Alfalfa is a nutrient-rich fibre feed that has been a staple in horse diets for centuries. With its numerous benefits, alfalfa-based horse feed has gained popularity among equestrians seeking to enhance their horses’ overall well-being.
Alfalfa: The Nutritional Powerhouse
Alfalfa stands out as a nutritional powerhouse, providing a range of essential nutrients for horses. Rich in protein, fibre, vitamins and minerals, alfalfa can play a key role in meeting the dietary needs of horses, especially those engaged in strenuous activities or facing specific health challenges. Its nutrient profile makes it an excellent choice for maintaining overall health and supporting optimal digestive function. To provide a nutritionally balanced ration, a balancer or broad spectrum vitamin and mineral supplement is ideal to feed alongside.
Top 3 Digestive Health Benefits
Improved Digestibility – Alfalfa is highly digestible, which means that it is easier for the horse to break down the fibre and extract the energy from it.
Low starch – Alfalfa is high in digestible fibre and provides a similar energy/calorie content to a basic coarse mix but with around 10x less starch. A lower starch diet is preferable to help maintain a healthy gut environment and may help to reduce the risk of problems such as colic.
Support for Ulcer Management: – Horses are susceptible to gastric ulcers, and alfalfa can be beneficial in managing this condition. With its high calcium content, the buffering effect of alfalfa helps to neutralise stomach acid, which is essential for horses with gastric ulcers.
Alfalfa in the UK
Chopped alfalfa feeds are widely available for horse owners in the UK, ensuring that horse owners can harness the benefits of this nutritious fibre feed.
Feeding Alfalfa to Different Horses
Performance Horses – Alfalfa’s rich protein content makes it an excellent choice for supporting the increased protein requirements of performance horses. Its amino acid profile contributes to muscle development alongside appropriate training, supporting overall athletic performance.
Senior Horses – As horses age, maintaining digestive health becomes crucial. Alfalfa’s digestible fibre and nutrient density make it a valuable component in the diets of senior horses, aiding in maintaining weight and condition.
Broodmares and Foals – Alfalfa’s nutritional density particularly benefits broodmares and growing foals. It provides essential nutrients, including good levels of calcium and quality protein, to support foetal development, milk production and the growth of strong, healthy bones in foals.
Alfalfa can also be helpful in the diets of horses undergoing physical stress or rehabilitating from an injury. The high-quality protein and amino acids in alfalfa contribute to tissue repair and muscle rebuilding, supporting recovery.
The easily digestible nature of alfalfa can also be beneficial for horses with compromised digestive systems during recovery.
Integrating Alfalfa into the Equine Diet
While alfalfa offers numerous benefits, its integration into a horse’s diet should be approached with careful consideration. It provides more energy/calories compared to other fibre types, so horses prone to obesity may require a balanced approach to avoid excess calorie intake. Consulting with a qualified equine nutritionist can help tailor a feeding plan that addresses individual horse needs and maximises the benefits of alfalfa.
Alfalfa-based horse feed has proven to be a valuable asset in promoting digestive health in horses. From its nutrient-rich composition to its positive impact on digestive health, alfalfa stands as a versatile fibre option suitable for a range of horses and ponies. As horse owners strive to provide the best care for their animals, understanding the role of alfalfa in digestive health opens doors to a better approach to equine nutrition.
