Are alfalfa cubes good for senior horses?

Are alfalfa cubes good for senior horses?

Are alfalfa cubes good for senior horses?

Energy requirements: Generally senior horses that are in good body condition are less active than their younger counterparts and only have maintenance energy requirements. ... Energy dense forage sources such as Alfalfa pellets, cubes of chopped forage are ideal to increase the calorie content of the diet.

What is the best horse feed for senior horses?

The 5 Best Senior Horse Feeds

  • Tribute Equine Nutrition Seniority Horse Feed – Best Overall. ...
  • Buckeye Nutrition Safe N' Easy Complete Senior Horse Feed – Best Value. ...
  • Buckeye Nutrition Senior Balancer Senior Horse Feed – Premium Choice. ...
  • Bluebonnet Feeds Horsemans Elite Senior Care.

Is alfalfa cubes bad for horses?

Alfalfa cubes can be used effectively as the sole source of roughage for all classes of horses. Because of the high nutrient values for energy, protein, calcium, and vitamins, alfalfa cubes are very effective in feeding programs for broodmares and young growing horses.

Are alfalfa pellets or cubes better for horses?

Alfalfa cubes overall are better than pellets for our purposes. Pellets can't be a substitute for alfalfa hay, but cubes can. Alfalfa cubes are convenient, provide high nutrient value, and have little waste.

Should I feed alfalfa cubes to my horse?

Alfalfa cubes can be used effectively as the sole source of roughage for all classes of horses. Because of the high nutrient values for energy, protein, calcium, and vitamins, alfalfa cubes are very effective in feeding programs for broodmares and young growing horses.

How can I fatten up my senior horse?

To maximize nutrient intake in an aging horse, try the following:

  1. Feed 1% of a high-quality forage daily (based on body weight).
  2. Offer a complete feed specifically designed for senior horses with higher digestible fiber at a minimum of 0.5% body weight.
  3. Feed a senior horse more frequently, at least three times daily.
•03 Jul 2019

What's the best way to feed alfalfa to a horse?

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.

Which is better for a horse hay or alfalfa cubes?

Horses that are fed alfalfa cubes tend to eat all the cubes provided, whereas horses fed long-stem alfalfa hay will sort through the hay and not eat all the hay offered. Research in Colorado reported that mature horses fed alfalfa cubes maintained their body weight better than horses fed equal amounts of long-stem hay.

Which is better for a horse, pellets or cubes?

Soak alfalfa pellets when feeding to older horses. Alfalfa pellets and cubes fed wet are good alternatives for horses with dental problems. Pellets are small and easy for older horses to consume once they have been softened.

Which is the best hay to feed a horse?

Generally alfalfa is a good hay to feed horses, but there are caveats: 1 Don’t overfeed alfalfa. 2 Only feed alfalfa if your horse needs extra digestible energy, protein, and calcium.


Related Posts: