Horses are natural grazers and thrive on a forage-rich diet. However, when pastures lose their vibrancy during winter or other seasons, supplementing their grazing needs with extra calories, such as alfalfa, becomes crucial.
Alfalfa is one of the popular forage options for your horse feed; it is rich in nutrients and an excellent source for their proteins, energy, and mineral requirements. It is a valuable roughage for pregnant and lactating mares and mature competition horses.
But which option is better for your horse—alfalfa cubes or pellets?
Let’s explore the differences, benefits, and when to choose each to ensure your equine receives optimal nutrition.
Composition of Hay Pellets and Hay Cubes for Horses
The composition varies for alfalfa cubes vs. pellets.
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Hay cubes for horses are formed from hay that has been coarsely cut and contains seeds, stems, and leaves. After being chopped, hays are compressed into blocks. These blocks are typically made from a single variety of alfalfa or hay. Sometimes, mixed varieties may also be available.
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For hay pellets, hay is finely ground down and further compressed into small cylinders. They closely resemble your pelleted horse feeds. Usually, the pellets are made from a blend of hay plus binders and other additives.
Alfalfa Cubes vs. Pellets
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Difference in Texture
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Hay pellets are uniformly cut to resemble your pelleted horse feeds. You usually get them in ½ or ¼ inch diameter.
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Hay cubes are comparatively larger than pellets and are rougher. You get those in a couple of inches to several inches in size.
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Processing Difference
Both processing methods are meant to eliminate the dust usually associated with forages. Moreover, this processing ensures uniform products that are easy to transport and store.
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The long-standing forages are chopped and compressed into pellets to prepare hay cubes.
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For pellets, the hay pellet mill finely chops the forages and compresses the chopped forage into smaller cylindrical pellets with heat and pressure.
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Digestibility
Research shows no significant difference in digestibility between cubes and pellets.
However, pellets may move more slowly through the digestive tract, potentially causing slower fiber degradation.
Feeding Behavior of Horses
Horses have been studied to graze for around 16 hours daily on several grass vegetations. Supplementing the on-field grass with hay cubes and pellet horse bedding is a good way of mimicking their natural feeding behaviors. However, there are some key differences you should keep a note of.
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Hay Cubes: Longer chewing time mirrors natural grazing habits and prevents rapid consumption.
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Hay Pellets: Consumed faster, making them suitable for horses needing higher energy intake.
If you compare the feeding behavior of alfalfa cubes vs. pellets, the cubes take longer chewing time. Thus, they resemble your horse's natural forage chewing experience. Hay pellets, on the other hand, can be given as a complete feed or a supplemental feed.
Both options are excellent for providing energy and aiding weight gain when required. However, soaking hay cubes or pellets before feeding is highly recommended to promote hydration and prevent choking.
What Should You Choose - Alfalfa Cubes vs. Pellets?
Each of them is best under certain conditions. Here's why:
For Grass Pellets
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Hash pellets carry less dust than your long-standing forages and hay cubes for horses. Thus, your horse has the benefit of having fewer respiratory issues.
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Aged horses with dental issues can benefit from hay pellets, which are softer and more manageable than hay cubes.
For Hay Cubes
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Hay cubes for horses are best when your horse wants to continue having a natural grazing experience.
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You can now feed your horses a limited diet with the hay cubes so they do not put on those additional pounds.
Soaking hay cubes and pellets is a prerequisite for whatever you feed. Soaking them in water helps slow down the consumption rate of your horse and provides sufficient hydration.
Takeaway
When choosing the best one amongst alfalfa cubes vs. pellets, it is better to take the opinion of an equine nutritionist. Nutritional supplements and complete feeds are widely available, but selecting the optimal one requires skill. For the digestive tract of your horse, both are good choices.
Giving your horse a horse supplement helps ensure their long-term health and well-being. Choose supplements tailored to your horse's age, breed, activity level, and health needs. Focus on quality, NASC-approved supplements, and consult your vet for personalized advice.
Feed Your Horse with Med-Vet Pharmaceuticals Supplements
Med-Vet Pharmaceuticals specializes in formulating the best nutritional supplements and horse vitamins to supplement your horse's daily dietary needs.
We at Med Vet Pharmaceuticals are here to provide all your essential equine supplements. Contact us for any queries at 833-809-4848