About feed pellets for horses

A typical horse can be fed 1.5%–2.5% of its body weight in forage daily. For alfalfa pellets, this usually means 15–25 lbs per day for a 1,000 lb horse, depending on its activity level and other feed sources.

Start with 1–2 lbs per feeding and adjust based on your horse’s weight, workload, and forage availability. Always transition slowly over a week or more.

Most horses benefit from being fed two to three times per day to mimic natural grazing and reduce digestive issues.

Start with a small amount (about 0.5 to 1 lb) and mix with the current feed. Gradually increase over 7–10 days to allow the horse’s gut to adjust.

Soaking is not always required, but it's recommended for horses prone to choke, with dental issues, or if pellets are particularly dry or large. Soak in warm water for 10–20 minutes before feeding.

Soaking is especially important for senior horses or those with dental problems, but not mandatory for all horses.

Most alfalfa pellets soften in 10–30 minutes when soaked in warm water, depending on pellet size and moisture level.

Feed in a bucket or trough, dry or soaked, according to your horse’s nutritional needs. Ensure fresh water is always available.

Yes, alfalfa pellets are high in calories and protein, making them an effective option for helping horses gain or maintain weight, especially in hard keepers or performance horses.

Feeds high in digestible fiber and fat—such as alfalfa pellets, beet pulp, and stabilized rice bran—are great options for putting weight on horses without overwhelming their digestive systems.

Yes, the calorie-dense and protein-rich profile of alfalfa pellets makes them ideal for adding weight in a controlled and healthy way.

Increase caloric intake gradually using high-quality forage like alfalfa pellets, add fat supplements, and feed small meals multiple times a day. Consult your vet for underlying health issues before making big changes.

Horses prone to metabolic conditions like insulin resistance, laminitis, or equine polysaccharide storage myopathy (PSSM) may need to avoid or limit alfalfa due to its higher protein and calcium content.

Excessive intake of rich feeds like alfalfa can contribute to founder (laminitis) in sensitive horses. Always feed appropriate amounts and balance with other forages.

Yes, feeding excessive alfalfa can lead to weight gain, behavioral changes, or imbalances in calcium-to-phosphorus ratios. Follow your vet’s recommendations for balanced feeding.

Like any feed, rapid changes or overfeeding alfalfa pellets can trigger digestive upset or colic. Introduce new feeds slowly and ensure adequate hydration.

Alfalfa doesn’t cause lameness directly, but in sensitive horses, it may contribute to laminitis if fed in excess or without balance. Always feed with awareness of your horse’s health history.

Alfalfa is not high in sugar but may trigger laminitis in insulin-resistant horses due to its richness. For high-risk horses, consult your vet before feeding alfalfa products.

Overeating alfalfa may cause digestive upset, excess weight gain, behavioral changes, or increase the risk of founder. Monitor portions carefully and ensure diet variety.

A general guideline is 1.5% to 2.5% of your horse’s body weight in total forage daily. For a 1,000 lb horse, that means 15–25 lbs of forage, some or all of which can be alfalfa pellets. Always introduce feed changes gradually and consult with your veterinarian for specific needs.

Feeding amounts vary by age, weight, workload, and whether alfalfa pellets are a supplement or hay replacement. As a hay replacement, feed about 1.5–2% of body weight per day. Split feedings into 2–3 meals for best digestion.

It’s best to feed horses at least twice a day, with consistent timing. Spreading meals into 2–3 daily feedings helps mimic natural grazing and improves digestion.

On average, 1 pound of alfalfa pellets equals about 4 cups. However, this can vary slightly by brand and pellet size.

Soaking alfalfa pellets isn’t always required, but it’s recommended for horses prone to choke, seniors with dental issues, or to increase hydration. Use warm water and allow 15–30 minutes to soften.

Not all horses need soaked pellets, but soaking is helpful for horses that bolt their feed, have dental problems, or require extra moisture. Always monitor your horse’s chewing and digestion when feeding dry.

Alfalfa pellets typically soften in 15–30 minutes when soaked in warm water. Softer pellets may take less time, while larger ones take longer. Adjust soak time depending on your horse’s needs.

Alfalfa pellets can be fed dry or soaked, served alone or mixed with grain and supplements. Place in a feed bin or bucket—feed small amounts at a time to prevent waste or choking.

Yes, alfalfa pellets are high in digestible fiber and natural protein, which support weight gain in underweight or hard-keeping horses. They’re often used in weight gain diets alongside fat supplements.

Yes. Alfalfa pellets provide dense calories and are easy to digest, making them an effective part of a weight gain program—especially when combined with oil or rice bran.

A combination of alfalfa pellets, beet pulp, rice bran, and oils (like flax or canola) works well to promote weight gain. Ensure adequate forage and address underlying health issues with your vet first.

To help a horse gain weight fast, feed calorie-dense forage like alfalfa pellets, increase fat intake with oils, feed small meals frequently, and treat dental or health problems that affect digestion.

Horses with metabolic disorders, insulin resistance, or prone to laminitis may do better on low-calcium, low-sugar hay instead of alfalfa. Always consult your vet before major feed changes.

Yes, excessive alfalfa can lead to calcium imbalance, weight gain, or digestive issues. Balance with grass hay and monitor total intake to avoid overfeeding.

Any sudden diet change can trigger colic. Introduce alfalfa pellets slowly, and soak if your horse is prone to impaction or choke. Provide clean water at all times.

Not directly, but in horses with metabolic issues, rich alfalfa may contribute to laminitis, which causes lameness. Use with caution in sensitive horses.

Wild horses graze on a variety of native grasses and shrubs, consuming forage continuously throughout the day. Their diets are high in fiber and low in sugar and starch, mimicking the natural grazing behavior domesticated horses should ideally follow.

Teff hay, mature grass hay, and some varieties of timothy hay tend to be lower in non-structural carbohydrates (NSCs), making them suitable for horses with metabolic concerns such as insulin resistance or laminitis.

Timothy pellets are typically lower in protein and calcium, making them a better choice for easy keepers or horses prone to metabolic issues. Alfalfa pellets are higher in protein and energy and are ideal for performance horses, lactating mares, or horses needing to gain weight.

Start slowly by introducing a small amount (½ to 1 lb per day) of alfalfa pellets and gradually increase over 7–10 days to allow your horse’s digestive system to adjust. Monitor for signs of digestive upset and consult a veterinarian or equine nutritionist as needed.

While not always required, soaking is highly recommended for older horses, horses with dental problems, or horses prone to choke. Soaking also helps with hydration and makes the pellets easier to digest.

Alfalfa pellets can be fed as a standalone forage source, mixed into grain or concentrate feed, or soaked to create a mash. Feed them in a bucket or feeder, never directly on the ground to avoid contamination.