The Science-Backed Benefits of Alfalfa for Horses

Why This Legume Can Be a Powerful Part of a Balanced Equine Diet

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

Alfalfa often sparks debate in the horse world. Some call it too rich. Others swear by it. The truth? Alfalfa is one of the most nutrient-dense forages available. When used thoughtfully, it can support digestive health, performance, body condition, and long-term well-being across many classes of horses.

Let’s break down why.

What Makes Alfalfa Different?

Alfalfa is a legume, not a grass hay. That distinction matters.

Compared to grass hays, alfalfa naturally contains:

• Higher protein

• Greater calcium

• More digestible energy

• Excellent fiber quality

This unique 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, particularly for performance horses.

Why it helps:

• Naturally high in calcium and magnesium, which help buffer stomach acid

• Increased chewing stimulates saliva production, adding further buffering capacity

• Research shows alfalfa hay fed before exercise may reduce gastric irritation compared to grass hay alone

Best Use:

Ideal for:

• Performance horses

• Ulcer-prone horses

• Horses under stress from travel or training

2. High-Quality Protein for Muscle and 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

Especially beneficial for:

• Performance horses

• Growing horses

• Broodmares and lactating mares

• Senior horses struggling to maintain muscle mass

3. More Calories Without High Sugar

Alfalfa provides more calories than most grass hays — but not because of sugar.

The additional energy comes primarily from digestible fiber, not starch.

This means alfalfa can:

• Provide fuel without sharp glucose spikes

• Support steady energy levels

• Fit into feeding programs that need calories without excessive grain

For many horses, this results in sustainable energy rather than “hot” behavior.

4. Excellent Fiber for Hindgut Health

Despite being nutrient-dense, alfalfa remains 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 and 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 entire diet is balanced, not when fed in isolation without consideration of other feeds.

6. Particularly Helpful for Senior Horses

Older horses often benefit 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, chopped alfalfa or pellets can significantly improve intake and overall condition.

Common Concerns - and the Reality

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

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

Alfalfa works best when the entire ration is balanced. Learn more about building a complete feeding program in our Equine Nutrition Analysis by Dr. Stephen Duren and Dr. Tania Cubitt.

Bottom Line

Alfalfa is not a “problem forage.” It is 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.