The Truth About Alfalfa: Myths, Benefits & Gastric Health in Horses

Few forages generate as much debate as alfalfa. For years, horse owners have heard that it is “too rich,” “too high in sugar,” or unsuitable for many horses. In reality, many of these beliefs are misconceptions rather than scientific facts.

When fed appropriately, premium Alfalfa Hay can be an excellent source of digestible fiber, quality protein, calcium, and essential nutrients. Understanding what the research actually says can help horse owners make more confident feeding decisions based on the individual horse’s needs rather than outdated myths.

Myth #1: Alfalfa Is Too High in Sugar

One of the most common misconceptions is that alfalfa contains excessive sugar.

In fact, alfalfa is often lower in sugar than many grass hays. Much of its calorie content comes from digestible fiber and quality protein rather than sugar and starch.

This does not mean alfalfa is automatically appropriate for every horse with metabolic concerns. The horse’s body condition, total calorie intake, insulin status, forage analysis, and overall diet must still be considered.

The forage name alone does not determine whether a hay is suitable. Laboratory testing and individualized feeding recommendations remain important.

Myth #2: Alfalfa Is Too Rich for Most Horses

The phrase “too rich” is often used without clearly explaining what it means.

Alfalfa is generally higher in protein, calories, and calcium than many grass hays. These qualities can make it especially useful for:

• Performance horses
• Growing horses
• Lactating mares
• Senior horses
• Hard keepers
• Horses that need additional body condition
• Horses that benefit from higher-quality dietary protein

For easy keepers or overweight horses, the solution may be portion control or combining alfalfa with an appropriate grass hay rather than avoiding it completely.

The most important consideration is whether the forage fits the horse’s complete nutritional program.

Myth #3: Alfalfa Causes Gastric Ulcers

The opposite may often be true.

Research suggests that alfalfa may help support gastric health because of its naturally higher calcium content, quality protein, and digestible fiber.

Calcium and protein may help buffer stomach acid, while chewing forage stimulates saliva production. Saliva contains bicarbonate, which also contributes to natural acid buffering.

These qualities are why some veterinarians and equine nutritionists recommend feeding a small amount of Alfalfa Hay before exercise, particularly for horses that are prone to gastric ulcers.

Why Gastric Health Matters in Horses

Gastric ulcers are one of the most common digestive concerns in modern horses, especially those that:

• Travel frequently
• Compete or train intensely
• Spend long periods in stalls
• Receive large grain meals
• Experience long gaps without forage
• Have inconsistent feeding schedules

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

Under natural grazing conditions, forage regularly enters the stomach, chewing stimulates saliva, and the stomach is rarely empty for long periods. Modern feeding and management practices can interrupt this natural system.

While veterinary treatment is often necessary for diagnosed ulcers, forage management plays an important role in supporting long-term gastric health.

How Alfalfa May Support the Horse’s Stomach

1. Natural Buffering Capacity

Alfalfa is naturally higher in calcium and protein than many grass hays. These nutrients may help increase gastric pH and reduce the amount of time the stomach remains highly acidic.

In practical terms, alfalfa may help create a less acidic stomach environment when included appropriately in the total diet.

2. The Fiber-Mat Effect

During exercise, stomach acid can splash upward onto the more sensitive upper portion of the horse’s stomach.

Researchers believe that long-stem forage may help form a fibrous mat in the stomach. This layer may reduce the amount of acid that reaches the sensitive squamous region.

Feeding a small amount of Alfalfa Hay before exercise may therefore help support gastric comfort in ulcer-prone horses.

3. Increased Chewing and Saliva Production

Like all long-stem forage, Alfalfa Hay encourages chewing and saliva production.

Saliva contains bicarbonate, which helps neutralize stomach acid. This is one reason consistent access to forage is so important for horses at risk of gastric ulcers.

Does Research Support Feeding Alfalfa?

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

Research suggests that:

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

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

Important Management Factors Still Matter

Even when alfalfa is included in the diet, ulcer risk may remain high if a horse experiences:

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

Successful gastric-support programs often include:

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

Is Alfalfa Right for Every Horse?

Not necessarily.

Alfalfa may be especially useful for horses with higher nutritional needs, but easy keepers, overweight horses, or horses on calorie-controlled diets may require:

• Smaller portions
• A blend of alfalfa and grass hay
• Careful calorie management
• Individualized nutritional guidance

Some horses thrive on an all-alfalfa diet, while others do best when alfalfa is included as only part of the forage program.

The goal is not to avoid alfalfa or feed as much as possible. The goal is to use it intentionally within a balanced feeding plan.

Practical Ways to Feed Alfalfa

Horse owners and equine professionals may use alfalfa strategically by:

• Feeding a small flake before exercise
• Mixing Alfalfa Hay with grass hay
• Offering chopped alfalfa before riding
• Using alfalfa to increase dietary protein quality
• Including it in feeding programs for hard keepers or performance horses
• Maintaining consistent forage access throughout the day

Blue Mountain Hay’s Alfalfa Hay Easy Flake Box offers premium, high-altitude Alfalfa Hay in convenient flakes that make portioning and daily feeding easier.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Alfalfa Hay high in sugar?

Not necessarily. Alfalfa is often lower in sugar than many grass hays. However, its nutritional profile can vary, and forage analysis is the best way to evaluate sugar, starch, calories, protein, and minerals.

Is Alfalfa Hay good for horses with gastric ulcers?

Alfalfa may help support ulcer-prone horses because its calcium, protein, digestible fiber, and natural buffering capacity may help reduce stomach acidity. It should still be used as part of a complete veterinary and nutritional management plan.

Should I feed alfalfa before riding?

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

Can Alfalfa Hay replace ulcer medication?

No. Alfalfa is not a replacement for veterinary diagnosis or prescribed 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 is generally more calorie-dense than many grass hays. Easy keepers may benefit from smaller amounts mixed with an appropriate grass hay.

Is alfalfa suitable for horses with metabolic concerns?

It may be suitable for some horses because alfalfa is not automatically high in sugar. However, calorie intake, body condition, insulin status, forage analysis, and the complete diet must all be considered.

The Bottom Line

Alfalfa is one of the most researched forages in equine nutrition. Many of the concerns surrounding it are based on broad assumptions rather than the nutritional needs of the individual horse.

When fed appropriately, premium Alfalfa Hay may help support:

• Muscle and topline development
• Healthy body condition
• Digestive health
• Gastric comfort
• Performance and recovery
• Overall nutrient balance

Quality, portion size, forage testing, and the complete feeding program matter more than outdated labels such as “too rich.”

For horses that benefit from high-quality alfalfa, shop Blue Mountain Hay’s Alfalfa Hay Easy Flake Box for convenient, premium forage designed to support consistent daily feeding.