Debunking Common Myths About Feeding Alfalfa to Horses

This article, written by equine nutritionists Dr. Tania Cubitt and Dr. Stephen Duren of Performance Horse Nutrition, explores the most common myths surrounding alfalfa and clarifies when this nutrientdense forage is appropriate for horses. The full scientific article is provided below exactly as originally authored.

Key Takeaways

Alfalfa does not inherently make horses “hot.”
Alfalfa is not automatically high in sugar and does not directly cause laminitis.
Higher protein levels are not harmful to healthy horses.
Alfalfa does not cause kidney problems in normal horses.
Alfalfa can be extremely beneficial for performance horses, hard keepers, seniors, and horses needing gastric support.
The main concern is calorie density, not sugar.
Balance, portion control, and hay testing matter more than forage type alone.

Written by:

Dr. Tania Cubitt, PhD – Equine Nutritionist

Dr. Stephen Duren, PhD – Equine Nutritionist

Debunking Common Myths About Feeding Alfalfa to Horses

Few forages create more debate in the horse world than alfalfa.

Some horse owners swear by it. Others avoid it completely.

Over the years, alfalfa has developed a reputation for causing everything from “hot behavior” to developmental problems and laminitis. But many of these concerns are based more on myths and misunderstandings than actual nutrition science.

The truth is:

Alfalfa can be an excellent forage for many horses when fed appropriately.

Like any feed ingredient, the key is understanding where it fits — and where it doesn’t.

Let’s break down some of the most common myths about feeding alfalfa to horses.

Myth #1: Alfalfa Makes Horses “Hot”

This is probably the most common myth surrounding alfalfa.

Many owners believe alfalfa causes horses to become:

Hyperactive
Excitable
Difficult to handle

But alfalfa itself does not directly make horses “hot.”

What often happens is:

Horses consuming more calories than they need may become more energetic
Alfalfa is more calorie-dense than many grass hays
Horses in light work may simply receive excess energy overall

In reality, excessive starch and sugar from grain-based concentrates are far more likely to contribute to excitability than forage fiber and protein from alfalfa.

For many horses, alfalfa actually provides:

Highly digestible fiber
Quality protein
Slow-release calories

And those calories are often safer and more digestively friendly than large grain meals.

Myth #2: Alfalfa Causes Laminitis

Alfalfa is often blamed for laminitis, but this misconception usually comes from confusing:

Calories
with
Sugar and starch

Alfalfa is not typically considered a high-sugar forage.

In fact, many alfalfa hays test:

Moderate to low in NSC (non-structural carbohydrates)
Lower in sugar than some grass hays

That means alfalfa is not automatically unsafe for horses with metabolic concerns.

However:

Alfalfa is more calorie-dense
Some metabolic horses may gain weight too easily on free-choice alfalfa
Total diet management still matters

For some horses, limited inclusion of alfalfa can actually work very well as part of a balanced metabolic feeding program.

As always:

Testing the hay matters more than assuming based on forage type alone.

Myth #3: Alfalfa Has “Too Much Protein”

Yes — alfalfa is naturally higher in protein than most grass hays.

But protein itself is not harmful to healthy horses.

In fact, many horses benefit from higher-quality protein, especially:

Growing horses
Performance horses
Senior horses
Lactating mares
Horses needing topline support

What owners sometimes notice is:

Increased urination
Stronger ammonia smell in stalls

This simply reflects the body excreting excess nitrogen from unused protein.

It does not mean the protein is “damaging” the horse.

That said, not every horse needs a high-alfalfa diet. Easy keepers or horses in minimal work may do better with more moderate-calorie forage programs.

Myth #4: Alfalfa Causes Kidney Problems

This myth is often tied to the higher protein content of alfalfa.

Healthy horses are very capable of handling normal protein metabolism. There is little evidence that feeding appropriate amounts of alfalfa causes kidney damage in healthy horses.

However:

Horses with pre-existing kidney disease may require specialized diets
Those decisions should always be made with a veterinarian and nutritionist

For the average healthy horse, alfalfa is not considered harmful to kidney function.

Myth #5: Alfalfa Is Too Rich for Every Horse

Alfalfa is nutrient-dense — but that doesn’t mean it’s inappropriate.

The key is feeding the right amount for the individual horse.

Alfalfa can be extremely useful for:

Hard keepers
Horses needing additional calories
Horses requiring quality protein
Performance horses
Horses needing gastric buffering support

Even for easy keepers, partial inclusion of alfalfa may still provide benefits without overloading calories.

Nutrition is rarely about “good” or “bad” ingredients.
It’s about balance.

Potential Benefits of Alfalfa

When properly incorporated into the diet, alfalfa may help support:

Muscle maintenance
Topline development
Digestive health
Gastric comfort
Weight gain in hard keepers
Performance energy needs

Alfalfa also contains:

Highly digestible fiber
Calcium
Quality amino acids

For many horses, it can be an excellent forage tool.

When Alfalfa May Need More Careful Management

While alfalfa can work well for many horses, it may require closer management in:

Obese horses
Extremely easy keepers
Horses requiring strict calorie control

In those situations, owners may:

Feed smaller portions
Blend alfalfa with grass hay
Use tested lower-calorie forage options

Again, the issue is usually calories — not that alfalfa itself is “bad.”

The Bottom Line

Alfalfa is one of the most misunderstood forages in the horse industry.

It does not automatically:

Make horses hot
Cause laminitis
Damage kidneys
Harm healthy horses because of protein

Like any forage, success comes down to:

Proper analysis
Appropriate feeding rates
Total diet balance
Matching the forage to the horse’s individual needs

For many horses, alfalfa can be an incredibly valuable part of a healthy feeding program.

The goal is not to fear certain ingredients — it’s to understand how and when to use them appropriately.

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FAQs by Blue Mountain Hay

Does alfalfa make horses hot?

No. Excess calories — not alfalfa itself — are usually responsible for increased energy or excitability.

Is alfalfa safe for horses with metabolic issues?

Often yes. Alfalfa is not typically high in sugar. The main concern is calorie density.

Does alfalfa cause laminitis?

Not directly. Laminitis risk is more closely tied to NSC intake, obesity, and metabolic disease.

Is alfalfa too high in protein for horses?

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

Can alfalfa cause kidney problems?

Not in healthy horses. Only horses with preexisting kidney disease require special diets.

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Debunking Common Myths About Feeding Alfalfa to Horses

Key Takeaways