Should You Be Feeding Your Horses Alfalfa?
Alfalfa is a commonly fed forage to horses, but whether or not it’s a good choice for your horse depends on several factors, including their age, activity level, and overall health. Let’s explore the benefits, considerations, and when alfalfa is a suitable choice for your horse’s diet.
What Is Alfalfa?
Alfalfa is a legume hay that is often used as feed for horses. It is rich in protein, fiber, and calcium, making it a nutritious option. There are two main types of alfalfa hay: grass hay and legume hay. Alfalfa is considered a legume, which means it contains higher levels of protein, energy, and minerals compared to grass hay like timothy or meadow hay.
Benefits of Feeding Alfalfa to Horses
- High Nutrient Content: Alfalfa hay is packed with essential nutrients, including:
- Protein: Alfalfa has a higher protein content than grass hay, which supports muscle development and maintenance.
- Calcium: This hay is rich in calcium, which is vital for bone health, muscle function, and overall body processes. However, this high calcium content can be both an advantage and a potential concern (see below).
- Fiber: The fiber in alfalfa helps support digestive health by promoting healthy gut function and preventing colic.
- Beneficial for Growing Horses and Lactating Mares: Horses that are in growth stages, such as young foals or weanlings, benefit from alfalfa because of its higher protein and energy content. Similarly, lactating mares need more protein to support milk production, making alfalfa a good choice during this period.
- Improved Weight Gain: Alfalfa can be helpful for horses that are underweight or need to gain weight due to its rich nutritional profile. The higher calorie content in alfalfa can support horses that require extra energy.
- Palatable and Attractive: Horses tend to enjoy the taste and smell of alfalfa, making it a good option for picky eaters or horses that need to be enticed to eat more hay.
Potential Drawbacks of Feeding Alfalfa to Horses
- High Calcium Levels: One of the biggest concerns with alfalfa is its high calcium content. While calcium is essential for bone health, too much calcium can cause imbalances in the horse’s system. Excessive calcium intake can lead to problems such as kidney issues, urinary calculi (bladder stones), and in young horses, developmental bone issues. It’s particularly important for adult horses that are not in need of extra calcium to avoid feeding them alfalfa in excess.
- Too Rich for Some Horses: Alfalfa’s rich nutrient content, especially the high protein levels, can be too much for certain horses, particularly older horses, horses with metabolic issues (like Cushing’s disease or insulin resistance), and those with a low activity level. Overfeeding alfalfa can lead to weight gain or exacerbate conditions like laminitis (inflammation of the hoof).
- Risk of Colic in Some Horses: Some horses may experience digestive upset or even colic if they suddenly switch to alfalfa hay, especially if they’re not used to it. The high protein and calcium content may disrupt their digestive balance, so it’s important to gradually introduce alfalfa into their diet if you’re making a change.
- Not Ideal for Older Horses with Kidney Issues: Older horses or horses with kidney problems should avoid alfalfa or be fed it in limited quantities. This is because the high levels of calcium and protein can put additional strain on their kidneys.
When Should You Feed Your Horse Alfalfa?
- Young, Growing Horses: Foals, weanlings, and yearlings require extra protein and calcium for their developing bones and muscles, making alfalfa a great choice for this age group.
- Pregnant or Lactating Mares: These mares have higher energy and protein needs to support fetal development or milk production, and alfalfa can help meet those needs.
- Horses That Need to Gain Weight: Alfalfa can help underweight horses or those recovering from illness put on weight due to its higher calorie content.
- Hardworking Horses: Horses that are in intense work or competition may benefit from alfalfa’s rich protein and energy to support their performance and recovery.
When Should You Avoid Alfalfa for Your Horse?
- Adult, Low-Activity Horses: For most adult horses that are not working hard or in need of extra nutrition, grass hay is a better choice. These horses don’t require the high protein or calcium content found in alfalfa and may gain excess weight or develop other health issues if fed alfalfa regularly.
- Older Horses with Kidney or Metabolic Issues: Horses with kidney problems or metabolic disorders such as Cushing’s disease should not be fed alfalfa, as it can exacerbate these conditions.
- Horses Prone to Laminitis: Alfalfa is higher in sugar content compared to grass hay, so horses that are prone to laminitis or have insulin resistance may need to avoid it.