A horse’s diet affects its overall health. One type of food that is good for horses is alfalfa hay. Horses can eat different types of hay, but alfalfa hay is good for them because it is high in nutrients. Some of the nutrients in alfalfa hay include proteins, vitamins, and minerals. Read further to get an overview of the importance of alfalfa hay for horses and other animals.
What is Alfalfa Hay?
Alfalfa hay is a type of forage that comes from the alfalfa plant. The alfalfa plant is a legume, and it’s sometimes referred to as “lucerne”. Alfalfa hay is actually the third most important type of hay fed to horses. The first two types of hay that fed to horses are grass hays and legume hays.
Tons of Vitamins
This hay is a good source of many vitamins and minerals that a horse needs for optimum health. Some of the vitamins that alfalfa hay contains are Vitamin A, Vitamin D, and Vitamin E. Vitamin A helps with a horse’s vision, Vitamin D helps with calcium absorption, and Vitamin E is an antioxidant.
Packed with Minerals
Alfalfa hay is also a good source of minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium. These minerals help keep horse bones healthy and strong. Horse teeth also need calcium to stay healthy.
Good for Digestion
Alfalfa benefits include good horse digestion because it is high in fiber. Like most animals, fiber helps horses stay regular and prevents digestive problems such as colic.
Protein for Muscles
Protein is one of the building blocks of muscle tissue. It’s also a requirement for repairing damaged tissue. Horses are active animals that often have stress on their bodies. A high-fiber diet is a must for building new muscle and repairing tissue. Alfalfa hay is a legume hay that’s higher in protein than grass hays. It is also higher in calories, calcium, and other nutrients.
Better for Older Horses
As horses age, it can become harder to chew and digest their food. Alfalfa hay is easier to chew and digest than other types of hay because it is softer. Older horses also need more calories and nutrients to stay healthy. Alfalfa hay can provide those extra calories and nutrients.
Helps Lactating Mares
Mares that are nursing foals need extra calories and nutrients to produce milk. Alfalfa hay can help lactating mares because it is high in calories and nutrients.
Good for Growing Horses
Growing horses also need extra calories and nutrients to support their growth. Alfalfa benefits growing horses because it is high in calories and nutrients.
Mold-free and Dust-free
An alfalfa hay bale is also free of mold and dust. Eating moldy or dusty hay can cause respiratory problems in horses.
Good for Grazing Animals
Animals that graze in a pasture also need hay to supplement their diet. Grass contains fewer nutrients than alfalfa hay and is lower in calories. Alfalfa hay can make sure grazing animals don’t become malnourished.
Alfalfa hay for horses is a sure way to provide quality equine nutrition. However, don’t get alfalfa hay for sale from just anywhere. Contact David Woods Hay, a long-time supplier of alfalfa hay bale, for nutritious and clean horse feed today.