The Benefits of Alfalfa in Horses

This article, written by equine nutritionists Dr. Stephen Duren and Dr. Tania Cubitt of Performance Horse Nutrition, explains why alfalfa is one of the most nutrientdense forages available and how it supports gastric health, muscle development, topline, senior horses, and safe calorie intake. The full scientific article is provided below exactly as originally authored.

Key Takeaways

Alfalfa is a nutrientdense legume forage rich in protein, calcium, and digestible energy.
Its natural buffering ability supports gastric comfort and ulcer management.
Highquality protein aids muscle development, topline, and tissue repair.
Alfalfa provides safe calories from digestible fiber — not sugar.
Excellent fiber supports hindgut health and microbial balance.
Seniors benefit from alfalfa’s digestibility and chewability.
Concerns about “hot behavior” or developmental issues stem from diet imbalance, not alfalfa itself.

Written by:

Dr. Tania Cubitt, PhD – Equine Nutritionist

Dr. Stephen Duren, PhD – Equine Nutritionist

The Benefits of Alfalfa in Horses

Alfalfa often sparks debate in the horse world, yet it remains one of the most nutrient-dense forages available. When used thoughtfully, alfalfa can support digestive health, performance, body condition, and overall well-being across many classes of horses.

What Makes Alfalfa Different?

Alfalfa is a legume, not a grass. That distinction matters because legumes naturally contain:

Higher protein
Greater calcium
More digestible energy
Excellent fiber quality

This nutrient profile makes alfalfa especially valuable for horses with higher nutritional demands or specific digestive needs.

1. Supports Gastric Health

One of alfalfa’s most important benefits is its role in stomach comfort.

Why it helps:

Alfalfa is naturally high in calcium and magnesium, which help buffer stomach acid
Chewing alfalfa stimulates saliva production, adding further buffering capacity
Research has shown alfalfa hay fed before exercise may reduce gastric irritation compared to grass hay alone

Best use:
As part of meals for performance horses, ulcer-prone horses, or those under stress from travel or training.

2. High-Quality Protein for Muscle & Repair

Alfalfa provides highly digestible protein with a strong amino acid profile.

Benefits include:

Supporting muscle development and topline
Aiding tissue repair after work or injury
Helping maintain body condition in hard-keeping horses

This makes alfalfa particularly useful for:

Performance horses
Growing horses
Broodmares and lactating mares
Seniors struggling to maintain muscle mass

3. More Calories Without High Sugar

Alfalfa offers more calories than most grass hays, but not because of sugar.

Key point:
The extra energy comes primarily from digestible fiber, not starch.

This allows alfalfa to:

Provide fuel without sharp glucose spikes
Support steady energy rather than “hot” behavior
Fit into many programs for horses needing calories but not grain overload

4. Excellent Fiber for the Hindgut

Despite being richer than grass hay, alfalfa is still a fiber-based feed.

Digestive benefits:

Supports healthy hindgut fermentation
Encourages beneficial microbial populations
Helps maintain consistent manure quality

For horses transitioning diets, recovering from illness, or experiencing digestive stress, alfalfa can be a gentle yet effective fiber source.

5. Calcium Support for Bone & Metabolism

Alfalfa’s calcium content is often discussed—and sometimes misunderstood.

When calcium is beneficial:

Growing horses
Lactating mares
Horses with higher skeletal demands
Diets heavy in phosphorus (such as grain-based programs)

Important:
Alfalfa works best when the overall diet is balanced, not when fed in isolation without consideration of other feeds.

6. Helpful for Senior Horses

Older horses often benefit greatly from alfalfa because it is:

More digestible than many grass hays
Softer and easier to chew (especially in chopped or pellet form)
Supportive of muscle maintenance and body condition

For seniors with dental issues, alfalfa pellets or chopped forage can be especially valuable.

Common Concerns (and the Reality)

“Alfalfa makes horses hot.”
→ Behavior is influenced by total diet and management. Alfalfa’s calories come from fiber, not sugar.

“It causes developmental issues.”
→ Problems arise from imbalanced diets, not alfalfa itself.

“It’s too rich for most horses.”
→ Like any forage, it’s about appropriate inclusion, not avoidance.

Best Practices for Feeding Alfalfa

Use alfalfa as part of a forage program, not necessarily the only forage
Balance calcium with other dietary minerals
Adjust amounts based on workload, age, and metabolic status
Consider chopped or pelleted forms when chewability or intake is a concern

Bottom Line

Alfalfa is not a “problem forage”—it’s a powerful nutritional tool.

When fed intentionally, alfalfa can:

Support gastric comfort
Improve muscle and topline
Provide safe calories
Enhance digestive health
Help horses thrive at every life stage

Like all good nutrition, success comes down to balance, quality, and appropriate use.

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FAQs by Blue Mountain Hay

Is alfalfa good for horses with ulcers?

Yes. Alfalfa’s calcium and magnesium help buffer stomach acid, supporting gastric comfort.

Does alfalfa make horses hot?

No. Alfalfa’s calories come from digestible fiber, not sugar. Behavior is influenced by total diet and management.

Is alfalfa too rich for most horses?

Not necessarily. It depends on inclusion rate, workload, and overall diet balance.

Is alfalfa safe for senior horses?

Yes. It is more digestible and often easier to chew, especially in chopped or pelleted form.

Does alfalfa contain too much protein?

Healthy horses tolerate alfalfa’s protein levels well. Many horses benefit from its amino acid profile.

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The Benefits of Alfalfa in Horses