Alfalfa hay has long been a staple in the diets of livestock and equines due to its high nutritional value and palatability. Rich in protein, calcium, and essential vitamins, it’s often praised as a premium feed choice, especially when it comes to alfalfa hay for horses. However, like any powerful nutritional tool, it must be used wisely to maximize benefits and minimize potential risks.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about feeding alfalfa hay—from its key benefits and possible drawbacks to best practices for incorporating it into your horse’s feeding program.

What is Alfalfa Hay?

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) is a perennial legume that produces lush, green forage. When dried and baled, it becomes alfalfa hay—a dense, nutrient-packed feed option. Unlike grass hays like timothy or Bermuda, alfalfa contains more protein, energy, and minerals. This makes it ideal for certain animals, but not all.

Nutritional Profile of Alfalfa Hay

Understanding the makeup of alfalfa hay is essential to deciding how it fits into a feeding program. On average, alfalfa hay contains:

• Protein: 15–20%
• Calcium: High levels (1.2% or more)
• Digestible Energy: Approximately 1.1 Mcal/lb.
• Vitamins: Rich in vitamin A and E
• Fiber: Less than grass hay, but still supports digestion

This nutritional density makes it especially beneficial for high-performance horses, lactating mares, young foals, and animals needing weight gain or recovery support.

Benefits of Alfalfa Hay for Horses

1. Supports Muscle Development and Recovery

Thanks to its high protein content, alfalfa hay for horses helps build muscle and repair tissue, ideal for growing foals, performance horses, and recovering animals.

2. Aids in Ulcer Prevention

Alfalfa has a higher calcium content and acts as a natural buffer to stomach acid. Studies have shown that feeding alfalfa can reduce the risk of gastric ulcers in horses, especially when used as part of a forage-first diet.

3. Excellent for Underweight Horses

Horses that need extra calories—whether due to age, illness, or intense exercise—can benefit from alfalfa’s higher energy density. It’s also palatable, which encourages picky eaters.

4. Improved Coat and Hoof Health

The abundance of vitamin A and other nutrients in alfalfa supports a shiny coat, healthy skin, and strong hooves. It also helps immune function and vision.

5. Consistent Quality (When Sourced Well)

Compared to some grass hays, alfalfa is often more consistent in nutritional value. Quality can still vary, but with a reliable supplier, it’s easier to control a horse’s diet.

Potential Risks of Feeding Alfalfa Hay

Despite its advantages, there are a few drawbacks and risks to consider when feeding alfalfa hay to horses.

1. Excess Protein

While protein is important, too much can burden the kidneys and produce excess ammonia, which leads to strong-smelling urine and increased stall cleaning.

2. High Calcium-Phosphorus Imbalance

Alfalfa has a high calcium-to-phosphorus ratio, which can cause imbalances, especially in growing horses. A diet with insufficient phosphorus may lead to developmental issues.

3. Not Ideal for Easy Keepers

Horses prone to weight gain or metabolic disorders, such as insulin resistance or Cushing’s disease, should typically avoid alfalfa due to its higher energy content.

4. Possible Mold or Dust

Alfalfa is sensitive to growing and storage conditions. Improper handling can lead to dusty, moldy hay, which is dangerous for horses with respiratory issues.

5. Risk of Enteroliths

Some studies suggest a correlation between feeding large amounts of alfalfa and the formation of enteroliths (intestinal stones), particularly in certain geographic areas with alkaline soils and hard water.

Best Practices for Feeding Alfalfa Hay

If you’re considering alfalfa hay for horses, it’s crucial to follow best practices to ensure safe and effective feeding.

1. Know Your Horse’s Needs

Not every horse needs the richness of alfalfa. Match your feed type to your horse’s age, workload, body condition, and metabolic status. Performance horses and broodmares may thrive on it, while an easy keeper might not.

2. Feed in Combination with Grass Hay

Blending alfalfa with a lower-protein grass hay like timothy or orchardgrass can create a more balanced forage ration. This mix helps control calorie intake while still offering alfalfa’s benefits.

3. Monitor Body Condition and Behavior

Keep an eye on your horse’s weight, coat, urine output, and attitude. Changes in energy or coat condition can be early indicators that adjustments are needed.

4. Adjust for Weather and Activity

Cold weather increases calorie needs, making alfalfa a better option in winter. Similarly, during intense training periods, your horse may require more energy and protein.

5. Introduce Gradually

Sudden changes in forage can lead to digestive upset. Slowly introduce alfalfa over 7–10 days, especially if your horse isn’t used to rich hay.

6. Test Your Hay

Sending hay samples for laboratory analysis gives you a precise idea of protein, calcium, digestible energy, and other nutrient levels. This allows for better ration balancing, especially if you’re feeding other supplements or concentrates.

7. Store Properly

Keep alfalfa hay dry, protected from the elements, and off the ground to prevent mold, rot, and contamination.

How Much Alfalfa Hay Should You Feed?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Generally, horses should consume 1.5–2.5% of their body weight in forage daily. How much of that should be alfalfa depends on the horse:

• Foals/Weanlings: Up to 50% of forage intake
• Broodmares/Lactating Mares: 30–50%
• Performance Horses: 25–50%
• Maintenance/Light Work: 0–25%
• Easy Keepers/Metabolic Conditions: Rarely or not at all

Always consult a qualified equine nutritionist or veterinarian to customize a plan based on your horse’s needs.

Choosing the Right Alfalfa Hay

Not all alfalfa hay is created equal. When selecting hay, consider:

• Color: Bright green indicates freshness and high vitamin content.
• Smell: Should be sweet, not musty or moldy.
• Texture: Soft, leafy hay is more digestible than coarse, stemmy hay.
• Leaf-to-Stem Ratio: More leaves = higher nutrient value.
• Cutting: First cutting is often more stem-heavy; second and third are usually leafier and richer.

Final Thoughts

Feeding alfalfa hay for horses can be a game-changer when used correctly. It delivers unmatched protein, energy, and calcium levels, making it a valuable resource for high-performance animals, young stock, and horses with specific dietary needs. However, because of its richness, it must be fed strategically to avoid complications like weight gain, mineral imbalance, or digestive upset.

As with any feeding regimen, tailoring your approach based on the individual horse is key. Consulting with your vet or an equine nutritionist will help you strike the perfect balance between health, performance, and sustainability. With smart planning and regular monitoring, alfalfa hay can be a powerful asset in your horse care toolkit.