Can Goats Eat Alfalfa Cubes?

Exploring the Alfalfa Question

When it comes to goat nutrition, many farmers and homesteaders ask: can goats eat alfalfa cubes? The short answer is yes—but with important considerations.

Alfalfa is a nutrient-dense forage rich in protein, calcium, and essential minerals. Alfalfa cubes offer a compact, easy-to-store form of this forage.

However, just because they can be eaten doesn't mean all goats should eat them freely.

Asking can goats eat alfalfa cubes involves understanding their nutritional impact and feeding recommendations.

Whether you're raising goats for milk, meat, or as pets, the way you introduce alfalfa cubes into their diet can influence health outcomes.

In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know before offering alfalfa cubes to your herd.

Nutritional Overview of Alfalfa Cubes

To determine can goats eat alfalfa cubes, it's important to first understand what’s inside them.

Alfalfa cubes are made by compressing chopped, dried alfalfa into cube form. They're high in protein (16–20%), calcium, and digestible fiber. Ever wondered how hay cubes are made? Check out this article for more information. 

These cubes are often used for horses and cattle but can be adapted for goats if fed appropriately.

Because of their nutritional density, the answer to can goats eat alfalfa cubes is yes, but in moderation.

Goats that are pregnant, lactating, or underweight often benefit the most from alfalfa cube supplementation.

Benefits for Lactating and Pregnant Goats

One of the best use cases for answering can goats eat alfalfa cubes is in supporting lactating does and pregnant females.

The higher protein and calcium levels help support milk production and fetal development, especially during late gestation.

Goats producing milk need more calories and minerals to avoid conditions like milk fever or ketosis.

Offering alfalfa cubes—particularly soaked to improve digestibility—can be a great way to increase nutrient density in a small volume.

So yes, can goats eat alfalfa cubes? Definitely, when they need extra nutrients for reproduction and milk.

Feeding Alfalfa Cubes to Growing Kids

For growing goat kids, proper nutrition is crucial. But can goats eat alfalfa cubes at a young age?

Once kids are weaned, they can begin to nibble on soaked or broken-up alfalfa cubes as part of their forage rotation.

Alfalfa offers good protein to support muscle development and bone strength. However, it should not be the sole forage source.

When evaluating can goats eat alfalfa cubes at different life stages, it’s important to balance them with grass hay or pasture grazing.

Young goats benefit most from a diverse, digestible, and fiber-rich diet to avoid nutritional imbalances.

The Calcium-Phosphorus Balance

One risk when considering can goats eat alfalfa cubes is their naturally high calcium content.

Goats need a balanced calcium-to-phosphorus ratio (usually about 2:1), and alfalfa cubes can push that ratio too far if overfed.

Imbalances can lead to urinary calculi in male goats, especially wethers, which is a painful and potentially fatal condition.

If feeding alfalfa cubes, it's important to offer a grain mix or mineral block that balances phosphorus levels.

So, can goats eat alfalfa cubes safely? Yes—but always keep the mineral balance in mind.

Whole Cubes vs. Soaked Cubes

Alfalfa cubes are hard and dense, and some goat owners wonder: can goats eat alfalfa cubes in their unsoaked form?

Goats with strong teeth may chew whole cubes easily, but soaking them in water is recommended for safety and digestion.

Soaking prevents choking and makes it easier for older goats or kids to consume the cubes.

Letting cubes soak for 10–20 minutes in warm water creates a mash that is both palatable and digestible.

So yes, can goats eat alfalfa cubes whole? Sometimes—but soaking is the safer route for most situations.

How Much is Too Much?

Moderation is key in all things goat nutrition. When asking can goats eat alfalfa cubes, quantity matters just as much as quality.

Alfalfa cubes should be treated as a supplement, not the main forage for most adult goats.

Too much alfalfa can result in weight gain, mineral imbalances, or overproduction of milk in dairy goats.

For most goats, 1–2 cups of soaked cubes per feeding (1–2x daily) is sufficient, depending on size and nutritional needs.

So yes, can goats eat alfalfa cubes? Absolutely, but portion control is essential for long-term health.

Comparing Alfalfa Cubes to Loose Hay

If you’re wondering can goats eat alfalfa cubes instead of loose hay, the answer depends on your goals.

Cubes are easier to store, portion, and transport than bales of hay, making them a practical choice for small farms or urban homesteads.

However, loose alfalfa hay allows for more natural grazing behavior, which some goats prefer and benefit from mentally.

If switching from hay to cubes, make the transition slowly to avoid digestive upset.

Ultimately, can goats eat alfalfa cubes in place of hay? Yes—if introduced properly and balanced with other forage types.

Storing and Handling Alfalfa Cubes

A commonly overlooked aspect when asking can goats eat alfalfa cubes is how they’re stored and handled.

Cubes must be kept dry and free of pests to maintain their nutritional value and prevent mold growth.

Store them in airtight containers, bins, or clean feed rooms off the ground to reduce contamination.

If cubes become soft or dusty due to moisture, discard them immediately, as mold spores can cause illness in goats.

Proper storage helps ensure that can goats eat alfalfa cubes remains a safe and reliable "yes" across seasons.

Feeding Goats in Group Settings

Goat herds are competitive at feeding time, and when it comes to can goats eat alfalfa cubes, this creates challenges.

To avoid bullying or uneven feed distribution, feed cubes in multiple pans or wide troughs with enough space for every goat.

Aggressive goats may hoard feed, leaving submissive animals hungry and nutritionally compromised.

For large herds, offering soaked alfalfa cubes at different stations can improve access and reduce food fights.

So while can goats eat alfalfa cubes in groups? Yes—but smart feeding techniques ensure fairness and nutrition for all.

Integrating with Other Feeds

If you’re supplementing a grain or mineral program, you may wonder can goats eat alfalfa cubes alongside those elements?

Yes—alfalfa cubes can be part of a mixed ration if the entire diet remains balanced.

Monitor total protein and calcium levels to ensure you’re not overfeeding, especially when using enriched grains.

Many goat owners mix soaked alfalfa cubes with chopped forage, oats, or pelleted feed to create a well-rounded meal.

Knowing can goats eat alfalfa cubes in harmony with other feeds helps prevent deficiencies or overloads.

Watching for Health Reactions

Even though the answer to can goats eat alfalfa cubes is typically yes, every goat is different.

Watch for signs of digestive upset, bloating, or loose stool when first introducing the cubes.

Start with small amounts and gradually increase over a week to help goats adjust.

If a goat has a history of urinary calculi or digestive sensitivity, consult your vet before adding alfalfa cubes.

It’s important to reevaluate the diet if any changes in health occur after you ask can goats eat alfalfa cubes.

Alfalfa Cubes for Goats in Winter

During cold months, alfalfa cubes become even more useful. So, can goats eat alfalfa cubes to help maintain winter weight? Absolutely.

High-calorie, protein-rich feeds help goats stay warm by generating internal heat through digestion.

Soaked warm alfalfa cubes make for a comforting, nutrient-dense winter meal that also increases water intake.

Winter is when many goats require the most nutritional support, and alfalfa is a natural fit.

That makes the seasonal answer to can goats eat alfalfa cubes even more relevant for colder climates.

Are Alfalfa Pellets the Same?

Some goat owners use the terms interchangeably and ask, can goats eat alfalfa cubes or pellets?

Both come from chopped alfalfa, but pellets are smaller, finer, and may be easier to chew and mix with other feeds.

Cubes are larger and require more chewing or soaking but are often preferred for goats who enjoy “grazing” their meals.

Either form is suitable for goats if used in moderation and stored properly.

So yes, can goats eat alfalfa cubes or pellets? They can benefit from both with proper feeding practices.

A Nutritional Boost with Balance

If you've been asking can goats eat alfalfa cubes, now you know they can—if introduced with care and balance.

Alfalfa cubes can support growth, lactation, cold weather endurance, and supplement low-quality forage.

They are a convenient, efficient way to boost protein, calcium, and fiber intake across your herd.

Just remember to adjust for gender, age, and existing diet to avoid overfeeding or creating nutrient imbalances.

Used correctly, the answer to can goats eat alfalfa cubes is a confident yes, making them a valuable tool in your goat-feeding toolbox.

Shop Smart, Feed Right - Can Goats Eat Alfalfa Cubes

Alfalfa cubes are a powerful asset in goat nutrition when used with intention. If you're ready to enhance your herd’s diet with clean, consistent, locally sourced feed, check out Rockin Rafter Ranch. 

Whether you’re feeding goats, cows, or horses, we offer high-quality alfalfa products you can trust.