Which is better alfalfa pellets or cubes?

Which is better alfalfa pellets or cubes?

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.

Can horses have alfalfa cubes?

Alfalfa cubes are an excellent source of nutrition for horses, and can be used for everything from putting weight on a skinny horse, to maintaining weight on a pregnant, nursing, or heavily worked horse, to ensuring an older horse receives the nutrition he needs.

How many alfalfa cubes does a horse need?

How many alfalfa cubes do you feed a horse? It depends on a regular diet or feeding only Alfalfa. If you are feeding only Alfalfa cubes then 1.5 to 2% of body weight is enough. Additionally, if you are adding grain or hay then add 1.5 to 2% of total body weight including other diets.

Can alfalfa cubes replace hay?

Forage cubes can be fed just like hay, at a 1:1 ratio of the like hay type the horse currently consumes. For example, you would replace five pounds of alfalfa hay with five pounds of alfalfa cubes and adjust the amount if needed to maintain the animal's proper weight.

How much alfalfa should I feed my horse 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.

How long do you soak alfalfa cubes for horses?

Feed soaked cubes to older horses to maintain their weight. 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.

How long do alfalfa pellets need to soak?

For those that struggle to chew, Alfalfa Pellets can be fed soaked prior to feeding. To soak Alfalfa Pellets you can use hot or cold water. Soaking time can vary according to the density of the pellets, but as a guide we would expect a 2 hour cold soak or 15 minute hot soak time.

Is it safe for horses to eat alfalfa pellets?

But most horses in good health get all the protein they need eating grass and hay. Alfalfa cubes and pellets can cause colic. Two primary causes of colic in horses is overeating, and diets that include grains or concentrated foods. If allowed, horses eat more alfalfa cubes and pellets than is healthy.

Which is better for horses hay or alfalfa cubes?

A horse will likely eat all the alfalfa cubes they have available, but when fed alfalfa hay, they are picky and often waste some. Overall it’s believed if a horse is given the opportunity, it will up to 25% more alfalfa cubed than 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.

How much is a bag of alfalfa for a horse?

Most horse owners know the benefits of feeding alfalfa hay, but with limited room, pellets and cubes are great options. But, there is a lot to choosing the right application for your horse, and storage is just one consideration. Prices vary from 15-40 dollars per 40 lb bag.