No Products in the Cart
Choosing the right hay can make or break your horse’s health and daily comfort. If you are new to feeding, legume hay types such as alfalfa, clover, birdsfoot trefoil, and peanut hay offer more protein, energy, and calcium than most grass hays. Used thoughtfully, they support growth, weight gain, lactation, and recovery after hard work.
This list will walk you through the top legume options, why they matter, and when to use them. For each type you will see key nutrients, ideal horse profiles, simple feeding guidelines, and how to balance with grass hay to prevent excess calories or minerals. You will learn how to spot quality bales, from leafiness to stem size and color, and how to store hay to preserve nutrients. We will also cover red flags, including blister beetle risk with some alfalfa, and how to introduce new hay gradually to protect gut health. By the end, you will have a clear, practical plan to choose and feed legume hay with confidence, even if you are just getting started.
Legume hay types like sainfoin, alfalfa, and clover provide the elevated protein and digestible energy performance horses need for muscle repair and consistent work. Compared to grass hays, legume hays often test at 15 to 20 percent crude protein, supporting topline development and recovery after schooling or competition. They also deliver more usable calories, which helps maintain body condition under heavier workloads, as noted in this forage guide for horses. For practical feeding, start by replacing 20 to 30 percent of the forage ration with a legume hay, then evaluate body condition score and adjust weekly. Prioritize a forage analysis so you can match protein and energy supply to your horse’s workload, life stage, and temperament. Sainfoin is especially palatable, encouraging steady intake for horses that go off feed during travel or training.
Legume hays are naturally rich in calcium and vitamin A, key nutrients for bone integrity, muscle contraction, immune function, and skin health. Alfalfa’s higher calcium content can help buffer dietary acidity, which is useful when concentrates are included in the ration, as summarized in this overview of alfalfa and a healthy gastric environment in horses. Sainfoin tends to retain more leaf through the season, so its nutrient density declines more slowly, supporting consistent vitamin and mineral intake. To keep the calcium to phosphorus ratio balanced near 2 to 1, pair legume hays with a grass hay or a vetted ration balancer. Ask your nutritionist to check trace minerals as well, then top up copper, zinc, and selenium as indicated by forage testing.
Legume hays offer fermentable fiber that feeds beneficial microbes, promotes regular motility, and extends chewing time, which increases saliva and helps buffer the foregut. Alfalfa’s natural buffering capacity may support gastric comfort in horses under stress or on higher grain diets, as outlined in the gastric environment resource. Sainfoin adds another advantage, its condensed tannins support a healthy microbial balance and help reduce gas accumulation, making it a smart choice for horses prone to gassiness. Transition gradually over 7 to 14 days to allow microbes to adapt, and split hay feedings into multiple small meals for steadier fermentation. Choose clean, well-cured bales and provide free-choice water and salt to keep the hindgut moving comfortably. These steps help your horse gain the digestive benefits of legume hay with minimal risk.
Among legume hay types, alfalfa is mineral dense, providing more calcium and potassium than most grass hays. Typical tests show about 1.2 percent calcium, essential for bone strength, nerve signaling, and proper muscle contraction. Potassium often runs 2.0 to 3.0 percent, supporting electrolyte balance, hydration, and steady muscle function during work. Balance rations by pairing alfalfa with grass hay or a phosphorus containing balancer, and weigh flakes to track actual mineral intake.
With protein often 15 to 20 percent and higher digestible energy, alfalfa fits performance horses and lactating mares. Amino acids aid post workout muscle repair, and the calories help maintain condition on heavy training or milk production. Many riders value alfalfa's natural buffering capacity, which can help moderate stomach acidity during travel or competition. As a starting point, feed 0.5 to 1.0 percent of body weight from alfalfa within a total forage intake of 1.5 to 2.0 percent. For a 500 kilogram horse, that is roughly 2.5 to 5.0 kilograms daily, split into several meals and paired with free choice salt.
Some horses become gassy on alfalfa, since rich protein and fermentable fiber can intensify hindgut fermentation. Introduce it over 10 to 14 days, start with a quarter flake per meal, and watch manure, comfort, and behavior. For insulin dysregulation, test hay when possible, choose low nonstructural carbohydrate lots, and tailor portions with your veterinarian. If gassiness or metabolic control remains difficult, shift toward grass hay or consider non bloat legume options detailed later in this guide.
Sainfoin is a naturally non-GMO legume hay, a smart choice for horses that need clean, simple ingredients and controlled sugars. Typical tested products report approximately 6.9 percent sugar and 2.0 percent fructan, illustrating why sainfoin suits metabolically sensitive horses and those prone to digestive upset, see sainfoin’s low sugar and fructan profile. For beginners building a forage plan, ask your supplier for a current hay analysis and aim for low single-digit simple sugars and fructans when possible. Introduce sainfoin gradually over 7 to 10 days, replacing a portion of existing forage while maintaining total intake near 1.5 to 2 percent of body weight per day. With the global horse feed market at about US$ 9,835 million in 2024 and growing, interest in non-GMO, sustainability, and traceability aligns well with sainfoin-forward programs. Heavenly Hay’s focus on naturally low-sugar sainfoin helps provide consistent energy without spiking simple carbohydrates.
Sainfoin’s condensed tannins are the standout. These plant compounds help protect dietary protein during digestion, improving the chance that amino acids are absorbed where the horse can use them. In ruminant models, tanniferous sainfoin improved nitrogen and mineral balance, indicating better protein utilization, see tanniferous sainfoin improved nitrogen and mineral balance in lambs. Equine research also points to reduced ammonia production by hindgut microbes, a sign of a healthier fermentation profile and less gas. For practical use, replace 25 to 50 percent of other legume hay types with sainfoin for training or performance horses, then monitor topline, manure consistency, and attitude under saddle. Sainfoin is highly palatable and promotes longer chewing time than many forages, which supports saliva production and natural buffering of the stomach.
The same condensed tannins that aid protein nutrition also exhibit natural anthelmintic activity. In calves, pelleted sainfoin significantly suppressed gastrointestinal nematodes, including Ostertagia, see anti-parasitic activity of pelleted sainfoin against gastrointestinal nematodes. Equine studies suggest sainfoin can modestly reduce cyathostomin larval development, which supports a broader parasite control plan. For a beginner-friendly protocol, pair sainfoin hay or pellets with fecal egg counts every 8 to 12 weeks, strategic deworming guided by your veterinarian, and pasture rotation. Feed 2 to 5 pounds of sainfoin per day to a 1,000 pound horse within the total forage allowance, adjusting based on body condition and workload. Many riders also notice fewer gas episodes and calmer post-meal behavior, signs that sainfoin is helping restore a healthier microbial balance.
Perennial peanut hay earns its reputation as the tasty option, particularly for horses that sort or leave hay behind. Its fine stems, leafy structure, and pleasant aroma encourage steady intake, a plus for picky eaters, seniors, and horses in heavy work. Controlled preference trials indicate horses voluntarily consume more perennial peanut hay than alfalfa, a trend also observed in small ruminants, likely due to texture and flavor cues, as outlined in this Auburn Extension review on perennial peanut for horses. Action step: begin by replacing 25 to 50 percent of the forage ration with perennial peanut hay for one week, track orts and body condition, then adjust up or down to meet appetite and weight goals.
Perennial peanut is a legume hay that mirrors the nutritional profile many riders seek from alfalfa, yet it is associated with a lower risk of frothy bloat in ruminants. Research highlights the presence of polyphenol oxidase and related substrates that can increase rumen undegraded protein and temper rapid proteolysis, mechanisms linked with reduced bloat incidence in cattle and goats, summarized in Science.gov topic pages on alfalfa haylage and PPO. Horses are hindgut fermenters, so classic frothy bloat is uncommon, but gentler fermentation can still support day-to-day comfort. For mixed barns or pasture rotations that include ruminants, this makes perennial peanut a versatile choice. Practical tip: when transitioning, swap in one flake per feeding for three to five days, then move to your target ration.
Beyond taste, perennial peanut hay delivers quality nutrition. In trials with mature horses, it performed comparably to alfalfa for digestibility and crude protein, and outperformed common warm-season grass hays like bermudagrass for nutrient retention, as summarized here: digestibility and nutrient retention study in horses. Expect a rich fiber profile that supports hindgut function along with ample protein to sustain topline and recovery. Feed it as part of the 1.5 to 2 percent body weight daily forage target, blending with a grass hay if you want to moderate calories. For horses needing extra chew time and better clean up at the feeder, perennial peanut hay is an approachable addition to your legume hay types lineup.
Lespedeza, especially sericea types, contains condensed tannins, plant compounds that interact with dietary proteins and the hindgut microbiome. In small ruminants these tannins aid parasite control and improve nutrient use, and in horses the same class is associated with steadier fermentation and less ammonia in the cecum. Practical signs owners report include firmer manure and less gassiness when a modest portion is added. Introduce at 0.25 to 0.5 percent of body weight per day on a dry-matter basis, then reassess manure score and appetite after 7 to 10 days.
Compared with many legumes, lespedeza tends to be lower in calcium, which helps you hit the recommended calcium to phosphorus ratio of about 1.5 to 2 to 1 for adult horses. This is useful when your base forage already tests high in calcium, since excessive calcium can interfere with trace mineral uptake. Request a hay analysis and review calcium, phosphorus, potassium, and iron before adjusting rations. If calcium runs high, swap in 20 to 40 percent lespedeza by weight, adjust slowly over a week, and retest to confirm the ratio moved into range.
Lespedeza works best as part of a blend, bringing diversity, protein, and beneficial tannins without dominating the diet. Mix with grass hays such as timothy or orchardgrass to balance energy, or pair smaller amounts with sainfoin if you prefer a tannin-aware program. A practical starting point is 70 to 80 percent primary hay with 20 to 30 percent lespedeza by weight, then adjust based on body condition, workload, and manure quality. Because lespedeza tolerates heat and low fertility, keeping a few bales on hand can bridge seasonal gaps and preserve diet consistency.
A blend of red and white clover hay raises the nutritional floor for many horses. Typical crude protein runs about 13 to 16 percent, with ample lysine to support topline and muscle repair. It delivers more calcium and phosphorus than most grass hays, plus useful vitamin A for bone and immune health. Clover is very digestible and palatable, which can help picky eaters maintain intake during training or travel. For a 500 kg performance horse, this nutrient density helps cover amino acid needs without dramatically increasing meal size.
Clover hay can be relatively high in non structural carbohydrates, often 12 to 18 percent, so portion control matters. Horses with insulin dysregulation or a history of laminitis generally do best when total forage NSC stays below about 10 to 12 percent. For a 500 kg easy keeper, feed clover at roughly 0.2 to 0.3 percent of body weight daily, with total forage at 1.5 to 2 percent. Introduce changes over 7 to 10 days, dividing into small feedings. Monitor body condition and crest fat every two weeks.
Clover shines in a mix. Pair one flake of clover with two to three flakes of timothy or orchardgrass to dilute sugars while keeping protein robust. For training horses, a 30 to 40 percent clover share can raise amino acids without overshooting calories. Combine modest clover portions with low sugar forages, such as sainfoin, to diversify nutrients and support calm digestion. Weigh flakes, track intake, and adjust weekly based on workload, manure quality, and energy.
Match legume hay types to age, workload, and metabolism. Legumes often test around 15 to 20 percent crude protein with higher calcium and energy, which suits growing horses, lactating mares, and animals in moderate to hard work. Easy keepers or horses in light work may do better with a blend, for example 40 to 60 percent legume hay balanced with a lower calorie grass hay, to prevent excess weight gain. Plan total forage intake at 1.5 to 2.0 percent of body weight per day on a dry matter basis. For gas-prone or sensitive horses, sainfoin can be a smart choice, its condensed tannins help reduce gas, support a healthier microbial balance, and can improve protein use in the hindgut. Sainfoin also tends to retain nutrient-dense leaves later into the season, which helps maintain quality across the year.
Ask your vet or an equine nutritionist to review body condition score, target a 5 to 6 on the 9-point scale, work level, and any metabolic concerns before you switch hay. Request a forage analysis to check crude protein, calcium and phosphorus, and non-structural carbohydrates. Legume-heavy diets often need attention to the calcium to phosphorus ratio, aim for about 1.5 to 2 to 1, especially if concentrates are part of the plan. Horses with insulin resistance or laminitis risk typically do best with a forage NSC under 10 to 12 percent. Your veterinarian can suggest precise feeding rates, transition timelines of 7 to 10 days, and whether a legume like sainfoin fits goals for topline, hoof quality, or gut comfort.
Balance NSC by pairing higher sugar cool-season grasses with lower sugar forages. Many legumes, including alfalfa and sainfoin, often test below 10 percent NSC, while some timothy or orchardgrass lots can exceed 12 percent. Use hay tests to set ratios, for example blending a 16 percent NSC grass hay with an 8 percent NSC sainfoin at 60 to 40 brings the mix close to 12 percent. Soaking higher sugar hay for 30 to 60 minutes can further reduce water-soluble carbohydrates. For palatability and gut health, a base of non-GMO, low-sugar sainfoin from Heavenly Hay, complemented with tested grass hay, can deliver steady energy, longer chew time, and a safer sugar profile for many horses.
Choose legume hay types that match your horse’s health needs. Legume hays deliver more protein, energy, and calcium than grass hays, useful for training or underweight horses. For gas-prone or sugar-sensitive horses, sainfoin offers low sugar and condensed tannins that aid protein use and reduce bloat risk. Perennial peanut helps picky eaters, and clover can balance amino acids. Request a forage test, balance Ca:P near 1.5 to 2:1, and target 15 to 18 percent crude protein for moderate work.
Monitor outcomes and adjust in small, measured steps. Run a 3 to 4 week trial, feeding 1.5 to 2 percent of body weight and changing by 10 percent if needed. Track body condition score, manure consistency, gas episodes, topline, and chew time. Research shows sainfoin’s condensed tannins can lower ammonia accumulation in cecal microbes, indicating better nitrogen use. In practice, a 1,100 lb gelding on sainfoin often shows quieter gut sounds and steadier energy within two weeks.
Prioritize quality and responsible sourcing like Heavenly Hay. Non-GMO sainfoin fits a growing horse feed market, valued near 9,835 million dollars in 2024 with a 4.9 percent CAGR outlook. Responsible, traceable production mirrors broader agriculture, where organic acres can bring 20 to 30 percent higher prices. Look for fresh color, clean aroma, high leaf retention, and recent third party tests, and ask about storage and field lot traceability. Heavenly Hay’s nutrient rich sainfoin, with naturally occurring condensed tannins, supports gut health and efficient protein absorption for training, performance, or daily maintenance.
