Alfalfa Hay
For young growing horses, nursing mares, or horses in heavy work -- alfalfa's higher protein and calcium meet elevated nutritional demands that grass hay alone often can't.
Runner-up: Grass-Alfalfa Mix · Retake the quiz
Why this fits you
- Your horse is young and growing (under 2 years old).
- Your horse is nursing a foal, or in heavy work like racing or endurance.
- You're in the Mountain West, Southwest, or California where alfalfa is the common local hay.
Alfalfa is notably higher in protein and calcium than grass hays, making it well-suited to horses with elevated nutritional demands -- growing youngstock, nursing mares (among the highest nutrient needs of any horse), and horses in heavy work. Its higher calorie density also makes it useful for horses that need to gain or maintain weight on a restricted volume.
How it compares
| Hay type | Protein | Sugar/starch risk | Typical use |
| Timothy or Orchardgrass Hay | 8-10% | Moderate | Healthy adult maintenance |
| Low-Sugar Hay | Varies (tested) | Tested under 10% | Metabolic/laminitis horses |
| Alfalfa Hay | 15-20% | Low-moderate | Growth, lactation, heavy work |
| Grass-Alfalfa Mix Hay | 10-15% | Low-moderate | Moderate work, ulcers, seniors |
| Bermudagrass Hay | 7-10% | Generally low | Southeast maintenance |
| Hay Cubes or Chopped Forage | Varies by type | Varies by type | Dental/chewing issues |
Buying checklist
- Good leaf-to-stem ratio indicates higher quality
- Watch total calcium intake if also feeding a mineral-balanced concentrate
- Its protein and calcium can help buffer stomach acid for horses with gastric ulcers
When this isn’t the right fit
Alfalfa is not the answer for most healthy easy keepers or adult horses in light work, which can end up with more calories and protein than they need. It is also a poor fit for any horse whose veterinarian has put it on a restricted diet.
Other results from this quiz may suit your situation better:
- Hay Cubes or Chopped Forage: for horses that drop wads of hay, chew slowly, or have missing teeth
- Grass-Alfalfa Mix Hay: for moderate work, older horses, or gastric-sensitive horses
- Bermudagrass Hay: for horse owners in the Southeast and Gulf Coast
- Low-Sugar Hay: for metabolic horses (insulin resistance, EMS, Cushing's/PPID) or those with a laminitis history
- Timothy or Orchardgrass Hay: for most healthy adult horses in light to moderate work
Because this touches your horse’s health or comfort, check with your veterinarian before you act on a general guide like this one.
Run the numbers
Frequently asked questions
Is alfalfa hay too rich for every horse?
Not for horses with elevated needs (growth, lactation, heavy work), but it can be more calories and protein than a sedentary adult horse needs -- match the hay to the actual horse's workload and life stage.
Does alfalfa help with gastric ulcers?
Its protein and calcium content is thought to help buffer stomach acid, which is why it's sometimes included in ulcer-management feeding programs -- discuss with your vet if ulcers are a specific concern.
Can I feed alfalfa to an easy keeper?
Generally not ideal as a primary forage for an easy keeper, since its higher calorie density works against weight management -- a grass hay or low-calorie option usually fits better.
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