We talk a lot about hay around here, it’s about time we give alfalfa hay some love! And love it we do. Alfalfa hay is rich in protein and calcium making it the perfect hay for growing, pregnant, or nursing small pets.
It’s also higher in calories than other popular choices (Timothy hay and orchard grass hay) so it can be helpful for small pets who need to gain weight. It can be mixed in with other types of hay to give your pet something exciting to forage for. Many small pets enjoy new tastes and textures.
As you can see there’s plenty to love about alfalfa hay, let’s talk more about the benefits and uses of alfalfa hay for our furry friends.
What Is Alfalfa Hay?
Alfalfa hay is a legume hay and its nutritional profile is different from that of grass hays. It's green, leafy, and loved by many small pets. However, when it comes to adults, the high protein content of this hay usually isn’t needed.
Alfalfa hay gives much-needed nutritional support to animals in specific phases of life or animals who need some customization with their diet.
Where Alfalfa Hay Should Be Used
Adult rabbits, guinea pigs, and chinchillas need hay available 24/7 as a free choice food. This hay needs to be a low fat, low protein, and low calcium hay (Timothy or orchard grass hay). Alfalfa hay doesn’t work as a free-choice hay for most adult small pets.
It can however be used as a treat or something to forage for. Eating too much hay high in protein and calcium can lead to bladder and kidney issues. So it’s not the main dish.
Small pets less than 6 months old are doing a lot of growing and they have different nutritional needs. This is where alfalfa hay saves the day! It works perfectly for young animals.
It’s also good to give pregnant and nursing mamas as well. They have additional demands on their body and can benefit from a higher protein diet.
More Calories Than Grass Hay
Some animals may be ill, recovering from illness, or for other reasons experiencing very low energy. These animals may benefit from some alfalfa hay in their diet as they can get more calories with fewer chews. Ultimately leading to more energy! Some senior pets fall into this category.
Sara is talking about hay for senior rabbits on YouTube!
An exotic vet can help you modify your pet’s diet to make sure they are getting everything they need and not too much of what they don’t need!
Calcium Content
Calcium helps grow strong bones and teeth which is why it’s so important for our younger pets! Again, too much of a good thing can have a negative impact on our adult pets who aren’t in a growth stage of life.
Vitamins and Minerals
Alfalfa hay is packed with vitamins and minerals including Vitamin K, Vitamin C, and magnesium. These nutrients help support bone health, blood clotting, and immune system function.
Definitely not empty calories! It has plenty to get excited about.
What Hay is Used In Pellets and Treats?
When it comes to pellet food, young and adult pets have different products. As you can imagine, pellets made for young pets will be made with alfalfa hay.
Pellets should always have the first ingredient as hay! Young pets can have more pellet food while adult pets (rabbits, chinchillas, and guinea pigs) will have less so they can stay focused on their main food - hay!
There are some Hay Treats that are made with alfalfa hay as well. These are great for young pets but can also be used for adults as they are just a treat and don’t take up too much of their diet. A treat that comes with a nutritional punch! Our favorite.
Alfalfa Hay Helps Our Pets Grow
For all of the above-mentioned situations and stages of our small pets’ lives, we sure are grateful to have alfalfa hay as an option. It helps grow strong bones, teeth, and immune systems. It provides much-needed calories to those needing a little extra!
Alfalfa hay does all this while still giving them the roughage they need to keep their teeth worn down. Hay is so important for our pets who have teeth that never stop growing. The yummier the hay, the more they will want to chew!
We are not veterinarians, and none of our information should be construed as veterinary advice.
Before adding any new product, please consult your exotic veterinarian. If your pet is acting unwell and you have concerns for their well being, please contact your vet immediately.
