When it comes to crafting the ideal diet for your horse, the choices can feel overwhelming. From various forage types and grains to specialized supplements and feeding schedules, horse owners have plenty of decisions to make. Among the most talked-about components of equine nutrition is alfalfa horse feed. Highly regarded for its rich nutrient profile and palatability, alfalfa can play a key role in supporting equine health. But is it the best base for your horse’s diet?
Understanding Alfalfa
Alfalfa is a perennial legume that boasts a high protein content, dense energy, and rich mineral levels, especially calcium. It is commonly processed into various forms for equine consumption, including:
These products are often used to supplement an equine diet, particularly when higher caloric intake is needed, such as for performance horses, lactating mares, or underweight animals.
Importantly, alfalfa in bagged form differs significantly from loose or baled hay. Bagged forage offers greater convenience, consistent nutritional value, reduced dust, and less spoilage. This makes it especially attractive to horse owners managing large barns or traveling with performance animals.
Is Alfalfa a Complete Feed?
One common misconception is that alfalfa alone can serve as a complete diet. However, despite its nutritional density, alfalfa is not a complete feed. It lacks the balance of nutrients required for long-term equine health, particularly the proper ratios of phosphorus to calcium and key trace minerals like zinc and copper.
To ensure a well-rounded equine diet, alfalfa could be combined with:
Grass hay or pasture for fiber and variety
Grains or concentrates for balanced energy
Vitamin and mineral supplements to meet full nutritional needs
Nutritional Benefits of Alfalfa
When used appropriately, alfalfa horse feed can be a powerful ally in your horse’s nutrition plan. Here are some of its key benefits:
1. High-Quality Protein
Protein is essential for muscle repair, tissue growth, and overall vitality. Alfalfa contains 14-20% crude protein, far exceeding most grass hays. This makes it ideal for:
Growing foals
Pregnant or lactating mares
Hard-working performance horses
2. Energy-Dense
Alfalfa is naturally energy-rich, providing more calories per pound than grass hay. This supports horses that need help maintaining weight, especially during training, illness recovery, or winter months.
3. Calcium-Rich
Calcium is critical for bone development and muscle function. Alfalfa contains more than double the calcium found in grass hay, which can be advantageous for growing horses and mares producing milk.
4. Palatability
Most horses love the taste of alfalfa. Its sweetness and texture can entice picky eaters, making it easier to maintain healthy eating habits.
Potential Drawbacks of Alfalfa
Despite its advantages, alfalfa horse feed is not without its caveats. It’s essential to understand where caution is warranted:
1. Imbalanced Calcium to Phosphorus Ratio
The high calcium content of alfalfa can lead to imbalances if it is not paired with phosphorus-rich feeds. An ideal calcium-to-phosphorus ratio for horses is around 2:1; alfalfa often exceeds this, requiring careful dietary adjustment.
2. Not Ideal for Easy Keepers
Horses that gain weight easily (“easy keepers”) may not need the extra calories from alfalfa. Feeding them high-energy alfalfa could lead to weight gain.
3. Risk of Enteroliths
In certain regions, especially those with hard water, excessive alfalfa intake has been linked to the formation of enteroliths (intestinal stones). Moderation and hydration are crucial to reduce this risk.
4. Overfeeding Concerns
Feeding alfalfa as the bulk of a horse’s diet may lead to nutrient excesses or digestive imbalances. Always consult with an equine nutritionist to tailor the right feeding plan.
Bagged vs. Loose or Baled Alfalfa
When purchasing alfalfa, you may encounter different product forms. Here’s how bagged alfalfa and forage compare to traditional loose or baled hay:
Bagged Forage Products:
More consistent quality: Nutritional content is easier to manage
Low-dust: Beneficial for horses with respiratory sensitivity
Convenient to store and transport
Longer shelf-life
Cleaner feeding: Less contamination from dirt or debris
Loose/Baled Hay:
Variable nutrient content depending on harvest and storage
Bulkier and harder to manage
Higher risk of mold or spoilage if not stored properly
Bagged forage products like alfalfa pellets or cubes from reputable providers offer peace of mind. Their consistency, safety, and ease of use make them an excellent addition to a comprehensive feeding program.
When Is Alfalfa the Right Choice?
There are several scenarios where alfalfa can be especially beneficial:
1. Performance Horses
Horses engaged in intensive work burn more calories and need quicker muscle recovery. The high protein and energy content of alfalfa can support performance demands.
2. Underweight Horses
Alfalfa is a great option for safely putting weight on a horse. Its digestibility and calorie density support healthy weight gain without overfeeding grains.
3. Seniors with Dental Issues
Alfalfa pellets are easy to chew and digest. Older horses with worn teeth or dental problems may thrive on soaked forage pellets or cubes.
4. Lactating Mares and Growing Foals
These groups have high nutritional needs. Alfalfa helps meet the increased demand for protein and calcium during these critical stages.
5. Horses with Allergies to Grass Hay
Some horses develop sensitivities to grass hay. Alfalfa can provide an alternative roughage source while maintaining dietary fiber.
When to Use Alfalfa with Caution
While alfalfa horse feed is versatile, it should be limited or avoided in certain cases:
Obese or low-activity horses: Alfalfa could contribute to unwanted weight gain.
Horses in phosphorus-rich feeding programs: Excess calcium from alfalfa can unbalance the diet.
For these horses, a forage blend that includes lower-calorie grass hays may be more appropriate, with alfalfa used only in small, targeted amounts.
How to Incorporate Alfalfa Horse Feed into a Balanced Diet
If you decide that alfalfa is a good fit for your horse, here are a few tips for safe and effective use:
1. Start Slowly
Always introduce alfalfa gradually to avoid gastrointestinal upset. Mix it with your horse’s current forage and increase over time.
2. Balance the Nutrients
Pair alfalfa with other feed components to balance its high calcium and protein content. This might include grass hay, oats, or vitamin-mineral supplements.
3. Monitor Body Condition
Adjust feeding based on your horse’s body condition score (BCS). If weight gain becomes an issue, reduce the amount or switch to a lower-calorie forage base.
4. Soak Forage Pellets or Cubes
If feeding forage pellets or cubes, soak them in water for easier digestion and to prevent choke, especially in senior horses or those who bolt their food.
5. Work with a Nutritionist
A professional equine nutritionist can help fine-tune your horse’s diet to meet specific goals, whether for performance, recovery, or maintenance.
Choose Quality with 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 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 alfalfa horse feed, including forage pellets, cubes, and meal, provides a reliable and convenient feeding solution. Our products are carefully formulated and packaged to ensure consistency, safety, and top-tier nutrition for your equine partners.
Let us help you create a feeding program that supports strength, performance, and long-term health. Reach out to us today and discover how our high-quality forage products can make all the difference in your horse’s life.
When it comes to equine nutrition, providing the right balance of energy, protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals is essential to maintain the health and vitality of your horse. One of the most trusted supplemental feed options available today is alfalfa pellets. Designed for convenience and efficiency, these forage pellets serve as a concentrated source of nutrients and can complement your horse’s primary diet of forage and roughage.
What Are Alfalfa Pellets?
Alfalfa pellets are made from high-quality alfalfa that is ground and compressed into small, manageable pellets. Unlike baled or loose hay, these pellets come in bagged form, making them easy to store, transport, and measure for feeding. They offer the nutritional benefits of alfalfa in a form ideal for busy stables, performance barns, or any horse owner looking for a cleaner, more controlled feeding method.
Nutritional Breakdown of Alfalfa Pellets
Understanding the nutrient content of alfalfa pellets is critical to managing your horse’s diet effectively. Here’s a general breakdown of what you can expect in terms of key nutrients:
1. Protein
Alfalfa is naturally high in protein, and the pellet form preserves this quality. Alfalfa pellets typically contain 14-18% crude protein, depending on processing and origin. This makes them a valuable source of protein for:
Growing foals
Pregnant or lactating mares
Senior horses needing extra nourishment
Performance horses under rigorous training
2. Calcium and Phosphorus
These pellets are especially rich in calcium, with levels often ranging from 1.2% to 1.5%, and phosphorus levels usually around 0.2% to 0.3%. This makes them ideal for supporting bone strength and muscular function. However, the high calcium-to-phosphorus ratio must be balanced, particularly for horses receiving additional supplements or concentrates.
3. Digestible Energy (DE)
Alfalfa pellets offer a higher digestible energy content than grass hay, making them a more calorie-dense option. On average, alfalfa pellets provide 1.0 to 1.2 Mcal per pound, which is beneficial for maintaining weight in hard-keepers or horses with increased caloric demands.
4. Fiber
With 25-30% fiber, these pellets help support healthy digestion and gut motility. However, due to their processed nature, they lack the long-stem fiber of baled hay. This is why they are best used as a supplemental feed, not a complete replacement for roughage.
Advantages Over Loose or Baled Hay
While traditional hay is the cornerstone of a horse’s diet, horse alfalfa pellets present several notable benefits:
1. Consistency
Each bag of alfalfa pellets delivers a consistent nutrient profile. This contrasts with baled hay, which may vary in quality, protein content, and moisture due to environmental conditions or cutting times.
2. Reduced Waste
Pellets reduce the mess and waste associated with loose hay. Horses are less likely to trample or soil pellets, saving money and effort.
3. Convenience
Bagged alfalfa pellets are easier to store and handle, especially in facilities where space is limited or multiple horses are managed.
4. Dust-Free Option
For horses with respiratory conditions like heaves or allergies, pellets offer a dust-free alternative to hay, promoting better lung health.
Feeding Strategy: How to Incorporate Alfalfa Pellets
Successfully using alfalfa pellets begins with a thoughtful feeding plan. Here’s how to do it right:
1. Determine the Role in the Diet
Alfalfa pellets should be used as a supplement, not the sole source of forage. They work best when added to a base of quality hay cubes or pasture.
2. Introduce Gradually
Any new feed should be introduced over 7 to 10 days to avoid digestive upset. Start with small amounts and gradually increase to the desired level.
3. Feeding by Weight, Not Volume
Always feed by weight (e.g., pounds or kilograms), not scoops or volume, since pellet density can vary. Use a kitchen scale or hanging scale to determine accurate portions.
4. Soaking Considerations
While many horses can safely consume dry pellets, soaking is recommended for:
Senior horses with dental issues
Horses prone to choke
Feeding large amounts at once
Soak in water for 15-30 minutes until the pellets form a mash-like consistency.
Which Horses Benefit Most from Alfalfa Pellets?
Alfalfa pellets can benefit a wide range of horses when used correctly:
1. Performance Horses
Athletes in training or competition require more calories and protein. Alfalfa pellets deliver high-energy fuel and muscle-building protein without the bulk of hay.
2. Hard Keepers
Some horses struggle to maintain weight despite good appetite. Alfalfa pellets provide a calorie-dense, palatable option that supports healthy weight gain.
3. Seniors and Horses with Dental Challenges
Older horses often have worn or missing teeth that make chewing hay difficult. Soaked alfalfa pellets serve as an easy-to-chew alternative.
4. Growing Foals and Broodmares
The high protein and calcium levels make these pellets ideal for supporting growth and lactation when used alongside balanced grain rations and forage.
Feeding Frequency and Meal Planning
To keep your horse’s digestive system happy, split the daily ration into two or more feedings. Never feed large amounts of alfalfa pellets all at once, as it can increase the risk of digestive upset or nutrient imbalances.
Potential Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
While alfalfa pellets are a valuable tool in equine nutrition, they must be managed carefully:
1. Calcium Imbalance
Too much calcium, especially in the absence of phosphorus, can lead to mineral imbalances. Balance your horse’s total diet, especially if feeding high quantities of alfalfa products.
2. Lack of Long-Stem Fiber
Pellets lack the long-stem fibers found in baled hay, which are important for dental wear and digestive health. Ensure your horse is still consuming sufficient hay or pasture.
3. Overfeeding
Because they’re calorie-dense, it’s easy to overfeed alfalfa pellets. Work with an equine nutritionist or vet to assess your horse’s needs and adjust accordingly.
How Much Alfalfa Pellets Are Right for Your Horse?
Here’s a general guide by horse weight and use:
Always tailor feeding based on the horse’s condition, workload, and total ration.
Why Bagged Bedding Matters
While the focus here is on nutrition, it’s worth noting that using bagged bedding alongside alfalfa pellets supports a cleaner and healthier stable environment. Bagged bedding offers:
Consistent moisture control
Reduced dust for respiratory health
Easier stall cleaning
This complements a nutritional plan by reducing exposure to allergens and maintaining overall well-being.
Trust Greenway Animal Nutrition for Premium Forage Products
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. Our alfalfa pellets are carefully crafted to deliver the consistent quality and performance your animals deserve, without the mess or guesswork of traditional hay.
Ready to enhance your horse’s nutrition? Contact us today to learn more about our products, request a sample, or get personalized feeding advice tailored to your horses’ needs.
When it comes to feeding your horse, nutrition is key. While most equestrians understand that forage is a necessary part of a horse’s diet, choosing between alfalfa vs. grass hay can be confusing. Each has distinct nutritional properties that make them suited for different types of horses, activities, and feeding strategies.
Alfalfa Hay: Rich and Powerful
Nutritional Profile
Alfalfa is a legume, not a grass, which gives it a distinct nutrient profile. It’s known for being:
High in protein (often 15-20%)
Rich in calcium
Dense in digestible energy
More palatable for picky eaters
This makes alfalfa a popular choice for:
Growing foals
Pregnant or lactating mares
Performance horses with high caloric demands
Older horses needing weight support
Pros
Promotes weight gain: Alfalfa is energy-dense and helps underweight horses add pounds safely.
Improves muscle development: Its high protein content supports muscle repair and growth.
Reduces acid in the stomach: Calcium acts as a buffer, potentially reducing the risk of ulcers.
Cons
Not suitable for all horses: Easy keepers, sedentary horses, or those prone to metabolic issues may gain too much weight or develop imbalances.
Imbalanced calcium-to-phosphorus ratio: May require additional phosphorus supplementation to avoid nutritional issues.
Grass Hay: Balanced and Versatile
Nutritional Profile
Grass hay includes varieties like timothy, orchardgrass, brome, and bermudagrass. Generally, these hays are:
Lower in protein (typically 7-12%)
Lower in calories and calcium
Higher in fiber
More moderate in nutrient density
Grass hay works well for:
Maintenance horses
Easy keepers
Horses on a concentrate-heavy diet that still need long-stem fiber
Pros
Supports healthy digestion: High fiber content promotes a stable digestive tract.
Less risk of overfeeding: More forgiving for horses that gain weight easily.
Cons
May lack protein or energy: Not ideal as the only forage for hard keepers or high-performance horses.
Variable quality: Nutrient content can vary widely based on maturity, storage, and growing conditions.
Pellets and Cubes: Bagged Forage Advantages
Not all horse owners have the luxury of fresh bales. Enter bagged forage products, such as:
Alfalfa or Timothy hay pellets
Alfalfa or Timothy Alfalfa hay cubes
These products are a convenient, consistent, and clean alternative to loose hay. Especially valuable in boarding barns, race barns, or show stables, bagged forage products eliminate dust, reduce waste, and make portion control easier.
Why Choose Bagged Forage?
Consistency: Greenway Animal Nutrition products are batch-tested and consistent, meaning your horse receives the same quality every time.
Storage-Friendly: Bagged forage doesn’t require large barns or haylofts.
Dust-Free: Helps horses with respiratory sensitivities.
Easy to Measure: Perfect for supplementation with commercial grain blends or complete feeds.
These products are also ideal when traveling or during inclement weather when hay quality might be compromised. By offering bagged alfalfa or grass hay supplements, you can keep your horse nourished and healthy year-round.
Which Should You Choose: Alfalfa or Grass Hay?
Consider Your Horse’s Unique Needs
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to the alfalfa vs. grass hay debate. The decision depends on several factors:
Workload: Performance horses may benefit from alfalfa’s higher protein and energy.
Metabolism: Easy keepers do better with grass hay’s lower caloric density.
Health status: Horses with ulcers may thrive on alfalfa due to its buffering properties.
Life stage: Foals and broodmares generally require more protein and calcium, tipping the scale toward alfalfa.
Allergies or sensitivities: Horses prone to respiratory issues might tolerate dust-free forage cubes better than baled hay.
Hybrid Feeding Strategies
Many horse owners find that blending alfalfa and grass hay offers the best of both worlds. For example:
A 70/30 mix of grass hay to alfalfa cubes provides added nutrients without overwhelming your horse.
Feeding grass hay freely while supplementing with alfalfa pellets supports both appetite and muscle development.
Using Greenways Timothy Alfalfa Cubes offers a great blend of both hays for optimal nutrition for the majority of horses
How to Transition Between Forages
Whenever you change a horse’s diet, do so gradually to avoid digestive upset. Whether moving from baled hay to forage cubes or switching from grass to alfalfa:
Start with a small portion of the new forage.
Mix it with the current forage.
Slowly increase the ratio over 7–10 days.
Monitor your horse’s weight, energy, and stool consistency.
Greenway Animal Nutrition’s bagged forage products are easy to soak, making them ideal for horses with dental issues or hydration challenges. The soft texture also helps encourage horses to chew thoroughly, aiding digestion.
Common Myths About Alfalfa and Grass Hay
Myth 1: Alfalfa Causes Kidney Damage
This is false. While alfalfa is high in protein, healthy horses have no trouble excreting the excess nitrogen. However, horses with existing kidney disease may require dietary adjustments.
Myth 2: Grass Hay Is Always Better
Not necessarily. Grass hay is lower in energy and protein, which may not be enough for young, growing, or working horses. The key is matching the forage to your horse’s condition and workload.
Myth 3: Forage Pellets and Cubes Aren’t Natural
While processed, high-quality forage pellets and cubes retain all the essential nutrients and fiber found in long-stem hay, with no additives or preservatives. When manufactured responsibly, like those at Greenway, they provide a safe and nutritious alternative.
The Greenway Animal Nutrition Advantage
At Greenway Animal Nutrition, we understand that every horse is different, and so are their feeding needs. That’s why we offer a diverse selection of premium bagged forage products designed to supplement any feeding program.
Our forage pellets and cubes are available in both alfalfa and grass hay formulations, ensuring that whether your horse needs a protein boost or just a steady source of digestible fiber, we’ve got you covered.
Why Choose Greenway?
Premium quality assurance through testing and sourcing
Consistent nutrient profiles for balanced diets
Convenient packaging and dust-free options
Suitable for all horse types and disciplines
From active competitors to retired trail horses, we have the right blend to meet your horse’s needs.
Final Thoughts: Alfalfa vs. Grass Hay
Choosing between alfalfa vs. hay doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By understanding the nutritional differences and evaluating your horse’s lifestyle, you can create a feeding strategy that supports long-term health and performance.
With Greenway Animal Nutrition’s forage pellets, cubes, and meal, you can supplement your horse’s diet with confidence, convenience, and care.
Ready to Elevate Your Horse’s 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 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, cubes, and meal provides a reliable feeding solution.
For horse owners, trainers, and stable managers, choosing the right feed can mean the difference between an underperforming animal and a thriving, high-performing one. Among the many supplemental feeds available, bulk alfalfa pellets have become a preferred choice due to their convenience, nutritional profile, and cost-efficiency, especially when purchased in large quantities.
However, buying in bulk comes with its own set of considerations. Proper storage, handling, and feeding techniques are critical to preserving freshness, maintaining nutrient quality, and preventing waste.
What Are Bulk Alfalfa Pellets?
Alfalfa pellets are a compressed, high-fiber feed product made from premium alfalfa hay. These pellets are milled and formed into uniform pellets that are easy to feed and measure.
Not a Primary Feed, but a Powerful Supplement
It’s important to note that alfalfa pellets should serve as a supplemental forage, not as the sole source of nutrition. While they provide excellent protein and fiber, horses also require a diversified diet that includes long-stem forage like hay cubes or pasture. Alfalfa pellets are best used to enhance the diet, support weight gain, or provide consistent nutrition during travel or winter months when pasture is limited.
The Benefits of Buying Alfalfa Pellets in Bulk
1. Lower Cost Per Pound
Purchasing bulk alfalfa pellets is more economical than buying smaller bags or single units. Bulk tote buying reduces per-pound costs, especially when sourced from suppliers like Greenway Animal Nutrition, which offers premium forage products at competitive prices for volume purchases.
2. Convenience and Consistency
With a steady supply on hand, you don’t have to make frequent feed runs or worry about running out during critical feeding periods. It also means your horses receive a consistent source of nutrition, which can reduce digestive issues or feeding stress.
3. Space Efficiency
Bagged and toted alfalfa pellets take up less space than other options and can be stacked neatly in barns or feed rooms. This makes them ideal for facilities with limited storage or for those who want to streamline their inventory management.
Smart Storage: How to Keep Your Bulk Alfalfa Pellets Fresh
Improper storage can turn your cost-saving feed investment into a loss. Alfalfa pellets are durable, but they are still vulnerable to moisture, heat, pests, and UV exposure. Here are some tips to keep your feed in top condition:
1. Store in a Dry, Cool Environment
Moisture is the number one enemy of alfalfa pellets. Always store the pellets in a well-ventilated, dry location, away from barn wash areas or direct ground contact. A pallet on a concrete or raised wooden floor is ideal.
2. Use Airtight Storage Containers
For smaller portions, consider transferring the pellets into airtight feed bins with sealing lids. This provides a secondary layer of protection from rodents, insects, and humidity.
3. Elevate and Rotate
If you’re storing multiple bags, stack them on pallets or risers to avoid direct floor contact. Rotating your inventory (first in, first out) helps ensure you’re always using the oldest stock first and prevents spoilage.
4. Protect from Sunlight and Heat
Exposure to UV light and high temperatures can degrade the nutrient content of alfalfa pellets. Keep bags out of direct sunlight and avoid placing them near machinery or walls that radiate heat.
5. Inspect Regularly for Mold or Pests
Even the best storage systems can fail occasionally. Perform regular checks for unusual odors, mold, insects, or rodent activity. Discard any feed that shows signs of contamination immediately.
Feeding Tips: Maximizing the Nutritional Benefits
1. Hydrate Before Feeding (When Needed)
Some horse owners prefer to soak alfalfa pellets in water before feeding, especially for older horses or those with dental issues. Soaking prevents choking and helps with hydration. Add warm water and let the pellets absorb it for 15-30 minutes to create a mash.
2. Measure Precisely
Just like any supplement, it’s important to measure the feed according to your horse’s weight, age, and activity level. Overfeeding can lead to excess weight, while underfeeding may result in nutritional gaps.
3. Pair with Long-Stem Forage
Alfalfa pellets are not a substitute for long-stem forage like hay cubes or pasture. Horses require long fibers to maintain proper gut motility and to support chewing behavior, which encourages saliva production, essential for digestion.
4. Balance with Other Feed Sources
Because alfalfa is relatively high in calcium and protein, it’s essential to balance your horse’s diet, especially for growing horses or those prone to kidney issues. Work with an equine nutritionist to ensure your feed plan is well-rounded.
Who Can Benefit Most from Bulk Alfalfa Pellets?
Alfalfa pellets are incredibly versatile and beneficial for a range of horses and farm animals. Here’s a breakdown of how different groups benefit from bulk pellet use:
1. Performance Horses
Horses engaged in strenuous work require more protein and energy. Alfalfa pellets are a convenient way to supplement their caloric intake and keep muscles strong.
2. Senior Horses
Older horses often have trouble chewing or digesting coarse hay. Hydrated pellets provide a softer, easier-to-digest alternative that still delivers essential nutrients.
3. Underweight or Recovering Horses
If your horse is underweight or recovering from illness, alfalfa pellets are a safe, effective way to promote weight gain and boost condition without the risks associated with high-grain diets.
4. Broodmares and Foals
Pregnant or lactating mares, as well as foals, require extra nutrients. Alfalfa provides quality protein and calcium, helping support growth and milk production.
5. Farm Animals
While this article focuses on horses, many other animals—goats, rabbits, and even cattle—can benefit from supplemental alfalfa pellets in their diet, as long as it’s part of a balanced nutrition plan.
Bulk Buying Tips: How to Save Money Long-Term
Investing in bulk alfalfa pellets can be a smart financial move—if you do it strategically. Here are some additional cost-saving tips:
1. Partner With Other Horse Owners
Consider forming a feed co-op with neighboring horse owners or small farms. Pooling your orders can reduce shipping costs and increase your buying power, potentially qualifying for wholesale discounts.
2. Take Advantage of Seasonal Promotions
Many feed suppliers offer discounts during off-peak seasons. Stocking up during these times can provide significant savings, provided you have adequate storage.
3. Keep Detailed Feed Records
Maintaining a feeding log helps track usage, waste, and expenses. Over time, this data can guide smarter purchasing decisions and help you fine-tune your feeding strategy.
Why Choose Greenway Animal Nutrition?
At Greenway Animal Nutrition, we understand that your animals are more than just livestock—they’re partners, companions, and athletes. That’s why we’ve made it our mission to provide high-quality forage solutions that support health, performance, and well-being.
We specialize in premium bagged forage, including bulk alfalfa pellets, designed to meet the diverse needs of horse owners, trainers, and breeders across the country. Our products are carefully processed to retain maximum nutrition, ensure consistency, and offer superior shelf life.
Whether you’re managing a herd of show horses, rehabilitating a rescue, or just looking for a smarter way to supplement your animal’s diet, Greenway has a solution for you.
A Smarter Way to Supplement
Bulk alfalfa pellets offer a practical, economical, and nutritious way to enhance your horse’s diet when used correctly. From minimizing feed waste and reducing your cost per pound to ensuring your animals have access to consistent, high-quality nutrition, the benefits are clear. Just remember to treat pellets as a supplemental feed, not a complete replacement, and to follow best practices for storage and feeding.
With the right approach, bulk alfalfa pellets can become an essential part of your barn’s feeding strategy, saving you money while supporting the health of your animals.
Ready to Make the Smart Choice?
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, cubes, and meal provides a reliable feeding solution.
Contact us today to discover how we can help you feed smarter, store easier, and save more.
When it comes to equine nutrition, forage is often considered the foundation of a horse’s diet. However, not all forage is created equal, and more importantly, not every horse requires the same type of forage. From competitive athletes to retired companions, every horse has unique nutritional needs based on age, breed, workload, metabolism, and even environment.
The Role of Forage in Different Horse Lifestyles
Whether you own a high-performance athlete or a leisurely trail horse, matching the right type of horse forage to their lifestyle can significantly impact their performance, temperament, and overall health.
1. Performance Horses: Energy and Endurance
Competitive horses—such as racehorses, eventers, or jumpers—require increased calories, digestible fiber, and protein to sustain their activity levels. For these horses, forage pellets and cubes that are high in fiber and moderately high in protein can be invaluable. Alfalfa-based cubes or blends with beet pulp offer an excellent source of calories without the high starch levels found in grains.
Bagged forage ensures uniform nutrition, which is critical for horses on a strict performance regimen. Plus, forage pellets can be soaked to increase hydration, a must for hard-working horses.
2. Senior Horses: Digestibility and Soft Texture
Older horses often struggle with dental problems and reduced digestive efficiency. Chopped hay or long-stem forage becomes difficult to chew and digest. For these horses, soaked forage pellets or meal provide an easy-to-consume supplement that delivers essential fiber and nutrients without the chewing strain.
Look for products that are soft, easy to soak, and formulated specifically for senior digestion. Timely feeding of this type of forage can help maintain weight, support digestive health, and keep senior horses comfortable and nourished.
3. Leisure Horses: Maintenance Made Easy
Trail horses and leisure companions have moderate energy needs but still require a balanced diet to stay healthy and content. Bagged forage products like timothy or orchard grass pellets offer a dependable, dust-free source of fiber that helps maintain gut health.
These horses benefit from forage as a nutritional baseline that supports a slower metabolism without the risk of overfeeding. Moreover, the consistency of forage pellets and cubes helps avoid the variability in nutritional content that sometimes occurs in baled hay.
4. Metabolic Horses: Low Sugar, High Fiber
Horses with metabolic conditions like insulin resistance, Cushing’s disease, or laminitis need forage that is low in non-structural carbohydrates (NSC). Bagged forage products with verified low NSC content are ideal for these horses, as they provide the needed fiber without triggering sugar spikes.
Soaking the forage can further reduce sugar content, making it safer for sensitive horses.
5. Growing Horses: Balanced Nutrition for Development
Foals, weanlings, and yearlings require a diet rich in digestible energy, protein, and essential minerals to support healthy growth. While forage should not be the only component in their diet, it remains an important supplemental element.
When balanced with fortified feeds, high-quality forage cubes made from alfalfa or alfalfa blends can support developing bones and tissues. Monitoring calcium-to-phosphorus ratios is also crucial at this stage of life.
6. Breeding Horses: Support for Broodmares and Stallions
Broodmares, especially in late gestation and lactation, have elevated nutrient requirements. Similarly, active stallions may benefit from added calories and protein. Alfalfa-based cubes and pellets are an excellent supplement in these cases, offering enhanced protein and calcium.
Providing these nutrients in bagged forage ensures precision and consistency, which is essential for horses whose reproductive performance and milk quality rely on optimal nutrition.
Key Benefits of Bagged Forage Products
Choosing bagged forage comes with numerous advantages over traditional loose or baled hay:
Consistency: Each serving offers uniform nutritional content.
Storage-Friendly: Bagged forage takes up less space and stays fresher longer.
Clean and Dust-Free: Ideal for horses with allergies or respiratory issues.
Digestibility: Easier on the digestive system, particularly when soaked.
Convenience: Easy to measure and mix into feeding routines.
How to Introduce Bagged Forage to Your Feeding Program
When adding any new forage productto your horse’s diet, make transitions gradual. Start by replacing a small portion of their existing hay with forage cubes or pellets over the course of 7-10 days. Be sure to:
Monitor your horse’s weight and condition
Observe changes in behavior, stool quality, and coat health
Introduce soaked forage for horses with hydration or chewing concerns
Always consult with an equine nutritionist or veterinarian before making significant changes, especially if your horse has health issues or unique dietary needs.
Choosing the Right Form: Forage Pellets or Cubes
Forage Pellets: These compressed forage particles are perfect for adding fiber to the diet. They are ideal for horses needing a low-bulk supplement.
Forage Cubes: Larger and denser, these require soaking for horses with dental or choking issues. Cubes are great for replacing or supplementing hay.
Each form has its place, and the right choice depends on your horse’s individual needs and feeding environment.
Monitoring and Adjusting for Optimal Results
Once you’ve integrated bagged forage into your horse’s routine, continuous evaluation is key. Regularly assess your horse’s:
Body Condition Score (BCS)
Energy Levels and Stamina
Appetite and Water Intake
Coat Condition and Hoof Health
Subtle changes in behavior or appearance may indicate the need to fine-tune their forage intake or switch to a different forage type. Flexibility and observation are your best tools for maintaining long-term health.
Customizing Forage for Your Horse
Choosing the right horse forage isn’t just about filling a feed bucket; it’s about understanding your horse’s lifestyle, health status, and individual preferences. High-quality, bagged forage products allow you to deliver targeted nutrition that complements pasture or baled hay, providing the flexibility and consistency modern horse owners need.
Whether you’re managing a stable of performance athletes or caring for a retired friend, investing in the right forage supplement can enhance quality of life, improve digestion, and maintain a healthy weight and vitality.
Partner with 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 horse 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.
Contact us today to learn more about our carefully crafted forage options and how we can support your horse’s lifestyle and nutrition needs!
