Why should you not feed horses?

Do horses need more or less feed?

Some horses require more and some less feed than others. Other factors such as body condition, health history and environmental factors should be taken into account to best design a sound ration for your horse.

How much protein in alfalfa Hays for horses?

As a practical recommendation, select alfalfa hays which do not contain extremely high levels of protein (greater than 17% crude protein). Meyer, H., (1983). Protein metabolism and protein requirements in horses. Fourth International Symposium. Protein metabolism and Nutrition 343-364. Misconception 3: Does alfalfa cause growth problems in foals?

What are the benefits of alfalfa?

It is also necessary for the production of enzymes, hormones, and antibodies. Alfalfa is nutritionally dense. It contains high levels of calcium, as well as magnesium, potassium, iron, phosphorus, lysine, vitamin C, vitamin K, and folic acid.

Does alfalfa cause growth problems in foals?

There is numerous, inaccurate advice floating around the industry that excessive dietary protein from such sources as alfalfa, can cause growth problems in foals. This has been proven incorrect in many studies, and it is concluded that deficiencies in dietary protein are more likely to negatively affect bone metabolism.

Should you feed your horse alfalfa?

She says alfalfa is ideal for horses on high planes of nutrition, such as lactating broodmares, growing horses, thin horses, racehorses, performance horses, or young foals that aren’t getting enough milk.

Is it better to feed an older horse better?

Answer: Many people have an understandable tendency to want to feed older horses “better,” meaning more energy (calories) per pound or feed and richer, more digestible hays. But older, retired horses need less, not more, than younger horses. I do not think your horse’s diet needs any enrichment.

What is alfalfa grass?

Let’s take a look… Because alfalfa is considered as a type of forage many people think it is also a type of grass. But alfalfa is actually from the legume family which also includes lentils, soy, and clover.

Can I feed alfalfa to horses?

The simple fact of the matter is that a considerable number of very good horses are raised and perform each year on diets consisting of a large percentage of alfalfa. Therefore, common sense tells us that alfalfa can be used successfully in horse feeding programs. The following are three common misconceptions surrounding feeding alfalfa to horses.

Does alfalfa cause laminitis in horses?

Some people, though, just don’t want to feed alfalfa — they believe it causes laminitis. After years of working with horses, it appears that it may, in fact, lead to laminitis in some horses. I found this to be very puzzling since alfalfa is low in sugar and starch, even lower than most grass hays.

How much alfalfa hay should my horse eat?

Horses with higher requirements (lactating mares, growing horses, horses in moderate or heavy exercise) can obtain 50-70% of their nutrients from good quality alfalfa or alfalfa-grass mix hay, and the remainder from a grain-based concentrate. The amount and composition of the concentrate should be adjusted to complement the type

Is alfalfa good for horses with laminitis?

Due to it’s low starch and sugar content alfalfa is ideal for laminitis prone horses or ponies and those with muscle problems. When shopping for horse feed, look out for our ‘No Added Sugar’ logo to be sure you are using the lowest sugar options available.

How much sugar is in alfalfa oil for horses?

When oil is added as a coating to alfalfa for horses, sugar levels are typically less than 5% but the energy is high enough to support horses in moderate to hard work. Feeds are rarely (if ever) sugar free, as even straw contains some sugar which is why we use the phrase “no added sugar” to describe our lowest sugar feeds.

Why feed your horse alfalfa?

The fibre in alfalfa gives your horse slow release energy which they can use for maintenance, work or putting on weight. Alfa-A Original provides as much energy as a cool mix does. This means for many horses, there is no need to use cereal based feeds at all.

What is alfalfa and what are the health benefits?

Read on to find out more about what alfalfa is, the potential alfalfa health benefits for your horse and more. The fibre in alfalfa gives your horse slow release energy which they can use for maintenance, work or putting on weight. Alfa-A Original provides as much energy as a cool mix does.

Does alfalfa cause osteochondritis dissecans in horses?

Myth: The high protein in alfalfa causes osteochondritis dissecans (OCD), a joint disease of young horses. Fact: High protein does not cause OCD. Rather, low protein is a risk factor for OCD.

Is alfalfa good for horses with OCD?

Myth: The high calcium in alfalfa can prevent OCD and other bone problems in developing horses. Fact: Calcium is important to developing bone, but so is phosphorus, magnesium, protein, and the trace minerals. Adequate mineral levels, in correct proportions, is the key. Myth: Alfalfa’s high protein causes kidney problems.

What should I do when my horse is getting older?

As your horse gets older and you start noticing changes in his body condition and attitude, you’ll probably need to alter his diet, adjust his feeding schedule and feed smaller meals at more regular intervals. You may also need to move him away from younger or aggressive horses so that he won’t have to compete for food.

How much protein is in alfalfa hay?

Alfalfa Hay (also known as Legume Hay) averages 21.2% protein and 11% NSC (simple starches). Grass Hay averages 10.8% protein and 12.9% NSC.

Is alfalfa a grass?

Because alfalfa is considered as a type of forage many people think it is also a type of grass. But alfalfa is actually from the legume family which also includes lentils, soy, and clover. Alfalfa contains anywhere from 14% protein on the low end to a whopping 25% or more protein for dairy grade.

Is grass hay bad for horses?

This means that grass hay, not alfalfa hay, is a more dangerous food for an obese horse, or a horse with laminitis concerns. This is counter intuitive for most horse people, but is certainly something to keep in mind in regards to your horse.

What can I Feed my horse instead of grass?

If your horse is allergic or intolerant to grass but not alfalfa then the Hi-Fi range, which combine alfalfa and straw, can be used as forage replacers. Feeds like Dengie Alfa-Beet which combines alfalfa and sugar beet are also ideal for providing more fibre without using grass.

Do horses like alfalfa hay?

If you give your horse grass hay, grass and Alfalfa mix, and all-Alfalfa hay, it is highly likely to opt for all-Alfalfa hay. In other words, horses love Alfalfa.

Can alfalfa cause joint problems?

Some people believe that the high protein in Alfalfa can cause joint problems among young horses. However, the fact is that low protein is a risk factor that can cause joint issues among horses. Others believe that high calcium in Alfalfa can also cause joint problems.

Does alfalfa cause laminitis?

I often recommend feeding it because it boosts the overall protein quality of a grass-hay diet and, in general, enhances the horse’s muscle tone, immune system and overall health. Some people, though, just don’t want to feed alfalfa — they believe it causes laminitis.