Cube Feeding Instructions:

We recommend discussing your horse's feed and feed rations with your veterinarian. 

For feeding Alfalfa Cubes to horses, only 1.5% of the animal's body weight is required for  maintenance and early pregnant horses. The addition of a Trace Mineral salt (TM Salt) is recommended--a complete vitamin/mineral premix can be substituted for TM Salt. Early pregnant horses should also be provided Ca:P supplementation in addition to the TM Salt or mineral/vitamin premix. 

For late gestation horses, feed at the rate of 1.5% of the animal's body weight, which can be supplemented with Oats for energy. 12% Complete Feed may be substituted for Oats. Ca:P supplement combined with either TM Salt or mineral/vitamin premix is also recommended. 

For lactating mares, feed at the rate of 2.0% of the animal's body weight and supplement with  Oats or 12% complete feed for energy. In addition, provide Ca:P supplement combined with either TM Salt or mineral/vitamin premix. 

The following table provides some suggested rations for the typical 1,200 pound horse. Horse owners will need to gauge the rations to meet the needs of their individual horses.

Suggested Feed Rations for the typical 1,200 lb Horse:

 

Alfalfa Cubes (lb)

Oats (lb)

18:18 Mineral

TM Salt

Maintenance

16

-

-

Yes

 

 

 

 

 

Early Gestation (0 to 8 Months)

16

-

28 g

Yes

Late Gestation (9 to 11 Months) - RationA

18

1 - 2

56 g

Yes

Late Gestation (9 to 11 Months) - Ration B

20

-

56 g

Yes

 

 

 

 

 

Early Lactation (1 to 3 Months)

24

3 - 4

56 g

Yes

Late Lactation (4 to 6 Months) - Ration A

24

-

56 g

Yes

Late Lactation (4 to 6 Months) - Ration B

24

1 - 2

56 g

Yes

Always feed to maintain good body condition. Overfeeding can lead to gaining weight and an increased predisposition to founder. 

For geriatric horses or those that are experiencing teeth problems, we suggest soaking the cubes. Supply clean, fresh water at all times while feeding.                    - Source: Alberta Agriculture Food and Rural Development

Quality Alfalfa Cubes:

One question which we commonly get is how do you tell quality in Alfalfa Cubes. The easiest answer is to look at the cube color. Good quality alfalfa cubes should be green. As a cube ages and is exposed to light, it turns brown. Cubes that have been made from properly cured Alfalfa hay and have been protected from the elements are a rich green color. 

Also look at the feed analysis. We perform regular analysis on our alfalfa cubes as part of our quality control process. Scientific Analysis of Alfalfa Cubes is below:

Sample Nutritional Analysis  
Crude Protein 16% (Minimum)
Dry Matter 88% (Minimum)
Fat 1% (Minimum)
Crude Fibre 30% (Maximum)
Ash 12% (Maximum)

 

(See Alfalfa Cubes Video)