We do not recommend alfalfa or alfalfa meals as ingredients in dog food. Alfalfa is one of the 20+ problematic dog food ingredients that we do not like.
Alfalfa is a flowering plant in the pea family. It is native to Eurasia and North Africa, but it has been introduced to many other parts of the world. Alfalfa is grown as an agricultural crop for hay, fodder, and livestock feed.
Is it mostly associated with horse feeds and plant fertilizers than dog food. They are high in fiber and low in calories, fat, and protein.
There are two types of alfalfa: Medicago sativa, which is the most common type, and Medicago lupulina, which is also known as “sweet clover.”
Alfalfa is high in protein and fiber, and it is a good source of vitamins A, C, and E. It also contains minerals such as calcium, potassium, and magnesium.
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What is Alfalfa meal in dog food?
Alfalfa meal in dog food is a byproduct of the alfalfa plant. It is made from the dried and powdered leaves of the plant.
Alfalfa meal is the by-product of alfalfa pellets. The meal is what’s left over after the alfalfa has been pressed into pellets. It still contains a lot of the nutrients that are found in the whole plant, but it is not as concentrated as the pellets.
Alfalfa hay, after being finely ground, is used to produce alfalfa meal. Alfalfa meal is a palatable, high-protein, high-calcium grain-free component that’s frequently included in horse diets.
Alfalfa meal in dog food is a source of protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. However, it is important to note that alfalfa meal is not as nutritious as whole alfalfa.
Alfalfa meal in dog food may be a cheaper alternative to other sources of protein and nutrients, but it is important to talk to your veterinarian before adding it to your dog’s diet.
Is alfalfa and alfalfa meal good for dogs?
Alfalfa and alfalfa meals are not good as dog food ingredients as they have low protein and low calcium but higher fiber content. This lopsided nutrient profile can result in imbalances in a dog’s diet. In addition, alfalfa and alfalfa meal may also contain toxins that can be harmful to dogs.
For these reasons, we do not recommend feeding your dog alfalfa or alfalfa meal. If you are looking for a source of protein and nutrients for your dog, there are better options available. Talk to your veterinarian about what might be best for your dog.
Alfalfa Meal Nutritional profile in dog food:
Below are alfalfa meal nutritional details;
Protein (17%): The protein content averages 16% to 18%, with a low of 12% to 14% to a high of 22% to 24%.
Fiber: The fiber content runs from 10% to 20%, with an average of 15% to 16%.
Vitamins and minerals: Alfalfa meal is a good source of vitamins A, C, and E. It also contains minerals such as calcium, potassium, and magnesium.
Alfalfa meal in dog food is a source of protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. However, it is important to note that alfalfa meal is not as nutritious as whole alfalfa.
Alfalfa meal in dog food may be a cheaper alternative to other sources of protein and nutrients, but it
The Bottom Line:
We do not recommend alfalfa meal in dog food. While it is a source of protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, it is not as nutritious as whole alfalfa. If you are considering adding alfalfa meal to your dog’s diet, talk to your veterinarian first.
Alfalfa meal is the dried and ground leaves of the alfalfa plant. It is a common ingredient in many commercial dog foods, as it is a good source of nutrients and fiber.
Benefits of using alfalfa and alfalfa meals in dog food:
Contains phytoestrogens:
Phytoestrogens is a plant-based compound that is similar to the hormone estrogen. These compounds can interact with the body’s hormone receptors and may have beneficial effects on health.
Alfalfa meal, which have been shown to contain biologically active and variable amounts of phytoestrogens including genistin, daidzin, glyceitin, genistein, daidzein, and coumestrol, as well as purified diets like the AIN-76A and AIN-93.
Can help with weight gain:
If your dog is underweight, alfalfa meal can help them gain weight. This is because alfalfa meal is high in calories and fat.
Alfalfa meal can also help dogs who are struggling to gain weight due to medical conditions such as cancer, kidney disease, or liver disease.
Can improve digestion:
Alfalfa meal is a good source of fiber, which can help improve digestion. Fiber can also help prevent constipation and diarrhea.
Alfalfa meal can also help dogs who suffer from inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). IBD is a condition that causes inflammation in the digestive tract, which can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, and poor appetite.
Can act as an anti-inflammatory:
The phytoestrogens in alfalfa meal can act as an anti-inflammatory. This means that they can help reduce inflammation throughout the body, which can be beneficial for dogs with inflammatory conditions such as allergies, arthritis, and cancer.
Drawbacks of using alfalfa and alfalfa meal in dog food:
Can cause gas and bloating:
Alfalfa meal is a good source of fiber. While fiber is beneficial for digestion, it can also cause gas and bloating. If your dog is prone to gas or bloating, you may want to avoid alfalfa meal.
Can interfere with medication:
The phytoestrogens in alfalfa meal can interact with the body’s hormone receptors. This means that they can interfere with certain medications, such as those used to treat hormonal conditions like Cushing’s disease and Addison’s disease. If your dog is taking medication, talk to your veterinarian before adding alfalfa meal to their diet.
High fiber content:
High fiber content can cause problems for dogs who are not used to it, including gas and bloating. In addition, alfalfa is a common allergen for dogs.
Can cause an allergic reaction:
Some dogs may be allergic to alfalfa meal. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include itching, redness, swelling, and hair loss. If you think your dog is allergic to alfalfa meal, talk to your veterinarian.
Alfalfa meal is a good source of nutrients and fiber, but it is not as nutritious as whole alfalfa. If you are considering adding alfalfa meal to your dog’s diet, talk to your veterinarian first.
Alfalfa meal is a good source of nutrients and fiber, but it is not as nutritious as whole alfalfa. If you are considering adding alfalfa meal to your dog’s diet, talk to your veterinarian first.
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Hi there! My name is Ben Domb, an owner of two pets and I am one of the co-founders of OurPets HQ. I have several years of experience as a pet care professional in the New England region having spent time in various roles including a stint at a veterinary hospital in Upstate New York, Syracuse area. I am a certified pet care professional and mostly spend my time researching pet nutrition and sharing my thoughts in various blogs and columns. With quarantine and COVID restrictions, I have been spending a lot of time a lot with my dogs and cat and loving it! I also run a small consulting business providing advice to parents on pet nutrition, and especially safe homemade options to try. You can reach me at ben@ourpetshq.com
