Lucerne Hay (Alfalfa)

Lucerne hay is a highly nutritious legume hay made from the Medicago sativa plant. It is easily recognised by its fine, leafy texture and distinctive green colour, often containing small dried flower heads. It has a rich, sweet aroma that most animals find very palatable.

Unlike grass hays, lucerne is a legume, making it exceptionally high in protein, calcium, and essential vitamins and minerals. This makes it one of the most nutrient-dense hays available.

Best suited for:

Young, growing animals
Pregnant or nursing females
Underweight animals needing to gain condition
Animals recovering from illness

Not recommended as a staple for:

Adult rabbits and guinea pigs, as the high calcium content can contribute to urinary problems over time
Overweight animals, as it is relatively high in calories

Feeding tips:

Best used as a supplement or occasional treat for healthy adult small animals
Can be mixed with grass hays like oaten or meadow hay for added variety and nutrition
Widely used in horses as a protein boost alongside grass hay

Lucerne hay is known as alfalfa in the United States and Canada, but is the same plant and product.