Can Horses Eat Clover? Safety & Toxicity Explained
Key Takeaways
- Most clover varieties are safe for horses when consumed in moderate amounts as part of a diverse pasture, though some types carry specific risks that require careful management and monitoring.
- White and red clover are generally safe and nutritious options that provide protein and minerals, while alsike and sweet clover pose toxicity risks and should be avoided or strictly controlled in horse pastures.
- Clover bloat, though rare in horses, can occur when large quantities are consumed rapidly, particularly when clover comprises more than 50% of pasture intake or when horses graze on wet clover.
- Horses grazing on clover-rich pastures may be at increased risk for photosensitization and slobbers (slaframine toxicosis), conditions that typically resolve once clover exposure is reduced or eliminated.
- Bailey's CBD offers veterinarian-formulated hemp pellets and CBD oil that support your horse's overall wellness, helping maintain comfort and balance alongside proper pasture management and nutrition.
Horses & Clovers: Understanding the Basics
The sight of horses peacefully grazing in clover-dotted pastures is both common and reassuring to many horse owners. But this familiar scene raises an important question: Is clover actually safe for your equine companion?
The short answer is yes, most horses can safely eat clover in moderation. Clover varieties such as white and red clover have been part of equine diets for generations, providing valuable nutrition when properly managed. However, like many good things, clover comes with nuances that responsible horse owners should understand.
Not all clovers are created equal, and the key to safe clover consumption lies in understanding which varieties benefit your horse and which pose potential risks. Factors like the type of clover, the percentage of pasture it comprises, and your individual horse's health all play crucial roles in determining whether clover is a beneficial addition or a concern worth addressing.
Bailey's CBD: Natural Support for Your Pet's Wellness
Veterinarian-Formulated | USDA Organic Hemp | Lab-Tested
Tailored Wellness Options:
- Calming Support Chews & Oil: Peanut butter-flavored soft chews that promote calmness during thunderstorms, travel, or separation – without causing drowsiness.
- Hip & Joint Formula: Support your aging or active pet's mobility with our grain-free formula combining full-spectrum hemp extract with joint-supporting ingredients.
- "No More Itchies" Probiotic Chews: Bacon-flavored soft chews that help maintain healthy skin and digestive balance for pets with seasonal sensitivities.
Why Pet Parents Choose Bailey's:
✓ Subcritical CO2 extraction for cleaner, high-quality CBD
✓ Full-spectrum formula (not isolate) for enhanced effectiveness
✓ Non-psychoactive (<0.3% THC)
✓ Backed by Dr. Robert J. Silver, DVM
✓ Third-party lab tested for heavy metals and pesticides (QR code on each package)
✓ Free from fillers, chemicals, and harmful additives
✓ Licensed by the Department of Health for added oversight
✓ 4.5 TrustScore from 1,533+ verified reviews on Trustpilot
Find Your Pet's Perfect Formula:
We offer multiple potencies for different sizes and needs – from tiny companions to gentle giants – ensuring the right support for every furry family member. Your satisfaction and your pet's wellness are our priority.
SHOP BAILEY'S CBD COLLECTION →Types of Clover & Safety Considerations
Different clover varieties provide varying levels of safety for horses.
White Clover
White clover (Trifolium repens) is the most common and generally the safest clover variety for horses. This low-growing perennial thrives in most pastures and provides excellent nutrition without significant toxicity concerns. White clover offers good protein content, calcium, and phosphorus, making it a valuable forage supplement when it comprises 10–20% of total pasture intake.
The prostrate growth habit of white clover means it tolerates grazing well and recovers quickly, making it an ideal companion to grasses in mixed pastures. Most horses can safely consume white clover daily without adverse effects when it's part of a diverse pasture ecosystem.
Red Clover
Red clover (Trifolium pratense) stands taller than white clover and provides similar nutritional benefits, including high protein content and valuable minerals. Generally safe for horses, red clover does contain phytoestrogens that can potentially affect reproductive hormones in breeding mares when consumed in very large quantities over extended periods.
For the average pleasure horse or gelding, red clover poses minimal risk and contributes positively to overall nutrition. The key is maintaining balance, red clover should complement rather than dominate your horse's forage intake.
Alsike Clover
Alsike clover (Trifolium hybridum) requires more careful management due to its association with photosensitization and potential liver concerns. When consumed in significant quantities over time, alsike clover can cause "big liver disease" in horses, a condition where the liver becomes enlarged and compromised.
Symptoms of alsike clover toxicity include sunburn-like lesions on unpigmented skin, liver dysfunction, and general malaise. If your pasture contains alsike clover, consider limiting access or reducing its presence, particularly for horses with existing liver sensitivities.
Sweet Clover
Sweet clover (Melilotus) presents unique risks, particularly when it becomes moldy or improperly cured. Moldy sweet clover contains dicoumarol, a compound that interferes with blood clotting by depleting vitamin K. This can lead to potentially fatal hemorrhaging.
Fresh, properly managed sweet clover in small amounts typically poses minimal risk, but the danger of mold formation makes it a variety best avoided or very carefully monitored in horse pastures and hay.
Potential Risks & Toxicity Concerns
Horses grazing clover-rich pastures may occasionally experience slobbers, a temporary condition causing excessive drooling that resolves once clover intake is reduced.
Clover Bloat
Horses can occasionally experience this condition when consuming large quantities of lush, rapidly growing clover, particularly on wet mornings. Clover bloat occurs when gas-producing fermentation in the digestive system creates excessive pressure.
Signs of bloat in horses include a distended abdomen, discomfort, rapid breathing, and restlessness.
Photosensitization & Skin Issues
Certain clover varieties, particularly alsike clover, contain compounds that can cause photosensitization in horses. This condition makes unpigmented or white-marked areas of skin extremely sensitive to sunlight, resulting in sunburn-like lesions, swelling, and discomfort.
Horses with pink noses, white facial markings, or white leg markings are particularly vulnerable. If you notice your horse developing skin irritation in sun-exposed areas while grazing clover-heavy pastures, reducing clover access and providing shade can help support recovery.
Slobbers (Slaframine Toxicosis)
"Slobbers" is a harmless but messy condition caused by a fungus (Rhizoctonia leguminicola) that grows on red and white clover during warm, humid conditions. The fungus produces slaframine, a compound that triggers excessive salivation in horses.
Best Practices for Feeding Clover to Horses
Proper pasture management and gradual introduction help horses safely enjoy the nutritional benefits of clover while minimizing risks of overconsumption and digestive upset.
Maintain Pasture Diversity
The healthiest approach to clover in horse pastures is maintaining diversity. Ideally, clover should comprise 10–20% of total pasture composition, with grasses and other forages making up the remainder.
Introduce Clover Gradually
If your horse hasn't had access to clover-rich pasture, introduce it gradually over 7–10 days. This allows the digestive system to adapt to the higher protein content and helps prevent digestive upset or bloat.
Monitor Individual Horses
Every horse responds differently to dietary changes. Watch for signs of digestive discomfort, unusual drooling, skin sensitivity, or behavioral changes when introducing or increasing clover access. Horses with liver concerns, breeding mares, or those with known sensitivities may require more conservative clover exposure.
Manage Pasture Conditions
Timing matters when managing clover-rich pastures. Avoid turning hungry horses out onto lush, wet clover, particularly in early morning when dew is heavy. Allow pastures to dry somewhat, and ensure horses have access to dry hay before grazing to prevent gorging on fresh clover.
Why Choose Bailey's CBD for Your Horse
When selecting wellness supplements for your horse, quality and transparency should guide your decision. At Bailey's CBD, we've dedicated ourselves to creating products specifically formulated for equine physiological needs, backed by veterinary expertise and rigorous quality standards.
Our commitment begins with single-source USDA organic hemp grown on a small 3-acre family farm in the Rocky Mountains of Boulder, Colorado. This dedicated sourcing ensures consistency and quality in every batch. We use the subcritical CO₂ extraction method, a gentle process that preserves beneficial compounds without harsh chemical solvents, performed at a specialized facility we specifically sought out for this superior technique.
Every product undergoes comprehensive third-party lab testing for heavy metals and pesticides, providing complete transparency about what your horse receives. Our Department of Health licensing offers regulatory oversight uncommon in the CBD industry, giving you added confidence in product safety and consistency.
Bailey's CBD Oil for Horses delivers precise, easy-to-administer full-spectrum hemp extract to support your horse's calm, mobility, and overall wellness as part of daily care.
Our horse-specific formulations meet the unique needs of equine wellness. Here's our complete collection for your horse:
- CBD Oil for Horses provides 25mg CBD per ml concentration, making it perfect for precise dosing based on your horse's individual needs. For ponies under 600 lbs, start with 12.5mg (1/2 dropper) twice daily.
- Hemp CBD Pellets provide 83mg CBD per scoop, crafted from high-quality medicinal-grade hemp. Rich in plant protein, fiber, and complex carbohydrates, these pellets integrate seamlessly into your horse's regular feed. They are available in 1lb (30 scoops) and 5lb (150 scoops) options. They are also completely free from corn, soy, and grains, making them suitable for horses with dietary sensitivities.
- Horse Bundles combine both our CBD oil and hemp pellets for comprehensive wellness support at a value price, giving you flexibility in administration methods.
All our products maintain less than 0.3% THC, ensuring non-psychoactive support while delivering the benefits of full-spectrum CBD. Bailey's CBD provides the natural wellness support your horse deserves.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How much clover is too much for horses?
Generally, clover should comprise no more than 40–50% of total pasture intake. When clover dominates pastures beyond this level, risks of bloat, photosensitization, and other issues increase. Maintaining diverse pastures with multiple grass and legume species provides optimal nutrition while minimizing risks associated with any single forage type.
Can pregnant mares safely graze on clover?
White clover is generally safe for pregnant mares in moderate amounts. However, large quantities of red clover should be approached with caution due to phytoestrogen content that may potentially affect reproductive hormones. Consult your veterinarian about appropriate pasture management for breeding mares.
What should I do if my horse develops slobbers from clover?
Remove or significantly reduce access to the affected clover pasture immediately. Provide fresh hay and ensure adequate fresh water access, as excessive drooling can lead to dehydration. The condition typically resolves within 24–48 hours once clover exposure ends. If symptoms persist beyond a few days or your horse shows signs of distress, consult your veterinarian.
Is clover hay safe for horses?
Properly cured clover hay can be a nutritious feed option for horses. The key is ensuring the hay is free from mold, particularly if it contains sweet clover. Well-cured white or red clover hay provides excellent protein and mineral content.
How can Bailey's CBD support my horse's overall wellness alongside proper nutrition?
Bailey’s CBD products work with your horse’s system to help promote calm, support comfort, and maintain overall balance. Our veterinarian-formulated hemp pellets and CBD oil complement a balanced diet and proper pasture management, offering natural support for horses experiencing everyday stress or age-related changes.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Call
Email