Is Alfalfa Bad For My Dog?
Alfalfa contains a naturally occurring chemical called coumarin that can be toxic for dogs in large amounts. Some studies suggest that eating too much can lead to liver damage and other health problems. Alfalfa only contains a small amount, so there is only a need for concern if you feed it every day or your dog eats a large amount in one sitting.
Alfalfa also contains a natural chemical called saponin that can cause problems with the digestive system in some dogs and could lead to diarrhea or vomiting. In some cases, the vomit will contain blood. Saponins are not usually a problem, but you will need to start with a small amount to see if your dog has any problems consuming this chemical.
L-Canavanine is a chemical present in the seeds that can be harmful to your dog, so experts recommend leaving the seeds out of the diet. Most commercial Alfalfa will not contain seeds, so you will not need to worry, but if you are considering growing it on your land, you should be aware of this danger.
Another problem with growing Alfalfa on your land is that it can create pollen that will trigger allergic reactions in some dogs. Commercial Alfalfa that you buy at your local pet store or feed shop will not have pollen and should not trigger your dog’s allergies.
Is Alfalfa Good For My Dog?
Alfalfa contains Vitamin K, which helps the blood clot, which means your pet will bleed less if injured. Vitamin K can also help treat a dog that ingests rodent poison, which is an anticoagulant.
Vitamin A is an essential nutrient for dogs that help produce healthy skin and hair. A diet without enough Vitamin A can leave the dog with rough patchy skin that’s itchy and flakey.
Vitamin C is important for numerous biological functions and is an essential vitamin in your dog’s diet. It can also help reduce the effect of stress, helping to improve your dog’s quality of life. It’s also a powerful antioxidant that can help remove free radicals and boost the immune system.
Vitamin D is another important nutrient your pet can get from eating Alfalfa. It helps your dog regulate the balance and retention of calcium and phosphorus. Your dog usually gets Vitamin D from sunlight, but it can also be in food like Alfalfa.
Many experts suggest that Alfalfa can also help reduce the risk your pet will get cancer, but we were unable to find any studies backing it up. However, with all of the other health benefits, it’s certainly possible.
Why Some Dogs Like To Eat Hay
Some dogs may rush to munch on hay even after you fed them a healthy meal. It’s because hay has a smell that can be irresistible to some dogs.
Other dogs will eat hay as a way to fulfill some unmet nutrient deficiency in their diet.
They might consider it a good source of natural fiber to help with an upset stomach or improve their bowel movements.
Ask the Vet – Why you shouldn’t feed alfalfa exclusively
It is a common assumption that dogs have a single source of protein: meat. But it is not entirely so.
There are various plant-based proteins which are available that can fulfill some protein requirements for canines.
Alfalfa is one such flowering plant that is rich in protein. If you pay attention to the ingredients on the dog food label, you’d generally see a mention of this component.
Alfalfa, which is also known as Lucerne, is a flowering plant. It is in the legume family Fabaceae. Its main purpose is to be cultivated as a crucial forage (plant eaten while grazing the cattle) crop in several countries.
The AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) defines Alfalfa Meal as: “the aerial portion [the above-ground portion of a plant or all those parts that which can be seen directly with the eye- those that lie in air. It consists of the stem, leaves, flowers, and fruit and seeds.] of the alfalfa plant, reasonably free from other crop plants, weeds, and mold, which has been sun-cured and finely ground.”
There are two ways of preparing an Alfalfa meal. The first method consists of cutting the ground parts of the plant. Then, they are dried in a natural gas furnace and pelleted. The second one demands the plants be cut, sun-dried, and baled for feeding at a future time period.
Note: Find out the importance of ash level in dog food and learn how the ash in the dog food can help your canine.