When it comes to alfalfa, there’s nothing like a fresh crop of hay to add a touch of life and interest to your horse.
But getting tired of the mess?
With the pallet of this grass, you can get as much as you need without worrying about weight or space. Thanks to the easy-to-manage characteristics and low maintenance requirements, it is a perfect choice for the farmer who likes to be tidy.
That’s not all; they are easy to transport, create little waste, and can accommodate high volumes of feed without becoming too bulky. We get a lot of concern about this issue like-
- Do you have to wet alfalfa pellets?
- Is alfalfa pellets good for weight gain?
- Alfalfa for horses pros and cons
And today, we will try to discuss all the topics related to pallets and Do alfalfa pellets need to be soaked.
Let’s get to the point…….
Can you feed alfalfa pellets dry or without soaking?
The Alfalfa pallet can feed both soaked and dry. But to avoid the esophageal choke, giving soaking pallets on the first two or three times is recommended. Once they get used to it, you can provide the pallet without soaking. For aggressive eaters, young horses, hard keepers, and those with dental problems, it will be safe to give a soaked pallet rather than the dry one.
Wait…… what the heck is the esophageal choke?
Usually happens to large animals such as cows, pigs, camels, donkeys, and horses. This choking syndrome occurs when the airway narrows too much, typically due to a blockage in the windpipe. This can lead to suffocation, which is often fatal in large animals.
Alfalfa pellets for horses benefits
Alfalfa is a well-known plant for its benefits for horses, including increasing the weight of on-the-job muscles, improving digestibility, and promoting better hay production. Alfalfa pellets offer similar benefits to hay, with an even greater caloric value, making them a popular choice for top-fed horses.
Just look at the nutritional value of pallets………
According to pellet-richi, in the dry matter of alfalfa, the content is like…….
- The crude protein- 18%-24.8%,
- Lysine-1.06%-1.38%,
- Crude fat- 2.4%
- Crude fiber- 35.7%,
- Nitrogen-free extract- 34.4%, and
- Crude ash- 8.9 %
- Calcium is -1.09%
- Phosphorus- 0.3%.
Apart from the nutritional value, here are some other benefits of adding the pallet to your horse’s feed.
Reduced waste: Alfalfa pellets are a natural feed for horses and have been shown to be more efficient than grain in terms of waste reduction. This is because you can control and monitor long stem hay as an owner.
Weatherproof & Dust-free: Alfalfa pellets are weatherproof. This means that they can be stored in various environments, including rain and snow, without becoming damaged. The best part is they are totally dust-free.
Convenient: Alfalfa pellets are more convenient than grain. Alfalfa pellets can be stored easily and used quickly, making them a better choice for quick transport.
Good for certain medical conditions: Providing pallets from rather than natural grain or hay is safer for horses with arthritis, a debilitating injury, or a digestive problem. The pellets help to improve joint movement and provide energy to the horse.
Related: Learn how to safely feed corn on the cob to horses! Find out the recommended amounts, potential risks, and other tips for providing this nutritional treat.
How to feed alfalfa pellets to horses?
As we mentioned earlier, the horse can eat straight pallets.
But if your horse is old or has dental complications, here is how to prepare the feed.
- Step 1: Open the Alfalfa pallet box and Put the pellets in a bucket.
- Step 2: Pour water (2:1, water to pellets) on the bucket and let it dump.
- Step 3: Once it is soaked properly, feed your horse immediately.
Yeah, pretty simple, right?
And If horses are underweight or old, add more supplements to make them healthier.
Now come to the crucial point- How long can you soak alfalfa pellets?
Well, it’s difficult to give a straight answer as it highly depends on the weather. But on average, the pallet got soaked in water for five to six hours.
And how much alfalfa pellets feed a horse per day?
You know the golden rule- Horses need 1-2% of their body weight daily in dry feed.
That means 10-20 lbs of feed for a 1000 lb horse. Now decide what you want to give your horse and customize the diet according to the needs and medical condition.
FAQs
Can alfalfa pellets cause laminitis?
Yes, alfalfa is packed with nutrition that triggers diseases like founder and laminitis.
Is alfalfa pellets high in sugar?
Nope, actually quite the opposite. The plant has a very low content of both starch and water– (WSC), such as sugars and fructan. When oil is added as a coating to alfalfa, sugar levels are typically less than 5%.
Is alfalfa hard on a horse’s kidneys?
No evidence has been found that these pallets cause kidney issues.
Are alfalfa cubes or pellets better?
Both come with the same nutritional value and work as an alternative for alfalfa grain or hay. We suggest giving your horses both options and seeing what they like most.
Can alfalfa pellets cause colic?
Pallets are safe for colic but make sure you pick the best quality pallets that compromise the nutrition.
Related: Explore the nutritional benefits of sunflower seeds for horses and discover if these seeds should be included in your horse’s diet. Learn more now!
Verdict
Alfalfa pellets are undoubtedly a great addition to your horse’s diet. They are low in cholesterol, gluten-free, and have a high-quality protein content. These pellets are specially formulated to be a high-quality source of nutrition for horses. They are also easy to feed and provide the necessary nutrients they need.
But still…….
If you’re thinking of feeding your horse alfalfa pellets, it’s important to do your research first and talk to a vet to make sure that it’s safe for them to eat.
And one more thing……
Whether pallets are Dry or soaked, don’t feed too much alfalfa to your horse. What happens if a horse eats too much alfalfa? As hay is rich in nutrition, it can cause diarrhea.
