🐴 Feeding Alfalfa to Horses: Smart Use of a High-Value Forage in 2025 🌿🧬

By Dr Duncan Houston BVSc

Alfalfa hay is one of the most nutrient-dense forages available to horse owners—but it's not always the right choice for every horse. In 2025, we now have a deeper understanding of when alfalfa can benefit your horse’s health and when it should be avoided. Let’s explore how to feed alfalfa safely and strategically. 🧠🐎

🌾 What Makes Alfalfa Unique?

Dr. Pete Gibbs of Texas A&M explains that alfalfa is:

• 🧬 High in crude protein (30% higher than grass hay)
• ⚖️ Rich in calcium, offering a 6:1 calcium-to-phosphorus ratio
• 💪 Excellent for young, growing horses, broodmares, and underweight animals

Its nutrient profile can help balance phosphorus-heavy cereal grains, often eliminating the need for additional mineral supplements. ✅

💡 Forms of Alfalfa and How to Use Them

• 🪵 Long-stem hay: Best for increasing chewing and saliva, supports gut health
• 🥣 Pellets: Concentrated leaf-based form, useful in grain mixes or as a top dress
• 📦 Cubes: Convenient and consistent, ideal for horses needing extra calories
• 🍃 Chopped alfalfa: Easier to digest, great for young horses and broodmares

Note: If feeding alfalfa pellets or cubes without pasture, provide additional long-stem forage to prevent behavioral issues like wood chewing. 🌱

⚠️ When Alfalfa May Be Problematic

1. 🧸 Foals at Risk of Orthopedic Disease

Dr. Catherine Whitehouse from Kentucky Equine Research warns that alfalfa’s high energy content may contribute to:

• 🔥 Developmental orthopedic disease (DOD)
• ⚠️ Physitis (inflammation of growth plates)
• 🦴 Lameness and skeletal abnormalities

For growing foals with rapid weight gain or signs of DOD, switch to good-quality grass hay with moderate calorie content. 🌾

2. ⚖️ Overweight or Insulin-Resistant Horses

Horses with equine metabolic syndrome (EMS) or insulin resistance should avoid:

• 🧂 High-calorie feeds like alfalfa
• 🌿 Premium grass hay unless NSC-tested

Instead, feed low- to moderate-quality grass hay and test it for non-structural carbohydrates (NSCs)—as visual inspection alone is not enough. 🧪

🦗 Blister Beetles: A Texas-Specific Concern

In Texas and some southern states, locally grown alfalfa may be contaminated by blister beetles, which are toxic to horses. Always inspect bales and purchase from reputable sources. ⚠️

💡 Key Benefits of Alfalfa in the Right Horses

• ✅ Boosts protein for growth, lactation, or recovery
• ✅ Buffers stomach acid—great for ulcer-prone horses
• ✅ Helps maintain condition in hard keepers
• ✅ Balances cereal grain diets

Alfalfa is not “too rich” when used appropriately—it’s a powerful forage for many equine nutrition plans. 💪🌿

📲 Ask A Vet for Personalized Feeding Plans

Not sure if alfalfa is right for your horse? Visit AskAVet.com or use the Ask A Vet App to get forage recommendations, hay testing support, and custom diet designs. 📱🐴

Dr Duncan Houston and the team are here to guide your horse’s nutrition—whether it’s a foal, a performance horse, or a senior needing extra support. 💬🧠

🏁 Final Thoughts

In 2025, feeding alfalfa safely depends on knowing your horse’s metabolic needs, age, weight, and workload. Alfalfa is a powerhouse forage—but must be used with precision. 🐴📊

Need a hay testing kit or an alfalfa suitability chart? Visit AskAVet.com today 🌿🧪