3 Ways to Feed Your Horse Alfalfa Cubes (2024)

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Co-authored byRyan Corrigan, LVT, VTS-EVN

Last Updated: December 29, 2021References

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   Start by replacing 1/4 of your horse’s old feed with alfalfa cubes. Add alfalfa cubes to your horse’s diet gradually, as sudden dietary changes can cause health issues. If alfalfa cubes will be its primary feed, replace 1/4 of its old feed with alfalfa cubes. Mix the cubes with its old feed to get its digestive tract and taste buds accustomed to its new diet.^[1]

   • Suppose you feed your horse a total of 18 pounds (8.2kg) of food daily divided into 3 meals. For each 6 pound (2.7kg) meal, replace 2 pounds (0.91kg) of the old feed with alfalfa cubes.
   • If you’re supplementing your horse’s diet with alfalfa cubes, you should still introduce them gradually. For instance, if alfalfa cubes will comprise 50% of its diet, start by replacing 25% of its old feed with alfalfa.
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   Soak the cubes for 10 minutes before mixing them with the old feed. Place a serving of cubes into a nylon hay net, a mesh laundry bag, or another bag made of a material that will allow drainage. Set the net or bag in a large bucket, then use a hose to add enough water to cover the cubes. Let the cubes soak, pull the net or bag out of the bucket, then mix the cubes and the old feed together in your horse’s trough.^[2]

   • It’s vital to soak the cubes if your horse has a history of choking or chewing problems. While soaking isn’t absolutely necessary if your horse doesn’t have these issues, most horses prefer the consistency of soaked cubes.^[3]
   • Soaking also benefits horses that are insulin-resistant (sensitive to sugar) by removing the sugar or prone to heaves by decreasing dust and allergens.

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   Increase the amount of cubes by another 1/4 after 3 days. Increase the amount of alfalfa cubes in your horse’s feed gradually over the course of 7 to 10 days. Every 3 days, replace another 1/4 of the old feed with alfalfa.^[4]

   See Also

   Alfalfa Cubes vs Pellets: Choosing the Right Horse Feed Option - All About HorsesAlfalfa Cubes vs. Pellets: What's Best for Your Horse? - Horse Rookie

   • Gradually switching your horse’s diet should prevent digestive problems. However, if your horse seems distressed or if you notice changes in its bowel movements, give its vet a call.
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   Experiment with the feed’s consistency to find your horse’s favorite. Some horses prefer a soupy consistency, while others like cubes that are just slightly softened. If your horse seems picky about its new feed, try experimenting with the amount of water you use and length of time you let the cubes soak.^[5]

   • The more water you use and the longer you soak the cubes, the more sugar you’ll remove. If your horse doesn’t seem to like the cubes, try adding less water or see if it prefers dry cubes.
   • Only try dry cubes if your horse has strong teeth and doesn’t have a history of choking.

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   Feed your horse soaked alfalfa cubes to manage heaves. If your horse has respiratory problems, you’ll need to reduce its exposure to dust. Alfalfa cubes have lower amounts of dust than hay and rolled grains, so they’re a great choice for managing heaves or allergies. A 10-minute soak can also flush any dust and allergens from the cubes.^[6]

   • Rinse the cubes before soaking them and agitate them while they soak to remove more dust and dirt.
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   Supplement the diets of broodmares or workhorses with alfalfa. Pregnant and highly active horses require more nutrients than horses that don’t get a lot of activity. Alfalfa contains more protein and calcium than grass hay, so it’s a good feed choice for horses with higher nutritional needs.

   • In general, feed a horse between 1.5 and 3% of its body weight. If you’re not sure how much to feed your pregnant or highly active horse, ask its vet for advice.
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   Soak and drain cubes for horses with insulin resistance. Thoroughly soaking cubes can reduce their sugar content by 30% and make them healthier for sugar-sensitive horses. It's important to also dump out the water, as this is where the sugar goes. Place a serving of cubes in a large colander or strainer, place the strainer in a large bucket, and soak the cubes for 1 to 2 hours. Remove the strainer from the bucket and let the water drain completely before feeding your horse.^[7]

   • You probably won’t have much control over the water’s temperature if you’re using a hose. While the temperature won’t make a big difference if you’re just soaking the cubes for 10 minutes, using warm water can cut a 1 to 2 hour soak time in half.
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   Feed soaked cubes to older horses to maintain their weight. Older horses have trouble chewing and maintaining body weight. Soaked alfalfa cubes are easier to eat, and they contain more nutrients than grass hay. Before feeding an older horse, soak the cubes for 10 to 30 minutes, or until they’re soft and soupy.

   • If necessary, experiment with soaking methods and keep an eye on your horse’s feeding habits to find its preferred consistency.

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   Prevent overfeeding by controlling the feed portions. Most horses prefer alfalfa to grass hay and will eat too much if they’re allowed to free feed. To keep your horse at a healthy weight and prevent digestive issues, weigh its meal portions before feeding it.^[8]

   • The right amount of feed depends on your horse’s activity level, age, and weight. To maintain your horse’s weight, feed it around 2% of its current weight every day. If your horse needs to gain or lose weight, feed it 2% of its ideal body weight.
   • Consult your horse’s vet if you need help with planning its diet.
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   Provide your horse with hay or straw to prevent wood chewing. It takes less time to chew alfalfa cubes than hay, especially if the cubes are soaked. This can cause horses to become bored and lead to increased wood chewing. Provide it with long-stem hay or straw bedding to chew to keep it from getting bored.^[9]

   • Horses should not chew wood. They’re not able to digest wood, and splinters can injure their mouths and digestive tracts.
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   Protect alfalfa cubes from the weather to prevent spoilage. Alfalfa cubes are prone to spoilage, so store them in a dry, weatherproof area, such as a garage or watertight shed. Cubes for horses typically come in 50 pounds (23kg) bags. Seal an opened bag with a clip to keep moisture out, or transfer the cubes in an airtight storage container.^[10]

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