A legume plant, the same one fed to horses, dried and added as a source of fiber, vitamins and chlorophyll. It appears in small amounts and gives kibble a greenish fleck. Alfalfa is safe for dogs and cats at these levels. The protein it contains is small and poorly digested by carnivores, so it adds little nutrition.
How it appears on labels
You may see it listed as alfalfa meal, sun-cured alfalfa, dehydrated alfalfa, alfalfa nutrient concentrate, direct alfalfa pellets.
Find foods with or without it
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Sources
- AAFCO ingredient definitions
- Merck Veterinary Manual, nutritional requirements of dogs and cats
