Let us take a look at timothy pellets vs alfalfa pellets. Other than grass and hay, you can also feed your horses with pellets. Most horses can eat pellets faster than hay. That is because the ingredients of pellets are cooked and are therefore digestible.

Alfalfa pellets can meet the energy requirement of a horse. But for many life stages, a low nutritional concentration of Timothy pellets is ideal. Particularly for racehorses, a good cornerstone in any feeding program is the fiber present in feeds.

What Feed Your Horses With Pellets?

While there is plenty of grass and hay available, many horse owners still include pellets in their diet. That is due to several reasons, which include the following:

#1. Adding calories

Pellets are used to add calories to a horse’s diet without causing issues, unlike grains and starch. Alfalfa pellets, for example, can provide the required calories without contributing to the hot factor. As a result, the majority of the horses are not negatively affected by alfalfa pellets. But still, you need to check whether or not your horse is allergic to it.

#2. Adding proteins

Alfalfa generally contains more protein than hay. As such, you can add this to horses’ diets to meet their protein requirement. But take note that you won’t be able to add an ample amount of protein unless you feed alfalfa pellets in significant amounts.

But remember that an average horse can get enough protein from pasture and hay. Horses, in general, do not necessarily require more protein in their diets.

If your horse experiences an amino acid deficiency, it does not need more protein but better protein. So giving alfalfa pellets to your horse diet will only bring minimal impact.

Timothy Pellets

Among other feeds for horses, Timothy pellet is one of the most popularly used. It is also said to be the most digestible among all hays.

Benefits Of Timothy Pellets

Other than that, it also brings a lot of benefits which includes the following:

#1. Promotes healthy body

Horse owners discovered that Timothy pellets promote healthy weight, bowel regularity, and good digestion. It is especially great for obese horses or those that are protein sensitive and for horses prone to colic pain. Not only that, but it can also help in attaining a shinier coat.

#2. Encourages more chewing time

If you confine your horse in a stable, timothy pellets are recommended for them since they offer more chewing time. In addition, it mimics the typical grazing activity of pasture animals that normally takes ten up to fifteen hours per day.

Feeding timothy to your horse is very helpful in satisfying its natural urge to graze and chew when you confine them to a stall for a long time.

#3. Good source of fiber

In any feeding program for racehorses, fiber is always a great cornerstone. The fiber content of Timothy pellets can be a good source of energy that can keep them going for the entire day.

Alfalfa Pellets

Horse owners feed their horses to keep them fit, happy, and healthy. Alfalfa pellets can greatly help in achieving this.

Benefits Of Alfalfa Pellets

Numerous benefits come with feeding alfalfa pellets to your horse. It includes the following:

#1. Excellent source of nutrients

It is an excellent source of vitamins, protein, and healthy minerals, including iron, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, and calcium.

#2. Promotes good digestion

Alfalfa is also a great source of quality fiber that can produce slow-release energy. As a result, it can promote good digestion and helps in maintaining weight.

Risks Of Alfalfa Pellets

Although it comes with numerous benefits, alfalfa pellets can potentially cause a problem if you fail to feed it correctly and in the right amount.

#1. Might fatten your horse

According to different sources, alfalfa is only good for your working horses. But for non-working horses, there is a tendency that they will get fatter since they won’t be able to burn the excessive calories present in alfalfa.

#2. Creates a hot factor

Perhaps, your horse has a kidney or liver problem; you must not feed them diets rich in protein such as alfalfa. More so, you must not give this to endurance horses either.

That is because its high protein level turns into heat after it metabolizes, which can be bad for your endurance horse. The heat will require the horse to urinate, drink, and sweat more.

#3. Can worsen diseases

Since alfalfa is highly concentrated with potassium, it may worsen the symptoms of the disease.

Feeding Tips: Timothy Pellets And Alfafa Pellets

When serving feeds – Timothy pellets vs alfalfa pellets – to your horses, you have to keep in mind the following tips:

#1. Serve in right amounts

Like in cubes and hay, there is no limit as to how much alfalfa pellets feed your horse. But remember that it may not be appropriate to give too much to some horses.

#2. Soak the feeds wet

Most pellets manufacturers recommend feeding this wet. But first, soak the pellets in water for about 30 minutes. You can even soak it longer until it has softened properly if your horse has a dental problem. You should also do this if your horse consumes its feed aggressively.

#3. Mix the feeds if needed

If you are feeding Timothy pellets to your racehorse, it is possible that it won’t be able to get enough energy that it needs. That is because the energy needed by racehorses cannot be supplied by the Timothy pellets alone, so it is recommended to supplement their diet further with a portion of Alfalfa pellets.

It’s A Wrap!

After researching and comparing timothy pellets vs alfalfa pellets, we have found out that both feeds are excellent sources of nutrients needed by horses. In addition, they can help in maintaining the health of your horses just the same.

You can supplement any of them in hay and grasses. Just remember to serve them in the right amount. For this, follow the recommendations of the manufacturer.

Timothy Pellets Vs Alfalfa Pellets: 3 Best Tips To Know!