dumb Alfalfa pellets/cube question

OK, dumb question time!! I have never used a alfalfa or any other type pellet/cube that you have to soak. Could someone explain how and why? In detail!!!!

I am getting a new mare next week and that is what she is use to. I hate to ask really dumb questions to the owner.

I have always feed a sweetfeed or whole oats or a pelleted whole feed so I really need answers. I also have just used grass hay, have never used alfalfa hay, if I use that how much do I give. I had heard that it should be given in small bits.

We travel some to ride and I was told the alfalfa cubes will take the place of hay. If so that would be great that we wouldn't have to haul bales!

THANKS
Rhonda

It's quite easy to feed cubes/pellets. Yes you do have to soak them. It's good to use hot water because the cubes/pellets will soften faster. You want to use enough hot water to turn the feed into a mash or an oatmeal type consistency.

You should feed her 1.5-2lbs of hay cubes per 100 lbs of body weight. So if your mare is 1000, then she should get around 20lbs of hay cubes at the Maximum. It may be best to ask the previous owner how much they feed her. You must feed cubes in small amounts per feeding. Its best to break up the daily amount into 3 feedings.

The most accurate way to figure out a horses weight (if you don't have scale) is by using a measuring tape.

I hope this helps :)