Alfalfa

Alfalfa is a forage plant used as a source of fibre and certain nutrients in a few dog and cat foods, supplying fibre, plant protein, minerals such as calcium, and vitamin K. Its relative richness in fibre and micronutrients drives its use as a supporting plant ingredient. Alfalfa is sometimes presented as a natural source of chlorophyll and vitamins, a frequent argument in products positioned on naturalness, but this emphasis should stay measured: the amount included in most recipes is modest, and the specific health benefits attributed to alfalfa in dogs and cats do not rest on a solid body of evidence (FEDIAF). Like any plant source, alfalfa supplies protein with an amino acid profile different from that of an animal protein, and like other fibres it can help structure the ration and influence transit, while its fibre content makes it a low-energy ingredient (USDA FoodData Central). On a label, alfalfa signals a supply of plant-derived fibre and micronutrients. The marker: alfalfa is a source of plant fibre and micronutrients whose highlighted merits often rest on the natural argument more than on proof, to be judged on its real contribution to the ration. It belongs with other supporting plant extras such as [carrot](/glossary/carrot), [blueberry](/glossary/blueberry) and [psyllium](/glossary/psyllium), where image can outrun nutritional weight.

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