Can Horses Eat Clover? What Every Pasture Owner Should Know

If you have a pasture with clover mixed in, you have probably wondered: can horses eat clover? The short answer is yes, in most cases clover is a nutritious and palatable forage for horses. But like many things in horse care, the devil is in the details. Some clover varieties can cause issues like excessive drooling (slobbers), bloating, or even more serious health problems if conditions are right. Let us walk through what you need to know to keep your horse safe while letting them enjoy that sweet, leafy legume.

What Types of Clover Are Safe for Horses?

There are several common clover species found in pastures, and most are perfectly fine for horses to graze. White clover (Trifolium repens) and red clover (Trifolium pratense) are the most widespread. Both are high in protein and digestible energy, making them a great supplement to grass hay or pasture. Horses actually love the sweet taste of clover blossoms. However, alsike clover (Trifolium hybridum) is a different story. It contains compounds that can cause photosensitivity and liver damage in horses, especially if it makes up a large portion of their diet. If you see alsike clover in your field, it is best to remove it or limit grazing time. Stick with white and red clover for worry-free grazing.

The Slobbers: Why Clover Makes Horses Drool

One of the most common concerns with clover is a condition known as slobbers. This happens when a horse eats clover infected with a fungus called Rhizoctonia leguminicola. The fungus produces a mycotoxin called slaframine, which causes excessive salivation. While it looks alarming (your horse may be dripping saliva everywhere), slobbers is generally not harmful. The drooling usually stops within 24 to 48 hours after removing the horse from the affected clover. To reduce risk, try to mow your pasture regularly and avoid letting clover get too mature or stressed, as that encourages fungal growth. If your horse develops slobbers, simply move them to a different paddock or feed hay until it passes. You can keep a horse grooming bag handy to wipe their chin during this time, though it is more for your convenience than their health.

Can Clover Cause Bloat or Colic in Horses?

Bloat is a bigger concern in cattle, but horses can also experience gas colic if they overeat rich clover, especially when it is lush and wet. Clover is a legume, meaning it is higher in protein and fermentable carbohydrates than grass. If a horse gorges on a clover-heavy pasture after being on dry hay, the sudden change can upset their gut microbiome. To prevent this, introduce clover pasture gradually over a week or two. Also, avoid turning horses out on clover when it is wet with dew or rain, as that increases the risk of colic. A good rule of thumb is to let them graze for short periods at first, then increase time as their system adjusts. If you notice signs of discomfort (pawing, looking at the flank, rolling), call your vet immediately.

What About Clover Hay or Pellets?

Many horse owners feed clover hay or clover-based pellets as part of their horse’s diet. This is generally safe and can be a great option for horses that need extra calories or protein, such as performance horses or lactating mares. The key is to ensure the hay was properly cured and stored to prevent mold or fungal growth. If you are buying clover hay, check for any signs of dust, mustiness, or black spots. For horses prone to metabolic issues like insulin resistance, clover’s higher sugar content (especially in lush growth) can be a concern. Always balance clover hay with grass hay to avoid overloading on protein and sugar. If you are looking to support your horse’s overall health, check out our review of the 5 Best Horse Supplements (2026): Top Picks for Joint Health & Mobility to see what might complement a clover-rich diet.

“A little clover in the pasture is like a sprinkle of dessert on a healthy meal, just make sure it doesn’t become the whole plate.”

Managing Clover in Your Pasture: Practical Tips

The best approach is to manage your pasture so clover stays a healthy component, not a dominant one. Aim for a mix of 20 to 30 percent clover and 70 to 80 percent grass. This gives your horse the benefits of clover’s nutrition without the risks of overconsumption. Here are a few practical tips:

• Mow regularly to prevent clover from flowering and going to seed, which can make it more aggressive.
• Rotate grazing so horses don’t overgraze the clover patches, which can stress the plants and encourage fungal issues.
• Remove alsike clover by hand-pulling or spot-spraying with a horse-safe herbicide if you spot it.
• Provide hay if the pasture is very lush in spring, to slow down their intake of rich clover.

If you are trailering your horse to a new pasture or show, consider using horse shipping boots to protect their legs during transport, especially if they will be grazing on unfamiliar clover afterward.

Signs Your Horse Might Be Having a Bad Reaction

While most horses tolerate clover well, a few may have sensitivities. Watch for these signs: excessive drooling (slobbers), swelling of the lips or face (rare, but possible with alsike), sunburn on pink skin (photosensitivity from alsike), or changes in manure consistency. If your horse develops any of these, remove them from the clover pasture immediately and provide clean hay and water. For mild slobbers, no treatment is needed. For photosensitivity, keep the horse in the shade and contact your vet. Also, keep an eye on their hooves; rich clover can sometimes trigger laminitis in predisposed horses. Using a quality horse hoof conditioner can help maintain hoof health if your horse is on a rich diet, but always consult your vet if you see lameness.