Alfalfa Pellets for Horses: When They Help, When They Don’t
- Horse Education Online
- Sep 11
- 11 min read
Updated: Oct 15
Alfalfa pellets offer a tidy way to add alfalfa’s nutrients—higher protein, more calcium, and steady calories compared with most grass hays. They’re handy for building topline, supporting performance, or giving a small pre-ride snack that can help buffer stomach acid. But because the fiber is short, pellets belong as a supplement, not a hay replacement. Long-stem hay and pasture remain the foundation of every ration (see The Basics of Equine Nutrition)
Be careful with easy keepers and metabolic horses: pellets can be calorie-dense even when NSC is moderate. Choosing tested low-NSC products, feeding conservative amounts, and monitoring body condition are key steps—details are in Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS). For travel, heat, or picky drinkers, soaking pellets can also encourage water intake—pair this with the quick checks from How to Tell if a Horse is Dehydrated.
👉 To set the right starting range for your horse, try the Alfalfa Pellet Feeding Planner, then continue below for how pellets compare with cubes and hay, when they help most, and when to be cautious.
At-a-Glance
What they are: Compressed, consistent alfalfa forage. Higher protein & calcium than grass hays; calories similar or a bit higher.
Best uses:
Pre-ride ulcer buffer: feed 0.45–0.9 kg (1–2 lb) 30–60 min before work.
Add safe calories/aminos to hard keepers, seniors, broodmares, or performance horses.
Travel mash: soak to boost water intake and reduce choke risk.
When to be careful:
Easy keepers/EMS/PPID: choose tested low-NSC (<10–12%) pellets and limit to 0.05–0.2% BW/day, paired with mostly grass hay.
Calcium load: alfalfa is Ca-rich; keep whole-diet Ca:P ≈ 1.5–2:1 by pairing with grass hay or a balancer.
How much (by weight): As a supplement to hay: typically 0.2–0.5% bodyweight/day split into 2–3 meals (e.g., 1–2.5 kg/day for a 500 kg horse). Keep at least 50% of total forage as long-stem (hay/pasture). Use cubes, not pellets, if replacing most of the forage.
Soaking: 1:1 water:pellets (by volume) for a mash; 2:1 for a soup. Soak 10–20 min (longer if cold). Always soak for greedy eaters, seniors, or horses with choke history.
Red flags: Rapid weight gain, sluggishness in easy keepers, flaky manure, recurrent choke, or reduced drinking (see our dehydration checks). Switch to grass hay base and reassess.
What Alfalfa Pellets Are (and Aren’t)
Alfalfa pellets are ground alfalfa compressed into small, uniform pieces. They deliver a consistent nutrient package when hay quality or availability is variable. Because the fiber is short, pellets are best viewed as a forage supplement or carrier, not a complete hay replacement.
Pellets are typically higher in protein and calcium than grass hays and similar or slightly higher in calories. That makes them useful for horses needing extra amino acids or steady energy without jumping to high-starch concentrates. For ration building fundamentals and why these numbers matter, see The Basics of Equine Nutrition.
Typical Nutrient Profile (varies by brand/lot)
Nutrient (as-fed) | Alfalfa Pellets | Grass Hay (Timothy/Orchard) |
Crude Protein (%) | 16–18 | 8–14 |
Digestible Energy (Mcal/kg) | 2.2–2.6 | 1.8–2.2 |
NSC (%) | 8–12 | 10–18 |
Calcium (%) | 1.2–1.5 | 0.3–0.6 |
Phosphorus (%) | 0.2–0.3 | 0.2–0.3 |
Ca:P Ratio | ~4–7:1 | ~1.5–2:1 |
Interpretation: pellets bring more protein and calcium; NSC is often moderate-to-low but calories are dense. Balance the whole ration so total Ca:P stays ~1.5–2:1.
Pellets vs. Cubes vs. Long-Stem Hay
Pellets are convenient, consistent, and soak quickly. They lack fiber length, so they don’t satisfy chew time the way hay does. Keep at least half of daily forage as long-stem hay or pasture.
Cubes preserve more fiber length and are the better choice if you must replace a large portion of hay. They still benefit from soaking for choke-prone horses.
Long-stem hay drives gut motility and mental well-being. Pellets should support, not displace, that role.
Quick Fit Guide
Form | Fiber Length | Best Use |
Pellets | Short | Add protein/calories; pre-ride snack; travel mash; supplement carrier |
Cubes | Medium | Partial hay replacement with better chew time; seniors with dental limits |
Long-stem hay | Long | Foundation of every ration; gut health and behavior |
When Alfalfa Pellets Help (and When They Don’t)
Alfalfa pellets shine when you need predictable nutrients in small, controllable portions. They also play well with soaking, which is handy for hydration and choke prevention.
Clear Wins
Ulcer buffering around work.
A small pre-ride serving of alfalfa provides calcium and protein that can help buffer stomach acid during exercise. Many riders use ~0.45–0.9 kg (1–2 lb) 30–60 minutes before work, especially if the horse is sensitive to grain around ride time.
Condition and topline.
The 16–18% protein supports muscle maintenance and repair. For hard keepers, seniors, broodmares, and performance horses, pellets let you add calories and amino acids without spiking starch.
Travel and hydration.
Pellets soak into a palatable mash or soup that encourages drinking on the road and in weather swings. If you’re monitoring intake or gum moisture, pair this tactic with our How to Tell if a Horse is Dehydrated checklist.
Seniors and dentition issues.
Soft, soaked pellets help horses that struggle to chew coarse hay. Keep some long-fiber in the plan (chopped forage or cubes) to maintain gut motility.
Use With Caution
EMS/PPID and easy keepers.
Alfalfa is often lower NSC than many grass hays, but it’s still calorie-dense. For insulin-resistant or easy-keeping horses, choose tested low-NSC pellets and keep amounts conservative while the base remains grass hay. Track body condition and cresty neck. For risk factors and prevention strategies, review Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS).
Mineral balance.
High calcium is helpful for buffering but can skew Ca:P. Pair pellets with grass hay and/or a ration balancer so the whole diet lands near 1.5–2:1.
Fiber and behavior.
Pellets don’t deliver the chew time of hay. Horses still need ≥50% of forage as long-stem for gut health and boredom management.
Choke and fast eaters.
Some horses bolt pellets. Soaking, wide tubs, and slow-feeder inserts reduce risk. Introduce changes over 7–10 days and watch manure consistency and appetite.
Stall air quality.
Higher-protein diets can raise urinary ammonia. Good ventilation and bedding hygiene matter more when using alfalfa regularly.
How Much to Feed (by Weight and Goal)
Alfalfa pellets usually supplement hay—not replace it. Keep daily forage (all sources) near 1.5–2.5% of bodyweight on a dry-matter basis, with at least half as long-stem hay or pasture.
Working ranges (as-fed, split into 2–3 meals):
Maintenance add-on: ~0.2–0.5% BW/day
Hard keeper/performance: ~0.4–0.6% BW/day with a grass-hay base and a vitamin–mineral balancer
EMS/easy keeper: 0.05–0.2% BW/day only if needed and only if pellets are tested low-NSC (pair with grass hay; see our EMS guide)
Pre-ride “ulcer buffer” snack: feed 0.45–0.9 kg (1–2 lb) 30–60 min before work. Soak for fast eaters or horses with a choke history.
Round-number table (as-fed)
Bodyweight | Maintenance add-on | Performance/hard keeper | EMS/easy keeper (max) |
400 kg (880 lb) | 0.8–2.0 kg (1.8–4.4 lb) | 1.6–2.4 kg (3.5–5.3 lb) | 0.2–0.8 kg (0.4–1.8 lb) |
500 kg (1,100 lb) | 1.0–2.5 kg (2.2–5.5 lb) | 2.0–3.0 kg (4.4–6.6 lb) | 0.25–1.0 kg (0.5–2.2 lb) |
600 kg (1,320 lb) | 1.2–3.0 kg (2.6–6.6 lb) | 2.4–3.6 kg (5.3–7.9 lb) | 0.3–1.2 kg (0.7–2.6 lb) |
Quick math example:
A 500 kg trail horse needing a modest boost might start at 1.5 kg/day (0.3% BW), split 0.75 kg morning and evening, while maintaining free-choice grass hay. Adjust every 10–14 days based on body condition, work level, and manure quality. For fundamentals on energy/protein targets, see The Basics of Equine Nutrition.
Soaking, Storage, and Travel Use
Soaking improves safety and hydration. It’s especially helpful for seniors, greedy eaters, and travel days.
Ratios and timing (by volume):
Mash: 1:1 water : pellets, soak 10–20 minutes
Soup: 2:1 water : pellets, soak 15–30 minutes (longer in cold weather)
Readiness checks: pellets are fully softened with no hard centers, the mix crumbles easily, and there’s no sour or fermented odor.
Travel plan (simple and effective):
Offer a small soaked mash at each stop and after unloading.
Keep hay type consistent; avoid big concentrate changes on the road.
Use wide, low tubs and slow-feed inserts to reduce bolting.
Monitor hydration with quick field checks—skin tent, gum moisture, and manure consistency—using our dehydration guide.
Storage notes: keep bags cool, dry, and rodent-proof; fold or seal after opening. Use by the manufacturer’s date; in humid climates, make smaller, more frequent purchases to prevent clumping or spoilage.
When to switch to cubes: if pellets start displacing a large share of hay, move to alfalfa cubes (better fiber length) while keeping long-stem forage in the diet for gut motility and chew time.
Building a Balanced Ration Around Alfalfa Pellets
Alfalfa pellets bring protein and calcium; the rest of the ration should even out minerals and keep enough long-stem fiber. Most horses do best with a grass-hay base, a measured amount of alfalfa pellets, and a ration balancer that fills vitamin–mineral gaps. Aim for a whole-diet Ca:P near 1.5–2:1, with sodium supplied by plain salt and clean water always available. If you need a refresher on energy, protein, and fiber targets, review The Basics of Equine Nutrition.
Sample day plans (500 kg / 1,100 lb horse, as-fed):
Goal | Forage base | Alfalfa pellets | Balancer & salt | Notes |
Light work/maintenance add-on | Free-choice grass hay | 1.5 kg/day split a.m./p.m. | 1 balancer dose + 28–56 g salt | Simple way to add amino acids without jumping to grain. |
Performance/weight gain | Free-choice grass hay | 2.5–3.0 kg/day split 2–3 feeds | 1–1.5 balancer doses + salt | Watch Ca:P; balancer and grass hay help keep it in range. |
EMS/easy keeper (managed) | Controlled grass hay (by weight) | 0.5–1.0 kg/day only if low-NSC | Balancer formulated for low-NSC diets + salt | Keep calories tight; reassess body condition every 2 weeks. See EMS guide. |
If pellets begin to displace a large share of hay, switch part of that allocation to alfalfa cubes so chew time and fiber length remain adequate. Maintain ≥50% of daily forage as long-stem hay or pasture for gut motility and behavior.
Ulcers vs. EMS: Practical Decision Guide
Many owners reach for alfalfa pellets for ulcer comfort or to support a horse with metabolic risk. The tactics differ, even though the feed is the same.
If ulcer comfort is the priority
Use a small pre-ride feeding of 0.45–0.9 kg (1–2 lb) about 30–60 minutes before work. The calcium and protein help buffer stomach acid during exercise. Keep grain light around ride time, and consider soaking if your horse eats quickly or has a choke history.
If EMS/PPID or easy-keeper management is the priority:
Treat alfalfa pellets like a measured supplement, not a staple. Choose tested low-NSC pellets and limit to 0.05–0.2% bodyweight/day, with the ration built on weighed grass hay. Track body condition, neck crest, and girth; adjust every 10–14 days. Details and early-warning signs are in our EMS guide.
Side-by-side summary:
Priority | Amount & timing | Forage base | Extra notes |
Ulcer comfort around work | 0.45–0.9 kg (1–2 lb) pre-ride | Usual hay/pasture | Soak if needed; keep ride-time concentrates minimal. |
EMS/easy keeper control | 0.05–0.2% BW/day, tested low-NSC | Grass hay (weighed) | Tighten calories; use a low-intake balancer; reassess often. |
Whichever path you follow, introduce changes over 7–10 days, watch manure consistency and appetite, and keep water intake high—especially in travel or heat (see How to Tell if a Horse is Dehydrated).
Choosing the Right Alfalfa Pellet (Quality, NSC, and Tag Reading)
Not all alfalfa pellets are the same. Pick with intent and read the tag the same way you’d read a hay test.
Start with ingredients. You want alfalfa listed first with minimal binders. A little binder is normal; heavy molasses isn’t ideal for easy keepers or metabolic horses. If your horse is insulin-resistant, ask the supplier for typical NSC (or choose a product marketed/tested as low-NSC, generally ≤10–12%).
Look for a guaranteed analysis that makes sense beside your hay. Higher crude protein (16–18%) is expected. Calcium will be high; phosphorus modest. You’ll balance that with grass hay and a ration balancer.
Pellet size and screening matter for safety and palatability. Uniform pellets that don’t crumble to dust reduce sorting and waste. If your horse bolts feed or has a choke history, plan to soak every serving.
Label & Supplier Checklist
Item to verify | What you want to see | Why it matters |
Primary ingredient | Alfalfa first; minimal additives | Keeps nutrients predictable; avoids hidden sugars/fillers |
NSC (if provided) | ≤10–12% for EMS/easy keepers | Supports metabolic management |
Crude protein | ~16–18% | Adds essential amino acids for topline |
Calcium : Phosphorus | Ca high, P moderate → diet balanced to ~1.5–2:1 | Prevents mineral imbalance across the full ration |
Pellet integrity | Uniform, not dusty; no rancid/sour smell | Palatability, airway health, and safety |
Storage guidance | Cool, dry, sealed; reasonable shelf life | Prevents clumping, mold, or pests |
If pellets begin substituting a large share of hay, switch some of that portion to alfalfa cubes for better fiber length, and keep at least half of total forage as long-stem hay or pasture.
Troubleshooting: When to Adjust, Pause, or Switch
Most issues are solved with small, steady adjustments. Make one change at a time and reassess after 10–14 days.
Unwanted weight gain.
Reduce the pellet amount by 10–20%, tighten hay portions if needed, and increase low-intensity exercise. For easy keepers, confirm you’re using a low-NSC product and keep the grass-hay base dominant.
Soft or flaky manure.
Cut back the new feed by 25–50%, add a bit more long-stem hay, and check soaking times (undissolved cores can irritate). Reintroduce gradually over a week.
Choke scare or fast eating.
Move to mandatory soaking (10–20 minutes for mash, longer for cold water), feed from wide, low tubs, and add slow-feed inserts or large, clean rocks to slow intake. Consider alfalfa cubes if pellets remain problematic.
Dullness or “too hot.”
Alfalfa isn’t “hot” by starch, but it is calorie-dense. Trim back the amount, ensure adequate turnout, and review the whole ration for overlapping calories from concentrates or oils.
Crusty urine smell in stalls.
High protein can increase ammonia. Improve ventilation and bedding management; make sure water and plain salt intake are adequate.
Regional stone (enterolith) risk.
In some regions and breeds, heavy alfalfa use has been associated with enterolith formation. If you’re in a known risk area or have a susceptible horse, keep alfalfa to a measured portion of the forage program, pair with grass hay, and discuss history with your vet.
If problems persist, pause the pellets for a week, return to a simple grass-hay base, and rebuild slowly. Keep notes on amounts, soak times, manure, and workload so you can spot patterns and fine-tune confidently.
Conclusion & Next Steps
Used thoughtfully, alfalfa pellets are a precise way to add amino acids, steady calories, and pre-ride buffering—without leaning on high-starch feeds. Keep at least half of daily forage as long-stem hay, balance Ca:P across the full diet, and scale amounts to body condition and workload.
Quick takeaways:
Start small, measure by weight, and adjust every 10–14 days.
For ulcers, a 0.45–0.9 kg (1–2 lb) pre-ride serving can help; for EMS/easy keepers, limit to 0.05–0.2% BW/day with low-NSC pellets.
Soak when traveling or with fast eaters, and monitor hydration using our field checks.
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FAQ: Alfalfa Pellets for Horses
Are alfalfa pellets good for horses with ulcers?
Yes—used in small, timed meals. A pre-ride serving of 0.45–0.9 kg (1–2 lb) about 30–60 minutes before work can help buffer stomach acid thanks to alfalfa’s calcium and protein. Keep grain light around exercise and maintain a consistent forage base.
How much alfalfa pellets should a 500 kg (1,100 lb) horse get?
As a supplement to hay, start at 1.0–2.5 kg/day (2.2–5.5 lb/day) split into 2–3 meals. Hard keepers or performance horses may use 2.0–3.0 kg/day, while easy keepers often do best at 0.25–1.0 kg/day. Adjust every 10–14 days based on body condition. See foundations in The Basics of Equine Nutrition.
Do alfalfa pellets need to be soaked?
Not always, but soaking reduces choke risk and boosts water intake—ideal for seniors, fast eaters, or travel days. Use 1:1 water:pellets (mash) for 10–20 minutes, or 2:1 (soup) for 15–30 minutes; longer in cold weather. For hydration field checks, review How to Tell if a Horse is Dehydrated.
Are alfalfa pellets safe for EMS or PPID horses?
Sometimes—only in small, tested low-NSC amounts and within a grass-hay–based ration. Limit to 0.05–0.2% bodyweight/day, monitor weight and crest, and use a vitamin–mineral balancer. Full context: Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS).
Can alfalfa pellets replace hay?
No. Pellets are short fiber and don’t deliver chew time. Keep ≥50% of total forage as long-stem hay or pasture for gut motility and behavior. If you must replace a larger share of hay, use alfalfa cubes (better fiber length) plus grass hay.
Will alfalfa pellets make my horse “hot”?
Alfalfa is relatively low in starch/NSC compared to many concentrates, so it’s not “hot” for most horses. It is calorie-dense, so overfeeding can cause weight or energy surplus. Match intake to workload and body condition, and reassess fortnightly.
How do I balance calcium and phosphorus when feeding alfalfa?
Alfalfa is high in calcium and modest in phosphorus. Pair it with grass hay and a ration balancer so the whole diet stays near Ca:P ≈ 1.5–2:1. If you’re feeding larger pellet amounts, re-check the math for the full ration, not just the pellets.
Pellets vs. cubes—what should I choose?
Pick pellets for convenience, pre-ride snacks, and soaked mashes; choose cubes when replacing a larger portion of hay because cubes preserve more fiber length. In both cases, keep long-stem forage at the heart of the diet and introduce changes over 7–10 days.
