Fibres

Alfalfa

Good

Description

Calcium-rich legume.

Benefits

Very nutritious, good for growth

Risks

Too much calcium for adults (urinary stones)

Natural diet: who eats this in the wild?

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) is a leguminous plant cultivated for over 2000 years as livestock feed. Wild rabbits and guinea pigs eat alfalfa-like legumes naturally. In captive herbivore nutrition, alfalfa is the primary food for young rabbits (under 6 months) and pregnant or nursing females because its calcium and protein content supports rapid growth. Adult rabbits should transition to timothy hay because alfalfa's high calcium can cause urinary sludge in mature animals.

Why this ingredient is used

In dog and cat kibble, alfalfa appears as a fibre and phytonutrient source. It is rich in chlorophyll, vitamin K, and antioxidants. In small animal pellets (rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas), alfalfa is the primary ingredient for juvenile formulas due to its 18 percent protein and 1.5 percent calcium, both critical for growth. Supreme Selective Junior Rabbit and Oxbow Young Rabbit both use alfalfa as the first ingredient.