Alfalfa Hay for Horses: Benefits, Myths & How to Feed It Correctly

Scientific guidance provided by Dr. Stephen Duren and Dr. Tania Cubitt, internationally recognized equine nutrition scientists at Performance Horse Nutrition

Alfalfa hay for horses is one of the most discussed forages in the horse world. Some horse owners swear by it, while others avoid it entirely. The reality is much simpler. Alfalfa is not “too rich” and it does not make horses “hot.” It is simply a nutrient-dense legume forage that, when used correctly, can be one of the most valuable components of a horse’s feeding program. Many horse owners feed alfalfa hay for horses as part of a balanced forage program. Understanding how alfalfa works nutritionally helps horse owners decide when it is beneficial and how to feed it properly.

What Is Alfalfa Hay?

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) is a legume forage, not a grass hay. This distinction matters because legumes have different nutritional characteristics than grass hays like timothy, orchard grass, or brome.

Legumes naturally:

• Fix nitrogen in the soil

• Contain higher protein levels

• Provide more calcium

• Deliver more digestible energy

Because of this, alfalfa hay is more nutrient-dense per pound than most grass hays.

Typical Nutrient Profile of Alfalfa Hay

Nutrient levels vary depending on maturity, growing conditions, and harvest timing, but typical laboratory analysis often shows:

• Crude Protein: 16–22%

• Digestible Energy: Higher than most grass hays

• Calcium: 1.2–1.5% (much higher than grass hays)

• NDF (fiber): Lower than mature grass hay

• NSC (sugar + starch): Often moderate, but should always be tested

Because of its nutrient density, horses can meet more of their protein and calorie needs with less forage volume. Read a full equine nutrition analysis of Blue Mountain Hay by Dr. Stephen Duren and Dr. Tania Cubitt of Performance Horse Nutrition here.

Benefits of Feeding Alfalfa Hay to Horses

When used correctly, alfalfa can provide several nutritional advantages.

1. Supports Performance Horses

Alfalfa hay provides:

• Highly digestible protein

• Essential amino acids

• Higher calorie density

These nutrients help support:

• Muscle development

• Recovery after exercise

• Horses in moderate to heavy work

Many feeding programs for performance horses combine alfalfa hay with grass hay to provide both energy and fiber.

2. Natural Buffering for the Horse’s Stomach

Alfalfa hay contains high calcium levels and has a natural buffering effect in the stomach. This makes it useful for horses that may be prone to gastric ulcers.

It can be beneficial for:

• Horses in intensive training programs

• Horses experiencing stress from travel or competition

• Horses consuming high-concentrate diets

For this reason, some ulcer-management programs include small amounts of alfalfa before exercise.

3. Supports Growing Horses and Broodmares

Young horses and lactating mares have higher nutritional requirements, especially for protein and calcium.

Alfalfa can support:

• Skeletal development

• Growth in young horses

• Milk production in broodmares

When balanced properly with other forage sources, it can serve as a strong nutritional foundation for breeding and growth programs.

Common Myths About Alfalfa Hay

There are many misconceptions about alfalfa. Most come from misunderstandings about horse nutrition.

Myth: Alfalfa Makes Horses “Hot”

Alfalfa itself does not cause hyperactivity. What often happens is that horses consuming more calories than they need may display increased energy. This can occur with any feed source, not just alfalfa. The solution is not avoiding alfalfa but matching calorie intake to the horse’s workload.

Myth: Alfalfa Causes Kidney Problems

Healthy horses regulate excess protein efficiently. For horses with normal kidney function, alfalfa does not cause kidney damage. However, horses with diagnosed kidney disease should always be managed under veterinary supervision.

Myth: Alfalfa Is Too Rich for Easy Keepers

Alfalfa can be calorie-dense, which means it may need to be managed carefully for horses that maintain weight easily.

For these horses, alfalfa may be:

• Mixed with grass hay

• Fed in controlled portions

• Used strategically for buffering benefits

Alfalfa is a tool in the feeding program, not an all-or-nothing decision.

Is Alfalfa Hay Low in Sugar?

In many cases, alfalfa hay contains lower non-structural carbohydrates (NSC) than cool-season grass hays. However, sugar levels can vary depending on growing conditions and harvest timing.

If your horse has metabolic concerns such as:

• Insulin resistance

• Equine metabolic syndrome (EMS)

• PPID (Cushing’s disease)

• Laminitis history

it is important to test your hay rather than assume levels based on forage type.

What to Look for in High-Quality Alfalfa Hay

High-quality alfalfa hay for horses should be:

• Bright green in color

• Leafy (most nutrients are in the leaves)

• Soft-stemmed

• Fresh smelling

• Low dust

• Free from mold

Excessively thick stems or significant leaf loss can reduce nutrient value and increase waste.

Horses That Benefit Most from Alfalfa

Alfalfa hay can be especially beneficial for:

• Performance horses

• Growing horses

• Lactating mares

• Hard keepers

• Horses prone to gastric ulcers

It may require more careful management for:

• Easy keepers

• Horses on calorie-restricted diets

Grass and Alfalfa Hay Blends: A Balanced Approach

Many horse owners find success using a combination of grass hay and alfalfa.

Common strategies include:

• 50/50 grass-alfalfa blends

• Feeding alfalfa flakes before exercise

• Using alfalfa cubes or pellets for portion control

Blending forages can provide:

• Greater fiber diversity

• Controlled calorie intake

• Balanced nutrient intake

The Bottom Line: Is Alfalfa Good for Horses?

Alfalfa hay is neither good nor bad. It is simply nutrient-dense and powerful.

When matched correctly to your horse’s needs, it can provide:

• High-quality protein

• Digestible calories

• Natural stomach buffering

• Strong nutritional support for growth and performance

Forage is not just filler in a horse’s diet. It is the foundation of equine nutrition, and alfalfa - when used strategically - can be one of the most valuable tools in that foundation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Alfalfa Hay for Horses

Is alfalfa hay good for horses?

Yes. Alfalfa hay is a nutrient-dense legume forage that provides high-quality protein, digestible calories, and calcium. When balanced correctly in a horse’s diet, it can support performance horses, growing horses, and broodmares.

Does alfalfa hay make horses hot?

No. Alfalfa does not cause hyperactivity. Horses may appear more energetic if they consume more calories than they need, regardless of whether those calories come from alfalfa, grain, or other feeds.

Is alfalfa hay higher in protein than grass hay?

Yes. Alfalfa hay typically contains 16–22% crude protein, which is significantly higher than most grass hays such as timothy or orchard grass. This makes it useful for horses with higher protein requirements.

Is alfalfa hay low in sugar?

Alfalfa hay often has lower non-structural carbohydrates (NSC) than many cool-season grass hays, but sugar levels can vary depending on growing conditions. Horses with metabolic conditions should always have hay tested.

Can horses with ulcers eat alfalfa hay?

Yes. Alfalfa hay contains high calcium levels that can help buffer stomach acid. For this reason, some feeding programs include alfalfa before exercise to support horses prone to gastric ulcers.

What horses benefit most from alfalfa hay?

Alfalfa hay is often beneficial for:

• Performance horses

• Growing horses

• Lactating mares

• Hard keepers

• Horses prone to gastric ulcers

Horses that gain weight easily may require portion control or a blend with grass hay.

What does high-quality alfalfa hay look like?

High-quality alfalfa hay should be leafy, bright green, soft-stemmed, fresh-smelling, and free of dust or mold. The leaves contain most of the nutrients, so excessive leaf loss can reduce feed value.

Reviewed by Dr. Stephen Duren and Dr. Tania Cubitt, internationally recognized equine nutrition scientists at Performance Horse Nutrition

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