Are Alfalfa Cubes Right for Your Horse? Pros, Cons & Feeding Tips
Feeding your horse the right forage can be the difference between a healthy, thriving animal and one that’s nutritionally deficient or difficult to manage. Among the many forage options available to today’s equine caretakers, alfalfa cubes for horses are becoming increasingly popular. These compact, easy-to-feed cubes offer a convenient and nutrient-dense alternative to traditional hay, and they come with a variety of benefits. But are they the right choice for your horse?
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What Are Alfalfa Cubes?
Alfalfa cubes are compressed blocks of alfalfa hay, typically about 1 1/4 inches in diameter and several inches long. They’re made by chopping premium alfalfa into small pieces and then compressing them into uniform cubes without the need for binders or fillers.
Alfalfa, a legume forage, is known for its rich nutritional profile—high in protein, calcium, and digestible fiber—making it an ideal option for many types of horses, from high-performance athletes to those with specific dietary needs.
The Pros of Feeding Alfalfa Cubes for Horses
1. High Nutritional Value
One of the most compelling reasons to feed alfalfa cubes is their excellent nutritional profile. Alfalfa is naturally rich in:
- Crude protein (16–20%)
- Calcium
- Digestible fiber
- Vitamins A, D, E, and K
This makes it especially useful for horses with higher energy or nutrient needs, such as:
- Lactating mares
- Young, growing foals
- Hard keepers
- Performance horses in heavy training
2. Consistent Quality
Unlike baled hay, which can vary significantly depending on harvest time, weather, and storage conditions, alfalfa cubes tend to offer more consistent quality. When you buy a high-quality brand, you can count on uniformity in nutrition and appearance with every batch.
3. Convenient and Space-Saving
Cubes are easier to store and transport than traditional bales. They take up less space, are less messy, and don’t require a hay loft. For urban horse owners or those with limited space, this convenience is a huge plus.
4. Less Dust and Mold
Alfalfa cubes are low in dust, which makes them ideal for horses with respiratory issues such as heaves (recurrent airway obstruction). Properly processed cubes are also less likely to harbor mold, providing a safer feeding option when stored correctly.
5. Reduces Forage Waste
Horses are notorious for wasting hay, trampling, soiling, and picking through it. Alfalfa cubes minimize this waste. They’re typically eaten entirely, leading to better feed efficiency and potentially lower long-term costs.
Potential Cons of Feeding Alfalfa Cubes
While alfalfa cubes for horses come with many benefits, they aren’t without their drawbacks. Here are a few considerations:
1. Risk of Choking
Because cubes are compact, horses may choke if they eat them too quickly. To mitigate this, many horse owners opt to soak the cubes in water before feeding. Soaking not only reduces the choking risk but also provides extra hydration, especially helpful for senior horses or those with dental issues.
2. High Calcium-to-Phosphorus Ratio
Alfalfa naturally contains a high level of calcium relative to phosphorus (often 5:1 or more), which can lead to imbalances if not managed properly, particularly in young horses or those with specific mineral requirements. It’s crucial to balance the rest of your horse’s diet accordingly.
3. Too Rich for Easy Keepers
For horses that gain weight easily or have metabolic conditions like Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS) or insulin resistance, alfalfa cubes might be too calorie-dense. These horses typically do better on lower-protein, lower-calorie hays or hay alternatives.
Cubes do contain the long fiber necessary and can completely replace hay.
How to Feed Alfalfa Cubes: Tips and Guidelines
1. Introduce Gradually
As with any dietary change, it’s important to introduce alfalfa cubes slowly. Start by replacing a small portion of your horse’s current hay ration with cubes and increase gradually over 7–10 days to allow the digestive system to adjust.
2. Soak When Necessary
For horses prone to choking, senior horses with dental issues, or those who bolt their food, soaking is highly recommended. Add enough water to cover the cubes and let them sit for 15–30 minutes until soft and mushy.
Tip: Use warm water in winter months for added palatability and comfort.
3. Portion by Weight, Not Volume
Always measure feed by weight, not volume. A scoop of alfalfa cubes may weigh more than the same scoop of hay, potentially leading to overfeeding. Use a scale to determine how much your horse actually needs.
On average, a 1,000-lb horse requires 1.5–2% of its body weight in forage daily. If feeding exclusively cubes, that’s approximately 15–20 lbs. of cubes per day, divided into multiple feedings.
4. Pair with a Balancer or Vitamin/Mineral Supplement
To prevent nutritional imbalances—especially related to calcium and phosphorus—pair alfalfa cubes with a ration balancer or comprehensive vitamin/mineral supplement. This is particularly important if alfalfa cubes make up the majority of your horse’s diet.
5. Store Properly
Keep alfalfa cubes in a dry, cool, pest-free environment. Resealable bins or containers work well to protect them from moisture and rodents.
When Are Alfalfa Cubes a Smart Choice?
Alfalfa cubes are not a one-size-fits-all solution, but they shine in several situations:
Traveling or Showing
Their compact size and low mess factor make them ideal for hauling to shows, clinics, or trail rides.
Horses with Respiratory Conditions
Their low dust content offers a safer option for horses with heaves or other respiratory concerns.
Senior Horses with Dental Issues
When soaked, alfalfa cubes become easy to chew and digest, making them suitable for aging equines.
High-Performance and Hard-Working Horses
Horses in heavy training or those that struggle to maintain weight benefit from the high calorie and protein content.
Broodmares and Growing Foals
The extra nutrients in alfalfa support reproduction, lactation, and growth when balanced with other dietary needs.
When to Avoid or Limit Alfalfa Cubes
Conversely, you may want to limit or avoid alfalfa cubes in the following scenarios:
- Easy keepers prone to obesity.
- Horses already receiving a calcium-rich diet from other sources.
Frequently Asked Questions About Alfalfa Cubes
Q: Can alfalfa cubes completely replace hay?
Yes, in many cases, especially when hay good quality is unavailable or impractical to feed.
Q: Are alfalfa cubes the same as pellets?
Not quite. Alfalfa pellets are ground into a fine consistency before being formed into smaller pieces. Pellets also cannot be used as a hay replacement and are only a supplemental addition to diets.
Q: Do I need to soak cubes before feeding?
Not always—but soaking is advised if your horse eats too fast, has dental issues, or is prone to choke. Otherwise, healthy adult horses can often eat them dry without issue.
Why Choose Greenway Animal Nutrition?
At Greenway Animal Nutrition, we recognize that high-quality feed is essential for maintaining healthy, well-nourished horses. That’s why we’re proud to offer premium forage products, including top-tier alfalfa cubes for horses.
Whether you’re caring for a high-performance racehorse, a trusted riding companion, or a herd on your farm, our diverse selection of forage pellets, cubes, and meal provides a reliable, nutritious, and convenient feeding solution.
We are committed to:
- Sourcing only the best alfalfa
- Offering products with consistent quality and nutrition
- Providing forage options that suit a wide range of horse types and dietary needs
Are Alfalfa Cubes Right for Your Horse?
Ultimately, alfalfa cubes are a powerful tool in your equine nutrition toolbox. They offer a convenient, high-quality source of forage that’s especially well-suited to horses with elevated nutritional demands or unique feeding challenges. However, like any feed change, they must be introduced thoughtfully and balanced appropriately within your horse’s overall diet.
If you’re looking for a reliable forage option that supports your horse’s health, performance, and well-being, alfalfa cubes for horses might be just what you need.
Ready to Upgrade Your Horse’s Nutrition?
Greenway Animal Nutrition is here to help you make the best choices for your horse. With our range of high-quality forage products, including premium alfalfa cubes, you can feed with confidence, knowing you’re giving your horse the nourishment it deserves.
Contact us today to learn more or place an order. Let’s work together to keep your horses healthy, happy, and thriving.