Why Alfalfa Can Be a Great Forage for Horses

Alfalfa often gets talked about as a high-protein feed, but what really matters is why that protein can be useful.

Alfalfa is rich in amino acids, which play an important role in muscle repair and recovery. That makes it especially helpful for horses in work, growing horses, or those needing extra nutritional support.

It is also naturally high in calcium. Calcium can help buffer stomach acid, which is one reason alfalfa is often used as part of a feeding programme for horses prone to gastric ulcers. By helping create a more balanced environment in the gut, it may support better digestive comfort.

Another major benefit of alfalfa is its high vitamin A content. Vitamin A is important for growth, development, immune function, and overall health, which makes alfalfa particularly valuable for young, growing horses such as foals.

Used properly, alfalfa can be an excellent forage option. It is nutrient-dense, supportive of growth and recovery, and can play a useful role in digestive health. Like any feed, it works best when balanced with the horse’s age, workload, condition, and overall diet.

Questions for discussion:

Do you currently feed alfalfa to your horses? Why or why not?
Have you noticed a difference in condition, recovery, or digestion when using alfalfa?
Do you prefer feeding alfalfa as hay, cubes, or pellets?
For young or performance horses, how do you balance alfalfa with the rest of the ration?
What is the biggest misconception you hear about alfalfa?

5 comments