Alfalfa Hay and Gastric Health in Horse

Gastric ulcers have become one of the most common digestive concerns in modern horses, especially in performance horses, traveling horses, horses kept in stalls, horses receiving large grain meals, and horses with inconsistent forage intake.

Medications such as omeprazole are commonly used in veterinary treatment programs, but nutrition and forage management also play an important role in supporting long-term gastric health.

One forage that continues to receive attention for gastric support is Alfalfa Hay.

But why may Alfalfa Hay help, and how can it be used as part of a balanced feeding program for horses prone to gastric ulcers?

Understanding the Horse’s Stomach

Horses naturally produce stomach acid continuously, even when they are not eating.

Under natural grazing conditions:

• Fiber continually enters the stomach
• Chewing stimulates saliva production
• Saliva helps buffer stomach acid
• Forage helps reduce long periods of an empty stomach

Modern management can interrupt this natural system through:

• Meal feeding
• High-starch or high-grain diets
• Long periods without forage
• Intense exercise
• Frequent travel
• Stall confinement

These factors may increase the risk of Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome (EGUS).

How Alfalfa Hay May Support Gastric Health

Research suggests that Alfalfa Hay may support the horse’s stomach in several ways.

1. Natural Buffering Capacity

Alfalfa is naturally higher in calcium and protein than many grass hays. Both nutrients may contribute to buffering stomach acid.

Research and nutritional reviews suggest that Alfalfa Hay may help:

• Increase gastric pH
• Reduce the amount of time the stomach remains highly acidic
• Lower ulcer severity in some horses
• Support a less acidic gastric environment

In simple terms, Alfalfa Hay may help make the stomach environment less acidic when used appropriately as part of the total diet.

2. The Fiber-Mat Effect

During exercise, stomach acid can splash upward onto the more sensitive squamous portion of the stomach.

Researchers believe that Alfalfa Hay or chopped alfalfa may help form a fibrous layer in the stomach that reduces this acid-splash effect.

This is one reason some veterinarians and equine nutritionists recommend offering a small amount of Alfalfa Hay before riding or training, especially for horses with a history of gastric ulcers.

3. Increased Chewing and Saliva Production

Like all forage, Alfalfa Hay encourages longer chewing time and increased saliva production.

Saliva naturally contains bicarbonate, which helps neutralize stomach acid.

This is one reason consistent forage access is so important for horses prone to gastric ulcers.

Does Research Support Feeding Alfalfa Hay?

Research supports the potential role of Alfalfa Hay in gastric-health feeding programs, although it is important to understand that alfalfa is not a cure for ulcers.

Research has shown that:

• Alfalfa Hay may reduce ulcer severity compared with some grass-hay diets
• Feeding Alfalfa Hay before exercise may help buffer stomach acid and reduce acid splash
• Diets that include Alfalfa Hay may support gastric health in some exercised horses

Alfalfa works best as part of a complete gastric-management program rather than as a standalone solution.

Important Management Factors Still Matter

Even when Alfalfa Hay is included in the diet, ulcer risk may remain high if horses experience:

• Long fasting periods
• Large high-starch meals
• Excessive stress
• Heavy training schedules
• Frequent hauling
• Limited forage access

Successful gastric-support programs usually include:

• Consistent forage intake
• Reduced starch feeding when appropriate
• Smaller, more frequent meals
• Turnout when possible
• Careful stress management
• Veterinary guidance and treatment when needed

Is Alfalfa Hay Safe for Every Horse?

Not necessarily.

Alfalfa Hay is generally:

• More calorie-dense than many grass hays
• Higher in protein
• Higher in calcium

These qualities may be especially useful for:

• Performance horses
• Hard keepers
• Horses that need additional body condition
• Horses that benefit from additional high-quality protein
• Horses requiring strategic gastric support

Easy keepers, overweight horses, or horses on calorie-controlled diets may require:

• Smaller portions
• A combination of Alfalfa Hay and grass hay
• Careful calorie management
• Individualized nutritional guidance

The most appropriate feeding program depends on the individual horse’s condition, workload, total diet, and veterinary needs.

Practical Feeding Tips for Ulcer-Prone Horses

Many owners and equine professionals use Alfalfa Hay strategically by:

• Feeding a small flake before exercise
• Mixing Alfalfa Hay with high-quality grass hay
• Offering chopped alfalfa before riding
• Maintaining consistent forage access throughout the day
• Avoiding long periods without food

The goal is not necessarily to feed an all-alfalfa diet.

The goal is to use Alfalfa Hay appropriately within a balanced feeding program that supports a healthier gastric environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Alfalfa Hay good for horses with gastric ulcers?

Alfalfa Hay may support horses prone to gastric ulcers because its calcium, protein, digestible fiber, and natural buffering capacity may help reduce stomach acidity. However, it should be used as part of a complete veterinary and nutritional management plan.

Should I feed Alfalfa Hay before riding?

Some veterinarians and equine nutritionists recommend feeding a small amount of Alfalfa Hay before exercise to help buffer stomach acid and reduce acid splash. The appropriate amount depends on the individual horse and its total diet.

Can Alfalfa Hay replace ulcer medication?

No. Alfalfa Hay is not a replacement for veterinary diagnosis or prescribed ulcer treatment. It may be a useful nutritional tool alongside appropriate medical care and management changes.

Can overweight horses eat Alfalfa Hay?

Yes, but portion size matters because Alfalfa Hay is typically more calorie-dense than many grass hays. Easy keepers may benefit from smaller amounts mixed with an appropriate grass hay.

Is chopped alfalfa as helpful as long-stem Alfalfa Hay?

Chopped alfalfa may still provide buffering nutrients and can be useful before exercise. However, long-stem forage generally encourages more chewing time, so the total feeding program should still prioritize adequate forage intake.

The Bottom Line

Alfalfa Hay is one of the most extensively studied forages for supporting equine gastric health.

Its combination of:

• Higher calcium
• High-quality protein
• Digestible fiber
• Natural buffering capacity

may help support horses prone to gastric ulcers when Alfalfa Hay is included appropriately within a balanced feeding program.

While Alfalfa Hay is not a replacement for veterinary care or proper ulcer treatment, it can be a valuable nutritional tool for many horses.

Combined with consistent access to quality forage, reduced fasting time, thoughtful feeding management, stress reduction, and veterinary guidance, it may help support long-term gastric health.