Feeding horses can sometimes feel more like an art than a science. Each horse has its own unique nutritional needs depending on its age, workload, health status, and overall diet. One of the most common questions horse owners ask is: how many alfalfa cubes to feed a horse per day?
Alfalfa cubes are a popular forage alternative that provide high-quality fiber and protein in a convenient form. They are especially useful when good-quality hay is scarce, when traveling, or when feeding older horses that struggle to chew long-stem hay. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about alfalfa cubes, from their benefits and feeding rates to tips for safely introducing them into your horse’s diet.
What Are Alfalfa Cubes?
Alfalfa cubes are made by compressing chopped alfalfa hay into cube form. They are generally about 1–2 inches in size and are a consistent, dust-free feed option. Unlike baled hay, alfalfa cubes are easy to store, reduce waste, and are less likely to mold if handled properly.
Nutritionally, alfalfa cubes are very similar to baled alfalfa hay. They are high in protein (15–20% on average), rich in calcium, and provide a highly digestible source of energy. This makes them an excellent choice for horses needing extra calories or muscle support, such as performance horses, lactating mares, and underweight animals.
Benefits of Feeding Alfalfa Cubes
Before determining how many alfalfa cubes to feed a horse per day, it’s helpful to understand why they might be included in a diet:
- High Nutritional Value
Alfalfa cubes provide more protein and calories compared to grass hay. This makes them beneficial for hard-working horses or those needing to gain weight. - Dust-Free Option
Horses with respiratory issues benefit from cubes because they produce less dust compared to dry hay. - Convenient and Consistent
Cubes come in uniform size and quality, which makes portion control easier. - Useful for Older Horses
Senior horses with dental issues often struggle to chew hay but can manage softened cubes soaked in water.
How Many Alfalfa Cubes to Feed a Horse Per Day?
The golden rule of horse feeding is that horses should consume 1.5–2.5% of their body weight in forage each day. For a 1,000-pound horse, this equals about 15–25 pounds of forage daily.
When using alfalfa cubes as the main forage source, here’s a general guideline:
- Maintenance Horses (light work or pasture pets):
15–20 pounds of forage per day. If using alfalfa cubes exclusively, that’s roughly 15–20 pounds of cubes. - Performance Horses (moderate to heavy work):
18–25 pounds of forage per day. Higher calorie needs can be met with 18–25 pounds of alfalfa cubes plus grain if required. - Senior Horses:
15–20 pounds of cubes, often soaked to make them easier to chew and digest. - Growing Horses or Lactating Mares:
20–25 pounds of forage daily, with a larger portion of alfalfa to meet protein and calcium requirements.
Since alfalfa cubes are compressed, 1 pound of cubes is equivalent to about 1 pound of long-stem alfalfa hay. Always weigh the cubes rather than guessing, as the number of cubes can vary depending on the manufacturer.
Balancing Alfalfa Cubes With Other Forages
Although alfalfa cubes are nutrient-dense, feeding them exclusively may provide too much protein and calcium for some horses, particularly easy keepers or those prone to metabolic issues. Many owners prefer to feed alfalfa cubes alongside grass hay to strike a balance.
For example, a 1,000-pound maintenance horse could receive:
- 10 pounds of grass hay
- 5–7 pounds of alfalfa cubes
This combination ensures the horse gets enough calories and protein without overwhelming the system with excess nutrients.
Introducing Alfalfa Cubes Safely
When transitioning to alfalfa cubes, make the switch gradually over 7–10 days to avoid digestive upset. Begin by replacing a portion of hay with cubes and slowly increase until you reach the desired amount.
Additionally:
- Soak the Cubes: Some horses may try to swallow cubes whole, which increases choking risk. Soaking cubes in water for 10–15 minutes makes them softer, easier to chew, and safer.
- Monitor Body Condition: Alfalfa is calorie-rich. Keep an eye on your horse’s weight to avoid unwanted weight gain.
- Provide Plenty of Water: As with any forage, hydration is key to healthy digestion.
When to Avoid Feeding Too Many Alfalfa Cubes
Not every horse is an ideal candidate for large amounts of alfalfa. Be cautious with:
- Easy Keepers: Horses prone to obesity may gain weight too quickly on high-calorie alfalfa.
- Metabolic Horses: Animals with conditions like insulin resistance or Cushing’s disease often do better on lower-calorie, low-sugar forage.
- Horses Prone to Enteroliths: In some regions, excessive alfalfa has been linked to higher risk of intestinal stones.
For these horses, limit alfalfa cubes to a supplement rather than the primary forage source.
Practical Feeding Examples
Here are some sample feeding scenarios to illustrate how many alfalfa cubes to feed a horse per day:
- 1,000-Pound Trail Horse in Light Work
- 10 lbs grass hay
- 5–7 lbs alfalfa cubes
- Mineral/vitamin supplement
- 1,200-Pound Dressage Horse in Moderate Work
- 12 lbs grass hay
- 10–12 lbs alfalfa cubes
- Concentrate feed as needed for energy
- 900-Pound Senior Horse With Dental Issues
- 15–18 lbs soaked alfalfa cubes
- Beet pulp mash for additional fiber
- Senior ration balancer
These examples highlight how the amount of cubes depends on the horse’s size, activity level, and other dietary components.
Tips for Feeding Alfalfa Cubes
- Use a Hay Net or Ground Feeder: If feeding dry cubes, spread them out to encourage slower eating.
- Store Properly: Keep cubes dry to prevent mold and spoilage.
- Monitor Manure: Loose stools or digestive upset may signal too much alfalfa. Adjust accordingly.
- Don’t Forget Salt and Minerals: Alfalfa is rich in calcium but often short on other minerals. Offer free-choice salt and consider a balanced ration balancer.
Conclusion
So, how many alfalfa cubes to feed a horse per day? The answer depends on the horse’s weight, workload, and dietary needs, but as a rule of thumb, aim for 1.5–2.5% of body weight in total forage daily. If alfalfa cubes are the sole forage, that means roughly 15–25 pounds per day for an average 1,000-pound horse. For many horses, blending alfalfa cubes with grass hay creates the best balance of nutrients, calories, and digestive support.
Ultimately, every horse is unique. Work with your veterinarian or equine nutritionist to fine-tune the diet and ensure your horse receives the right mix of calories, protein, and minerals. Alfalfa cubes can be a safe, convenient, and nutritious part of your horse’s feeding program—when used wisely.