Can you overfeed a horse alfalfa?
While feeding extra protein is wasteful, a high-protein diet in itself does not hurt a healthy horse. It can be detrimental, however, to horses with impaired kidneys or liver. Duren also doesn’t recommend feeding straight alfalfa to endurance horses due to its protein and calcium content.
How much alfalfa should I feed my horse a day?
Horses can normally eat 1.5-2% of their body weight in hay, which equates to 18-24 lbs. of hay per day. The quality of the hay will determine how much is needed and if supplemental grain should be added. Good alfalfa can be 18-20% protein and 55% TDN or energy.
How much alfalfa does a horse eat a month?
How much alfalfa hay do you feed a 1,200 pound horse and how often? Horses can normally eat 1.5-2% of their body weight in hay, which equates to 18-24 lbs.
Can alfalfa cause stocking up in horses?
Although alfalfa is a great protein, vitamin and mineral source it should not be the only hay fed. Some owners choose to feed their horses straight alfalfa, but there is a downside. Feeding too much alfalfa can cause enterolith stones which can cause colic and blockages and lead to death of the horse.
Can a horse eat just hay?
Many pleasure and trail horses don’t need grain: good-quality hay or pasture is sufficient. If hay isn’t enough, grain can be added, but the bulk of a horse’s calories should always come from roughage. Horses are meant to eat roughage, and their digestive system is designed to use the nutrition in grassy stalks.
How often should I Feed my horse alfalfa?
Horses also have a fiber requirement and tend to get bored when roughage (hay) is limited. The amount and type of hay fed relates to the other feeds you use and the use of your horse. In general, feed hay twice a day; limit alfalfa to one-half of your roughage; and feed grain according to body condition and use of the horse.
How much hay do you feed a 1, 200 pound horse and how often?
How much alfalfa hay do you feed a 1,200 pound horse and how often? Horses can normally eat 1.5-2% of their body weight in hay, which equates to 18-24 lbs. of hay per day. The quality of the hay will determine how much is needed and if supplemental grain should be added. Good alfalfa can be 18-20% protein and 55% TDN or energy.
Which is better for horses hay or alfalfa pellets?
Will alfalfa pellets put weight on a horse? Alfalfa is higher in calories and protein than grass hays, which makes it an excellent choice to help to add weight to a thin horse. If your horse tends to be wasteful with his hay, he may eat more when offered alfalfa hay cubes or pellets.
Why is alfalfa good for an underweight horse?
It typically contains more digestible energy, more crude protein and calcium, and fewer nonstructural carbohydrates (sugars and starches). Because it’s so nutrient-dense, it is a good feed for underweight horses.
Is alfalfa a wise choice for horse feed?
There are many horses who need extra calcium or protein in their diets, and alfalfa is an excellent natural source of those nutrients. Because of its taste appeal, higher digestibility, and the fact it is easier to chew, it is often a valuable addition to the diet of sick horses or senior horses.
Can a horse eat too much alfalfa hay?
Feeding your horse too much alfalfa or grain can cause it to have colic. If you’re changing your horse’s diet, introduce the new diet gradually over the course of 2 weeks. If you turn out your horse in a pasture that’s 50% alfalfa, it will likely get colicky and will be at risk for intestinal stones.
How much alfalfa hay can a horse eat a day?
How much alfalfa hay do you feed a 1,200 pound horse and how often? Horses can normally eat 1.5-2% of their body weight in hay, which equates to 18-24 lbs. of hay per day. The quality of the hay will determine how much is needed and if supplemental grain should be added.
How much grain should you feed a horse?
The University of Illinois recommends feeding 2 to 2.5 pounds of grain, such as oats, or hay per every 100 pounds of your horse’s weight each day, although your horse’s age, health and activity level will play a part in determining how much hay and grain he should get.
