Alfalfa is one of the most widely used forage options in the horse world, yet it’s also one of the most misunderstood. From concerns about protein levels to assumptions about which horses “should” eat it, alfalfa often gets labeled unfairly. Let’s clear up some of the most common misconceptions and look at what alfalfa actually offers when used thoughtfully.
Myth: Alfalfa Is Only for Performance or Senior Horses
One of the biggest misconceptions is that alfalfa is only appropriate for high-performance horses or seniors who need extra calories. In reality, alfalfa can be part of a balanced diet for horses of many ages and activity levels. Its suitability depends less on the horse’s category and more on how it’s incorporated into the overall feeding program.
Alfalfa provides consistent nutrition, which can be beneficial for horses that need reliable forage intake, regardless of age.
Myth: Alfalfa Automatically Causes Weight Gain
Alfalfa is often blamed for weight gain, but the forage itself isn’t the issue. Overfeeding any forage, grass or alfalfa, can lead to unwanted weight changes. When fed in appropriate portions, alfalfa can actually help support steady weight maintenance thanks to its nutrient density and consistency.
The key is portion control and balance, not avoidance.
Myth: Alfalfa Is Too “Hot” or Too Rich
Some believe alfalfa makes horses overly energetic or difficult to manage. This assumption usually stems from confusion between forage and concentrated feeds. Alfalfa is a forage, not a grain, and its energy comes from fiber and protein rather than sugars or starches.
For many horses, alfalfa supports calm, steady energy rather than spikes.
Myth: Grass Hay Is Always the Safer Option
Grass hay is a great forage choice, but it isn’t automatically better or safer than alfalfa. Both have their place. Alfalfa offers higher protein and calcium levels, which can be beneficial depending on the horse’s needs, workload, and overall diet.
Choosing between grass hay and alfalfa shouldn’t be about fear or habit, but about what best supports the horse in front of you.
Myth: Alfalfa Is Inconsistent
Some horse owners avoid alfalfa because they worry about variation in quality. While any forage can vary, properly grown and processed alfalfa is known for its consistency, especially when compared to loose hay that can differ bale to bale.
Consistency is one of the reasons many barns rely on alfalfa-based products as a dependable forage source.
The Bottom Line
Alfalfa isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution, but it also isn’t the problem it’s sometimes made out to be. When fed appropriately, alfalfa can support digestion, weight maintenance, and overall forage consistency for a wide range of horses.
Understanding what alfalfa actually does and how it fits into a balanced feeding program helps remove the guesswork and replaces it with informed decision-making. As with any forage, the best results come from matching the feed to the horse’s needs, not from following common myths.
