Posted 2014-02-12 3:09 PM Subject: Alfalfa good for/prevent ulcers - how much to feed
Veteran
Posts: 185
I recently read an article about the benefits of alfalfa for stomach pH (acid control) and how it helps ulcers.
Just wondering if anyone knows how much you would need to feed to get any benefits for ulcers or ulcer prevention?
Anyone feed alfalfa?
I just bought 50 lbs of 55% alfalfa (tim mix) cubes. I've been thinking of supplementing with some anyway but the ulcer prevention really pushed me lol My guy is a hard keeper too
Posted 2014-02-12 3:16 PM Subject: RE: Alfalfa good for/prevent ulcers - how much to feed
Neat Freak
Posts: 11216 Location: Wonderful Wyoming
I bet the hard keeper and the ulcers go hand in hand. I'm no expert on how much alfalfa to feed. I guess I prefer grass hay and pasture and have few issues with ulcers. I have a colt in that I am Dr'ing on and he is left alone in a corral next to the others. I have been giving him 1 flake mid day just to alleviate boredom and to help prevent ulcers as well (just in case). If you suspect ulcers, THE makes a great supplement called GastroPLUS that treats front and hind gut ulcers. Pm me if you are interested in more info.
Posted 2014-02-12 3:52 PM Subject: RE: Alfalfa good for/prevent ulcers - how much to feed
Veteran
Posts: 185
Thanks for the information :) I'll keep it in mind definitely. I bought him in august from a high sweet feed diet. I'm trying to switch him to a healthy more natural diet. I'm learning as I go I'm afraid - long time rider first time owner lol
He is getting twice daily:
6oz (dry measured) of sugar free beet pulp (soaked)
1 tbs of salt
1/2 cup of flax
1 scoop (cal trace - grass balancer/hoof supplement)
(pretty much free choice/all you can eat high quality grass hay)
(mind I've been tweaking since I got him and have just cut out a "complete feed")
I figured I'm already soaking the beet pulp so a few cubes added won't be a big deal.
Posted 2014-02-12 4:11 PM Subject: RE: Alfalfa good for/prevent ulcers - how much to feed
Expert
Posts: 1584 Location: Central Texas
I've always fed alfalfa free choice. Buy the 4x4x8 bales and set them out. If your horse is not used to it, I'd start out a little at a time and keep increasing the amount until they get all they want. That is how it is done where I am from. Now that I live away from the growing area, I feed half alfalfa and half grass due to the cost.
Alfalfa good for/prevent ulcers - how much to feed
