The right amount of alfalfa for a horse depends on its workload, age, health status, and what other feed it receives, but a general guideline suggests alfalfa should make up no more than 50% of the total daily forage intake for most healthy adult horses.
Why Alfalfa Matters in Horse Diets
Alfalfa, also known as lucerne, is a popular forage for horses. It is highly valued for several key nutritional reasons. Many horse owners look to this legume to boost protein and energy in their horse’s diet. Knowing the alfalfa nutrition for horses is the first step to feeding it correctly.
Superior Nutritional Profile
Alfalfa is richer than grass hay in many ways. It has more protein, calcium, and energy. This makes it a great choice for certain horses.
| Nutrient | Typical Alfalfa Hay Content | Typical Grass Hay Content |
|---|---|---|
| Crude Protein | 15–22% | 8–14% |
| Calcium | 1.0–1.5% | 0.2–0.4% |
| Energy (DE) | Higher | Lower |
This high nutrient level is why careful measurement of alfalfa feeding rates is so important. Too much of a good thing can cause problems.
Benefits of Feeding Alfalfa to Horses
Alfalfa offers specific advantages when included in the diet:
- Muscle Building: The high protein helps build and repair muscle tissue. This is crucial for growing foals and hard-working performance horses.
- Bone Strength: Alfalfa has a high level of calcium. This mineral supports strong bones.
- Digestive Health: As a highly digestible forage, it supports a healthy gut.
Determining the Right Alfalfa Forage Recommendations
Alfalfa forage recommendations are not one-size-fits-all. You must look at the horse first. A horse’s needs change based on its life stage and work level.
Workload Dictates Intake
A horse’s energy needs are tied directly to how much it works.
Lightly Worked or Maintenance Horses
Horses that are mostly resting or walking need less energy. For these horses, too much rich alfalfa can lead to weight gain and health issues.
- Limit alfalfa to about 25% of the total hay diet.
- Focus more on lower-calorie grass hay.
Moderate to Hard Work Horses
These horses—like those competing in dressage or endurance events—need more calories and protein.
- Alfalfa can form up to 40-50% of their daily forage intake.
- It provides the necessary boost without over-relying on grain.
Growing Horses and Pregnant Mares
Foals, yearlings, and nursing mares have high demands for protein and minerals for development.
- Alfalfa is often a main component of their diet.
- It supports rapid growth safely when fed correctly.
Calculating Total Daily Intake
Every horse should eat about 1.5% to 2.5% of its body weight in dry forage daily. This is the foundation of good horse feeding.
Example Calculation (1,100 lb Horse):
If a horse weighs 1,100 pounds, it needs 16.5 to 27.5 pounds of total hay per day (1.5% to 2.5% of body weight).
If you decide alfalfa should be 40% of that total:
- Total hay needed: 22 pounds (mid-range estimate).
- Alfalfa portion (40%): 22 lbs x 0.40 = 8.8 pounds of alfalfa hay daily.
This helps set the daily alfalfa ration for horses.
Alfalfa Pellets: An Alternative Delivery System
Some owners use how much alfalfa pellets for horses as a supplement or primary forage source. Pellets are concentrated alfalfa. This means you feed far less weight compared to hay.
Pellets vs. Hay: Weight Conversion
Alfalfa hay is relatively low in density. Alfalfa pellets are highly compressed.
- A flake of hay is hard to weigh precisely.
- Pellets are measured easily by weight, which promotes accuracy.
Important Note: Pellets must always be soaked before feeding, especially for older horses or those prone to choking. Soaking increases the volume.
Determining Alfalfa Pellet Amounts
If you replace hay with pellets, you need to account for the moisture difference. Dry hay is about 10% water. Pellets are usually 8-12% moisture before soaking.
- Generally, 1 pound of dry alfalfa hay is roughly equal to 0.7 to 0.8 pounds of dry alfalfa pellets (by weight, before soaking).
If your horse needs 8 pounds of alfalfa hay:
- You might feed about 6 to 6.5 pounds of dry alfalfa pellets.
- Always soak these pellets until they are soft and mushy before offering them.
Balacing Horse Diet with Alfalfa: The Calcium Issue
One major concern when setting alfalfa feeding rates is the high calcium content. While calcium is good for bones, too much of it can cause problems if not balanced.
Calcium-Phosphorus Ratio
Horses need a proper ratio of calcium (Ca) to phosphorus (P) for optimal bone health. The ideal ratio is between 1.5:1 and 2:1.
Alfalfa is naturally high in calcium but usually adequate in phosphorus. Grass hay is often higher in phosphorus relative to calcium.
If a horse eats only alfalfa, the calcium intake will be very high.
- Risk: Excessively high calcium can interfere with the absorption of other vital minerals, like magnesium and zinc.
- Solution: Balancing horse diet with alfalfa means pairing it with grass hay. Grass hay lowers the overall percentage of calcium in the total diet, bringing the Ca:P ratio into the correct range.
Protein Overload
High-quality alfalfa can easily provide more protein than a light-duty horse needs.
- Excess protein is wasted. The body burns the extra protein for energy, producing nitrogen waste, which the kidneys must filter. This increases water needs.
- If you feed heavy alfalfa to a horse that does light work, monitor body condition closely.
Special Considerations for Feeding Alfalfa to Horses
Certain health conditions require adjustments to the standard horse alfalfa intake.
Feeding Alfalfa to Horses with Laminitis
This is a critical area. Laminitis is often linked to sugar intake (non-structural carbohydrates or NSC).
- The Concern: Alfalfa hay can sometimes have higher levels of NSC than grass hay, especially if it was grown quickly or harvested at the wrong time.
- Feeding Alfalfa to Horses with Laminitis: You must test the alfalfa. If the NSC level is over 10-12%, it should be avoided or fed in very small, restricted amounts, often soaked heavily.
- Safe Practice: For laminitic horses, switch to low-sugar grass hays first. If alfalfa is needed for protein, use tested hay and feed small amounts throughout the day.
Kidney and Urinary Stones
Overfeeding alfalfa long-term, due to its high calcium, might increase the risk of bladder stones in some predisposed horses. This risk is lower if the horse drinks plenty of fresh water and has adequate salt intake to encourage drinking.
Feed Management for Safety
To maintain the safe amount of alfalfa for horses, manage how you feed it.
- Slow Feeding: Use slow-feed hay nets or feeders. This mimics natural grazing behavior and prevents the horse from gulping large amounts quickly, which can increase digestive upset risk.
- Consistency: Try to feed consistent amounts at regular times each day.
Interpreting Alfalfa Quality and Maturity
The quality of the hay drastically affects how much you should feed. Not all alfalfa is the same.
Leaf-to-Stem Ratio
High-quality alfalfa has many soft leaves and fewer thick stems.
- High Leaf Content: Means higher protein and digestibility. You can feed slightly less weight since the nutrients are more concentrated.
- High Stem Content: Means lower quality, higher fiber (NDF), and potentially lower overall nutrition. You might need to feed more volume to meet protein needs.
Maturity at Harvest
When alfalfa is cut matters a lot for nutrient content.
- Early Cut (Before Budding): Very soft, highest protein, highest digestibility. Best for growing horses.
- Mid Bloom (Standard Cut): Good balance for most horses. This is common for general alfalfa hay guidelines for equines.
- Late Cut (Full Bloom or Seed Head Forming): Highest fiber, lowest protein. This is closer to grass hay quality and might be suitable for very easy keepers needing high bulk with low energy.
Step-by-Step Guide to Setting Your Horse’s Alfalfa Ration
Follow these steps to establish a sound daily alfalfa ration for horses:
Step 1: Determine Total Daily Forage Requirement
Calculate 2% of your horse’s body weight in total hay (dry matter).
- Example: 1,200 lb horse needs 24 lbs of total hay.
Step 2: Assess Your Horse’s Needs
Decide the role alfalfa will play based on workload, age, and body condition score (BCS).
- Light Work/Easy Keeper: Target 20% alfalfa.
- Moderate Work/Growing: Target 40% alfalfa.
- Heavy Work/Poor Condition: Target up to 50% alfalfa.
Step 3: Calculate the Alfalfa Amount
Multiply the total forage need by the desired percentage.
- Example (Moderate Work, 24 lbs total hay): 24 lbs x 0.40 = 9.6 pounds of alfalfa hay.
Step 4: Balance with Grass Hay
The remaining portion should be grass hay to moderate calcium and protein levels.
- Example: 24 lbs total – 9.6 lbs alfalfa = 14.4 pounds of grass hay.
Step 5: Introduce Gradually
When changing the diet, introduce alfalfa slowly over 7 to 10 days. This allows the gut microbes time to adjust. Sudden changes are a common cause of digestive upset.
Step 6: Monitor and Adjust
Watch your horse’s weight, coat condition, and energy levels. If the horse gains too much weight, slightly reduce the alfalfa percentage. If the coat looks dull or the horse seems sluggish, you might need to increase it (or check for parasite loads).
Common Mistakes in Alfalfa Feeding
Many people run into trouble when feeding this rich forage. Avoiding these pitfalls ensures safe amount of alfalfa for horses is maintained.
Mistake 1: Assuming All Alfalfa Is Equal
This is why testing is vital. A hay that tests high in NSC or mycotoxins (mold) is dangerous, regardless of its protein content.
Mistake 2: Feeding Too Much, Too Fast
Jumping from no alfalfa to feeding large quantities daily is risky. This often leads to soft stools or colic. Always transition slowly.
Mistake 3: Forgetting Water Intake
High-protein diets increase the need for water. If you significantly increase alfalfa feeding rates, ensure the horse has constant access to fresh, clean water. Adding salt can encourage drinking.
Mistake 4: Ignoring the Grass Component
Relying 100% on alfalfa (unless medically necessary and supervised) upsets the mineral balance in the diet. Grass forage must be included to supply appropriate phosphorus and moderate calcium.
Deciphering Alfalfa Quality Through Visual Inspection
While testing is best, you can assess quality visually before testing:
- Color: Should be bright green, not faded yellow or brown (which suggests sun bleaching or age).
- Feel: Should be pliable, not brittle or overly stiff. Stiff, thick stems mean lower quality and high fiber.
- Smell: Should smell sweet and fresh, like dried clover. Any musty or moldy odor means the hay should be discarded.
FAQ About Alfalfa Feeding for Horses
Can I feed my horse 100% alfalfa hay?
While technically possible for very specific needs (like severe under-nutrition or certain therapeutic diets), it is generally not recommended for the average healthy horse. A 100% alfalfa diet leads to excessive calcium intake and can disrupt the calcium-phosphorus ratio needed for long-term bone health. It is safer to mix it with grass hay.
How much alfalfa should a senior horse eat?
Senior horses often benefit from alfalfa because it is highly digestible and nutrient-dense, helping compensate for poorer nutrient absorption. They can usually safely consume up to 50% of their total forage as alfalfa, provided they are not overweight and do not have kidney issues. Soaking pellets is often helpful for seniors with poor teeth.
Is alfalfa hay too rich for easy keepers?
Yes, alfalfa is often too rich for “easy keepers” (horses that maintain weight easily). Their daily alfalfa ration for horses should be kept low, perhaps only 10% to 20% of the total forage, or they should eat only low-sugar grass hay. Focus on feeding bulk lower-calorie forage to keep their gut busy without adding excess calories.
How does feeding alfalfa compare to feeding grain?
Alfalfa offers energy and protein in a much safer package than most grains. Grain provides quick, concentrated energy (starch). Alfalfa provides slow-release energy, protein, and fiber, which is much better for the horse’s digestive system and reduces the risk of starch-related issues like colic or tying-up. Therefore, many vets suggest using alfalfa to boost calories before reaching for grains.
What is the safe amount of alfalfa pellets for horses daily?
For a 1,100 lb horse needing moderate calories, if using pellets to replace half the forage, you might feed about 6-8 pounds of dry pellets per day, split into 2 or 3 meals. Always ensure they have access to sufficient grass hay or pasture to meet the bulk of their forage requirement and maintain gut motility. Alfalfa feeding rates for pellets should be weighed precisely.