
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Feed your mature horse 17 to 18 lbs. of alfalfa cubes daily. The University of Kentucky recommends this level of intake for adults who do not need to lose or gain weight and weigh about 1,100 lbs. Horses in this category also perform moderate to heavy work.

    • 2

      Feed your mature horse, at about 1,100 lb. of body weight, 15 to 16 lbs. of alfalfa cubes daily if he engages in only light activity. This is the intake level of a maintenance diet.

    • 3

      Feed a pregnant mare about 15 lbs. of alfalfa cubes daily. The University of Kentucky recommends this intake for broodmares who are in their 10th month of gestation.

    • 4

      Offer a weanling of about six months 8 to 9 lbs. of alfalfa cubes per day. This level of intake is for weanlings who will grow to a mature size of about 1,100 lbs.

    • 5

      Observe your horse periodically for signs of weight gain or loss. If your horse appears to be gaining too much weight, consult with his vet about lowering his alfalfa intake.