Author: The Greenway Team

When it comes to horse-related care, few aspects are as critical as nutrition. Proper feeding is the cornerstone of health, vitality, and performance for equines, whether they’re grazing in a pasture, training on the track, or enjoying leisurely trail rides. Among the many forage options available, alfalfa stands out as one of the most nutrient-dense and beneficial choices. Selecting the right cut and blend can significantly influence the well-being of your horse, and understanding the nuances of this high-protein legume is essential.

Why Alfalfa?

Alfalfa is a leguminous plant renowned for its rich protein content, high digestible fiber, and valuable mineral profile. Unlike grasses, which often lack protein and calcium, alfalfa provides a dense nutritional package ideal for horses with higher energy requirements.

Alfalfa is commonly available in forage form as cubes and pellets. These bagged formats make feeding convenient, reduce waste, and ensure more consistent quality compared to loose hay. 

Understanding the Cuts: First, Second, and Third

The term “cut” refers to the sequence of harvests from the same alfalfa field during the growing season. Each cut has distinct nutritional properties:

First Cut Alfalfa Forage

The first cut is typically coarser, containing more stem and less leaf matter. While it has slightly lower protein levels compared to later cuts, it is high in fiber and ideal for:

• Horses on maintenance diets
• Easy keepers prone to weight gain
• Animals needing a slower digestive process

Second Cut Alfalfa Forage

Second cut alfalfa offers a more balanced leaf-to-stem ratio. It is more palatable and nutrient-rich than the first cut and is often used for:

• Moderate working horses
• Growing foals and pregnant mares
• Horses recovering from illness or being underweight

Third Cut Alfalfa Forage

This is the most nutrient-dense and tender cut, containing mostly leaves with minimal stem. It’s softer, more palatable, and richer in protein and calcium. Ideal for:

• High-performance horses
• Lactating mares
• Horses with high metabolic demands

Pellets vs. Cubes: Which Should You Choose?

Form matters when it comes to alfalfa forage. At Greenway Animal Nutrition, we advocate choosing the right format based on your horse’s needs.

Alfalfa Cubes

These compressed forage chunks are made from coarsely chopped alfalfa and maintain a more natural fiber structure. Alfalfa cubes are especially beneficial for:

• High-performance horses
• Horses with robust dietary needs
• Horses with dental issues, as cubes can be soaked for easier chewing

Cubes are not just a supplement; they are a primary forage source and can be used to replace loose hay entirely.

Alfalfa Pellets

Alfalfa pellets are made from finely ground alfalfa that is compressed into small, uniform pieces. While they are highly digestible, pellets are a supplement, not a replacement for forage. They are great for:

• Boosting the nutritional value of a meal
• Horses needing precise portion control
• Mixing with grains and other feeds for custom blends

Pellets can also be soaked to create a mash-like texture, which is helpful for older horses or those with difficulty chewing.

Blending for Balanced Nutrition

Blending different cuts or combining alfalfa with other forage types can help tailor nutrition more precisely. For example:

• Alfalfa and Grass Forage Blends: Combining alfalfa cubes with a timothy or orchard grass-based forage can balance protein levels and reduce the risk of overfeeding calcium.
• First and Third Cut Mix: For horses needing moderate energy, mixing the first and third cuts ensures adequate fiber and protein without overloading the diet.

At Greenway Animal Nutrition, we offer expertly crafted blends to take the guesswork out of feeding.

Soaking Recommendations

While soaking alfalfa forage is not mandatory, it is highly recommended in many cases. Soaking cubes or pellets for about 30 minutes, or until softened, can:

• Aid hydration
• Reduce the risk of choking, especially in older horses or fast eaters
• Improve palatability and digestion

Soaked forage is also useful during hot summer months when horses need additional moisture.

Avoiding Common Mistakes

Even the best forage can fall short if fed improperly. Here are a few things to avoid:

Mistake 1: Replacing Hay Entirely with Pellets

As emphasized earlier, pellets are not a forage replacement. They are a nutritional supplement and should be fed alongside long-stem forage or cubes.

Mistake 2: Ignoring Cut Quality

Not all alfalfa is equal. Some suppliers blend inconsistent cuts or harvest under suboptimal conditions. Always choose bagged, quality-assured forage from trusted providers like Greenway Animal Nutrition.

Mistake 3: Skipping Soaking for Sensitive Horses

Skipping the soaking process can lead to avoidable health issues for horses prone to choke or colic. When in doubt, soak.

Bedding Considerations: Straw Options

Beyond nutrition, forage-based animal care extends into bedding. At Greenway Animal Nutrition, we recommend only bagged bedding materials, specifically:

• Pelleted Straw Bedding: Dust-free, absorbent, and easy to manage.
• Chopped Straw Bedding: Provides insulation and natural comfort.

Both options promote cleanliness and comfort without introducing the respiratory risks that loose hay or poor-quality straw can bring.

The Greenway Animal Nutrition Difference

At Greenway Animal Nutrition, we recognize that high-quality forage is essential for maintaining healthy, well-nourished horses. That’s why we offer premium alfalfa products designed to meet the needs of horse owners, breeders, and trainers.

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 and cubes provides a reliable, consistent feeding solution.

Why Choose Greenway Animal Nutrition?

• Rigorous quality control: Our bagged forage is tested for nutritional consistency and safety.
• Expert blending: We offer single-cut and mixed-cut blends tailored to various equine needs.
• Culture of care: We believe in giving back to the animal community through educational support and responsible practices.
• Convenience: Bagged cubes and pellets simplify feeding, storage, and transport.

Partner with Us Today

Don’t settle for subpar forage. Elevate your horse’s nutrition with Greenway Animal Nutrition’s alfalfa cubes and pellets. Our commitment to quality and animal wellness ensures that you’re providing your equine partner with the best.

Explore our full range of premium alfalfa products. Let us help you nourish your horse the right way.

When it comes to nourishing your horses, the quality of forage matters. Bulk alfalfa can be an economical and convenient option, especially for large-scale operations or committed horse owners. However, buying in bulk introduces unique challenges, the chief of which is ensuring consistent quality and avoiding spoilage.

Understanding the Value of Alfalfa 

Alfalfa is a nutrient-dense legume that offers high protein content, essential vitamins, and minerals crucial for equine health. As a primary forage for horses—especially high-performance equines—alfalfa provides the energy and nutrition needed to sustain endurance, build muscle, and aid in recovery.

When purchased as cubes or pellets, alfalfa becomes even more versatile and manageable. Cubed alfalfa is the go-to for performance horses needing reliable, consistent nutrition. Pellets serve as a valuable supplement to a forage-based diet, enhancing the nutrient profile without acting as a complete replacement.

Why Bulk Alfalfa?

1. Cost Efficiency: Buying in bulk often reduces the cost per pound, making it a budget-friendly option for long-term feeding needs.
2. Consistency: With a large, uniform supply, you’re less likely to experience variability in quality or nutritional content.
3. Convenience: Purchasing in volume reduces the frequency of orders and deliveries, streamlining your feed management.

However, these benefits only hold true if the forage is stored properly and maintains its integrity over time. That brings us to the key concern: spoilage.

Signs of High-Quality Bulk Alfalfa

When evaluating alfalfa in cube or pellet form, use your senses and understanding of standards to assess quality:

Visual Inspection:

• Color: Look for a bright green hue, indicating freshness and proper curing.
• Uniformity: Cubes or pellets should be consistent in size, shape, and texture.
• Lack of Contaminants: No foreign materials like dirt, mold, or sticks should be present.

Smell: A sweet, fresh, and slightly earthy aroma is a good sign. A sour, musty, or ammonia-like smell may indicate spoilage or contamination.

Texture: Quality cubes and pellets are firm but not rock hard. They should break down easily when soaked or chewed.

Preventing Spoilage in Bulk Alfalfa

Spoilage can waste both money and nutrition while potentially harming your animals. Follow these strategies to protect your supply:

1. Store Properly:

• Keep forage dry and out of direct sunlight.
• Use sealed, rodent-proof containers or climate-controlled storage when possible.
• Elevate bags or totes off the ground to avoid moisture wicking.

2. Control Moisture:

• High humidity or direct exposure to water can cause mold and bacterial growth.
• Always check for condensation or signs of dampness.

3. Rotate Stock:

• Use older supplies first (FIFO: First In, First Out).
• Date your bags or bins to help track usage.

4. Regular Inspections:

• Check for pests or signs of spoilage weekly.
• Discard any questionable forage to prevent contamination of the rest.

Soaking Alfalfa Cubes and Pellets

While soaking isn’t strictly necessary, it is often recommended, especially for:

• Older horses with dental issues
• Horses that bolt their food
• Reducing the risk of choke or impaction

How to Soak:

• Place cubes or pellets in a clean bucket
• Add enough water to fully cover them
• Let soak for 30 minutes or until soft

This method not only improves palatability but also enhances digestibility. In hot weather, it can help keep horses hydrated as well.

Choosing the Right Form: Cubes vs. Pellets

Alfalfa Cubes:

• Larger in size, closer to natural forage structure
• Ideal for high-performance horses needing superior-quality forage
• Can be soaked easily for older or sensitive horses

Alfalfa Pellets:

• Smaller and easier to measure for precise supplementation
• Useful as a dietary top-up, not a complete forage replacement
• Less chewing required, but care should be taken to prevent rapid consumption

Both forms offer excellent nutritional value when sourced from reputable suppliers and stored correctly.

Trusted Suppliers Matter

Where you source your bulk alfalfa is as critical as how you store it. Not all alfalfa products are created equal. A supplier that emphasizes nutritional integrity, stringent quality control, and sustainable practices will provide a better product.

At Greenway Animal Nutrition, we are committed to offering premium forage solutions tailored to your needs. Whether you’re caring for a single horse or managing a full stable, we understand the responsibility you carry and strive to support you every step of the way.

Make Smart, Sustainable Choices

Feeding your horses isn’t just about meeting nutritional benchmarks—it’s about stewardship. With the right approach to buying bulk alfalfa, you can save money, reduce waste, and keep your horses thriving.

To recap:

• Choose alfalfa for high-performance needs
• Use pellets as a nutritional supplement, not a hay replacement
• Soak forage as needed to aid digestion
• Prioritize proper storage and routine checks to avoid spoilage
• Select a reputable supplier with a shared commitment to animal welfare

Partner with Us Today

At Greenway Animal Nutrition, we recognize that high-quality feed is essential for maintaining healthy, well-nourished horses. That’s why we offer premium forage products designed to meet the needs of horse owners, breeders, and trainers. 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 and cubes provides a reliable feeding solution.

Reach out to us today! Let us help you elevate your feeding program with quality, consistency, and care.

Proper equine nutrition is the cornerstone of a healthy, thriving horse. When planning a feeding regimen, balancing forage with concentrates is essential for ensuring your equine companions receive the nutrients they need to perform, recover, and live long, healthy lives. Whether you’re managing a stable of elite performance horses or caring for a beloved trail companion, understanding the role of forage and concentrates in your feeding strategy can make all the difference.

Understanding Forage: The Foundation of Equine Diets

For horses, forage is more than just food—it’s the core of their diet. Unlike other animals that rely heavily on grains and concentrates, horses are grazing animals. Their digestive systems are designed to process large quantities of fibrous material throughout the day. That’s why forage, in the form of cubed or pelleted options, should form the foundation of any horse’s nutrition plan.

Why Forage Matters

Forage promotes healthy digestion, supports dental health, and helps prevent colic and ulcers. High-fiber forage stimulates natural chewing behavior and saliva production, which aids in buffering stomach acid. It also fosters gut motility, ensuring the horse’s gastrointestinal system stays active and functional.

Cubes vs. Pellets: Know the Difference

1. Forage cubes are compressed blocks of high-quality plant material. Due to their density and nutritional value, they’re ideal for high-performance horses. Soaking cubes for about 30 minutes (or until softened) is recommended to prevent choke, especially in horses with dental issues or those that eat quickly.
2. Forage pellets are smaller and often used as a supplement to an existing forage base, not a replacement. Pellets can also be soaked to improve palatability and reduce the risk of choking, though it’s not mandatory. Pellets are ideal for fine-tuning nutritional intake.

Integrating Concentrates: When Forage Alone Isn’t Enough

While forage should make up the majority of a horse’s diet, some horses—especially those in heavy training, breeding programs, or recovering from illness—require additional nutrients that forage alone cannot provide. This is where concentrates come in.

What Are Concentrates?

Concentrates are energy-dense feeds like grains, pelleted feed blends, and specially formulated ration balancers. They are designed to deliver targeted nutrition, particularly protein, fat, vitamins, and minerals, in smaller servings.

Guidelines for Use

1. Start with Forage First: Calculate the horse’s forage intake based on its weight (typically 1.5% to 2.5% of body weight daily).
2. Evaluate Nutritional Gaps: Conduct a forage analysis or consult with a nutritionist to determine what additional nutrients your horse needs.
3. Add Concentrates Gradually: Introduce concentrates slowly to avoid digestive upsets. Divide feedings into multiple small meals throughout the day.
4. Tailor to the Individual: Not all horses need the same diet. Young, growing horses, pregnant mares, and athletes will require more energy and nutrients than retirees or lightly worked horses.

Customizing Your Horse’s Diet by Life Stage & Activity

Performance Horses

These athletes require top-tier forage. Forage cubes made from premium ingredients are especially suited to their high demands. Supplement with pellets and energy-dense concentrates to maintain optimal weight, muscle mass, and endurance.

Senior Horses

Older horses may have difficulty chewing traditional long-stem forage. Softened forage cubes or soaked pellets become vital here, ensuring easy digestion and nutrient absorption. Concentrates with added joint support and probiotics can also be beneficial.

Breeding Stock

Mares in foal and lactating mares need a forage base that provides sustained energy and protein. Additional concentrates formulated for reproductive health can support fetal development and milk production.

Leisure & Companion Horses

While these horses often thrive on forage alone, light supplementation with pellets can address minor gaps in vitamins or minerals, especially when pasture quality is low.

Feeding Best Practices: Tips for Balance

Balancing forage with concentrates isn’t just about math—it’s about observation and adjustment. Here are a few pro tips:

• Monitor Body Condition Score (BCS): Adjust feeding amounts based on visual and tactile assessments of fat coverage.
• Watch for Behavioral Cues: Horses that seem restless, bored, or display cribbing may benefit from increased forage to satisfy their need to chew.
• Hydration is Key: Ensure fresh, clean water is always available, especially when feeding dry cubes or pellets.
• Soak When Needed: While not mandatory, soaking forage cubes and pellets for 30 minutes or until softened can enhance safety and palatability.
• Routine Review: Reassess your feeding strategy every season. Changes in workload, weather, or health status can shift nutritional needs.

Why 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 offer premium forage products designed to meet the diverse needs of horse owners, breeders, and trainers.

Our products include:

• Forage Cubes: Crafted from top-grade ingredients, perfect for high-performance horses.
• Forage Pellets: A supplement to your core forage program, offering flexible nutrient delivery.
• Bagged Straw Bedding: Clean, dust-free, and comfortable, ensuring a healthy living environment.

We don’t just sell products; we foster a culture of support, education, and community. Our goal is to empower horse owners with the tools and knowledge they need to keep their horses thriving.

Striking the Right Balance

Balancing forage with concentrates isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. It requires thoughtful planning, regular review, and a commitment to understanding your horse’s individual needs. By prioritizing forage as the primary energy and fiber source and strategically supplementing with concentrates, you can support everything from optimal performance to graceful aging.

And remember—the best feed is only as good as the people who stand behind it. That’s why Greenway Animal Nutrition is proud to offer not just superior products but also exceptional service and guidance.

Ready to Feed with Confidence?

Whether you’re caring for a high-performance racehorse, a trusted riding companion, or a herd on your farm, Greenway Animal Nutrition has the products and expertise you need. Reach out to us directly to learn more about our premium forage cubes, pellets, and bedding solutions.

For horses, nutrition is more than a matter of sustenance—it’s a fundamental pillar of wellness, performance, and longevity. One of the most essential aspects of equine nutrition is forage. Often mistakenly lumped in with general animal feed, forage is unique in its role, especially when supporting the long-term health of horses.

What Is Forage?

Forage refers to plant-based fiber sources that are essential to a horse’s digestive health and overall diet. Unlike grain-based feeds, forage provides the fiber needed to maintain gut motility, support microbial health, and mimic the horse’s natural grazing behavior. 

Pellets vs. Cubes

• Forage Cubes: Designed for high-quality performance horses, forage cubes offer a dense, high-fiber meal that supports energy, stamina, and muscle maintenance. These are not just replacements for traditional hay but rather superior alternatives that deliver concentrated nutrition.
• Forage Pellets: These are best used as a supplement to forage cubes or other forage sources. Pellets provide an additional boost in nutrients and are particularly useful for horses with dental issues or those who require specialized nutrition.

Both forms can be soaked for 30 minutes or until softened, enhancing palatability and ease of digestion, though soaking is not mandatory.

Why Forage Matters for Equine Health

Horses evolved as grazing animals, consuming small amounts of fibrous forage continuously throughout the day. This constant intake of fiber is crucial for multiple physiological systems:

Digestive Health

The equine digestive system is uniquely sensitive and relies heavily on a steady supply of forage to prevent ulcers, colic, and other gastrointestinal issues. Forage cubes and pellets maintain this delicate balance by ensuring consistent fiber intake.

Nutritional Balance

Forage is rich in essential nutrients, including protein, calcium, and vitamins. When made from premium ingredients, forage cubes and pellets support:

• Strong bone development
• Proper muscle function
• Immune system resilience

Mental and Behavioral Well-Being

Access to forage satisfies a horse’s natural urge to chew, which reduces stress and mitigates behavioral problems like cribbing or pacing. Using cubes and pellets ensures that horses maintain this behavioral health, even in stable environments where grazing isn’t an option.

Choosing the Right Forage for Your Horse

Consider Your Horse’s Needs

Every horse is different, and their forage feed should reflect that. Consider factors like:

• Age
• Activity level
• Health status
• Dental condition

Performance horses, for instance, benefit greatly from high-quality forage cubes due to their elevated nutritional needs. Meanwhile, senior horses or those with dental issues may do better with forage pellets that are easier to chew and digest.

Quality Over Quantity

When it comes to forage feed, quality is everything. Low-grade forage can contain dust, mold, or nutritional inconsistencies that can negatively impact your horse’s health. Look for products that:

• Are bagged for protection and consistency
• List clear nutritional information
• Are free from additives or fillers

At Greenway Animal Nutrition, we pride ourselves on offering premium, bagged forage cubes and pellets made from top-tier ingredients. Our products undergo rigorous quality checks to ensure they meet the highest standards in equine nutrition.

The Role of Forage Feed in Specialized Scenarios

Forage for High-Performance Horses

High-performance horses have unique dietary requirements due to the intense physical demands placed on them. For these equine athletes, forage cubes provide the robust nutrition needed to:

• Maintain muscle mass
• Sustain energy levels
• Aid in post-exercise recovery

Adding forage pellets on top as a supplement ensures a well-rounded, nutrient-dense feeding regimen.

Forage for Aging Horses

Older horses often face challenges like tooth loss, decreased digestive efficiency, and reduced appetite. Forage pellets, especially when soaked, offer an ideal solution by providing an easy-to-consume, highly digestible source of nutrition that still meets their fiber requirements.

Forage During Recovery or Illness

Horses recovering from illness or surgery may require specialized diets. Soaked forage cubes and pellets can be gentler on the digestive system and help maintain nutritional intake without overwhelming the stomach.

Feeding Best Practices

Introduce Slowly

To avoid gastrointestinal upset, transitioning to a new forage should be done gradually over a period of 7-10 days.

Monitor Intake

Keep an eye on how your horse responds to the new forage in terms of appetite, energy levels, and manure consistency.

Consider Soaking

While not mandatory, soaking forage cubes and pellets for about 30 minutes or until softened can:

• Prevent choking
• Improve hydration
• Increase palatability

Complement with Balanced Nutrition

While forage should be the foundation, depending on their individual needs, your horse may still benefit from additional supplements, grains, or concentrates.

Sustainability and Community Values

At Greenway Animal Nutrition, we believe in more than just feeding horses—we believe in nurturing the entire ecosystem that supports them. Our commitment to sustainability means:

• Ethical sourcing of forage ingredients
• Eco-friendly packaging
• Supporting local agriculture

But our mission goes further. We are dedicated to giving back to the community, offering educational resources, supporting local equine events, and engaging in meaningful outreach.

Why Choose Greenway Animal Nutrition?

When you choose Greenway Animal Nutrition, you’re choosing more than just a product—you’re choosing a partner in your horse’s health. Our offerings are designed with the highest standards in mind:

• Premium Forage Cubes: Ideal for performance and active horses
• High-Quality Forage Pellets: Perfect supplemental fiber source
• Bagged Bedding: Clean, comfortable, and sustainable

We work closely with veterinarians, nutritionists, and horse owners to ensure our products deliver consistent, reliable results. Whether you’re managing a racing stable, a riding school, or a small family farm, our forage feed products can help you achieve optimal equine health.

Final Thoughts

Forage isn’t just a component of a horse’s diet—it’s the cornerstone. By understanding its role, choosing the right forms, and adhering to best practices, horse owners can significantly enhance the health and longevity of their animals. Whether you opt for cubes, pellets, or both, the key lies in quality, consistency, and a holistic approach to equine care.

Partner with Us Today

At Greenway Animal Nutrition, we recognize that high-quality feed is essential for maintaining healthy, well-nourished horses. That’s why we offer premium forage products designed to meet the needs of horse owners, breeders, and trainers. 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 and cubes provides a reliable feeding solution.

Reach out to us today and discover how our expertly crafted forage feed products can support your horse’s health now and in the long run.