Alfalfa for Dogs: A Complete Guide
Known as “the father of all foods” to ancient civilisations, alfalfa is a perennial flowering plant in the legume family, widely cultivated as a high-protein forage crop for livestock. While there is no definitive archaeological or historical date pinpointing exactly when alfalfa was first intentionally fed to dogs, the practice likely emerged with the birth of the commercial pet food industry in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In the late 20th century, the rise of the BARF (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food) diet and holistic veterinary medicine shifted the perspective on alfalfa. Rather than using it as a cheap filler, holistic practitioners began intentionally supplementing dog diets with alfalfa powder or sprouts specifically to treat canine arthritis, supply trace minerals and act as a natural diuretic.
Can dogs eat alfalfa?
Yes, dogs can eat alfalfa says our in-house dog nutritionist. Alfalfa is a perennial flowering plant from the legume family. Widely cultivated as livestock forage, it has also been used in human nutrition for centuries.
Health benefits of alfalfa for dogs
Alfalfa’s health benefits include:
- Anti-inflammatory properties that make it beneficial for dogs suffering from arthritis.
- Helps reduce the risk of cancer.
- Useful in treating kidney and bladder infections in dogs thanks to its diuretic properties.
Its other potential benefits include:
Nutritional diversity
- Helps create interesting meals with varied nutrient profiles.
- Natural source of dietary fibre.
- Benefits digestive health
Vitamins and minerals
Contains naturally occurring vitamins and minerals that complement its role as a functional ingredient.
Plant-based antioxidants
Like many leafy plants, alfalfa contains beneficial antioxidant compounds.
Nutritional profile
Alfalfa contains a variety of nutrients, including:
- Dietary fibre
- Plant-based protein
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin K
- Several B vitamins
- Calcium
- Magnesium
- Potassium
- Iron
- Antioxidant plant compounds
How much alfalfa to feed a dog
Recommended daily dosage by dog weight:
- Under 13kg (30lbs) — ½ teaspoon
- 13 – 27kg (30 – 60lbs) — 1 teaspoon
- 27 – 40kg (60 – 90lbs) — 1½ teaspoons
- Over 40kg (90 lbs) 2 teaspoons
Alfalfa has been known to trigger allergic responses in dogs sensitive to pollens. Introduce slowly and increase amount fed over time. Don’t feed alfalfa seeds which contain a toxic amino acid.
If your dog has an underlying medical condition or is receiving veterinary treatment, seek professional advice before introducing new supplements or herbal ingredients.
Search our Alfalfa recipes:
The Dog Chef Guide to Homemade Dog Food
Looking to supercharge your dog's diet with fresh food?
How to feed a dog alfalfa
Alfalfa — often called lucerne — is a deeply rooted legume plant packed with chlorophyll, trace minerals and vitamins A, C, D, E and K. Holistic veterinarians and dog nutritionists often recommend it to help soothe arthritic joint pain or act as a mild, alkalinising diuretic for the kidneys.
To feed a dog alfalfa, you should only use organic dried alfalfa powder, weak alfalfa tea or fresh alfalfa sprouts, and you must strictly avoid feeding them raw alfalfa seeds or pods.
Safe preparation methods
- Dried herb powder: the easiest method is to sprinkle organic alfalfa powder directly onto your dog’s regular food. You can also mix it into a tablespoon of cooked and mashed pumpkin or turmeric golden paste to help it blend smoothly.
- Alfalfa tea: boil 1 quart of water and add 4 teaspoons of dried alfalfa. Steep for 10 to 20 minutes, strain the liquid, and let it cool completely. Add up to 1/4 cup of this tea per 4.5kg (10lbs) of body weight to your dog’s food or water bowl.
- Fresh sprouts: you can finely chop fresh alfalfa sprouts and mix a tiny pinch (1–2 pinches) into your dog’s food 2 to 3 times per week.
Frequently asked questions
Q. Is alfalfa good for a dog’s joints?
A. Yes. It contains natural anti-inflammatory properties and vitamin K, making it a popular supplement to help alleviate stiffness and arthritis in senior dogs.
Q. Can alfalfa help with a dog’s digestion?
A. Yes. Alfalfa contains prebiotic fibre that feeds beneficial gut bacteria together with digestive enzymes that support overall nutrient absorption.
Q. Can alfalfa freshen a dog’s breath?
A. Yes. It contains chlorophyll, which acts as a natural body deodoriser and can help improve your dog’s breath.
Q. Are there parts of the alfalfa plant I should avoid feeding my dog?
A. Yes. Avoid alfalfa seeds as they contain a toxic amino acid called l-canavanine.
Q. What dogs should avoid alfalfa?
A. Dogs with kidney disease (due to high potassium levels), animals with anaemia and dogs requiring specific acidic urine should not be fed alfalfa.
Q. Can I feed my dog fresh raw alfalfa?
A. It’s not recommended. Fresh alfalfa can carry harmful bacteria like salmonella, and high doses of fresh raw plant matter can irritate the intestinal lining due to foaming compounds called saponins.
Q. How should I feed my dog alfalfa?
A. Alfalfa is best fed in controlled, powdered or concentrated supplement formats or as an occasional tiny pinch of sprouted leaves rather than large quantities.
Q. Can dogs eat alfalfa?
A. Yes, alfalfa can be included in a dog’s diet in appropriate forms and sensible amounts.
Q. Is alfalfa a complete food for dogs?
A. No. Alfalfa is a complementary ingredient.
Q. Can I feed alfalfa every day?
A. Some people include small amounts of alfalfa as part of a regular homemade diet.
Q. Is alfalfa better than vegetables?
A. No single ingredient is superior to a varied diet. Alfalfa should be viewed as one of many dog-safe ingredients that can contribute nutritional diversity.
Nature knows best
Don't spoil fresh food with synthetic supplements. 100% natural dog nutritionist-approved plant-based superfoods!
Chicory Root for Dogs: A Complete Guide
We hear a lot today about prebiotics and probiotics. In short, prebiotics are compounds that provide . . .
Ginger for Dogs: A Complete Guide
Used for centuries in traditional cooking and natural healing, ginger in . . .
Oregano for Dogs: A Complete Guide
While European wild dogs would have occasionally chewed on wild marjoram (oregano’s cousin) . . .
0 Comments