Alfalfa is a legume that makes a fine addition to the diets of horses, dogs and humans by adding minerals, vitamins (especially the precursor to Vitamin A - beta carotene) and complex proteins. Because it can be up to 26%(!) protein (but is usually around 14 to 18%), it is not good to use as the only source of food for the herbivores, especially the browsers like horses: The mature equine requires 11% protein in the diet; the growing horse needs 14%. Excess protein (for all species) is processed and excreted by the renal system.
For us, alfalfa tablets and tea have been taken for centuries to nourish arthritic joints (it neutralizes uric acid) and to make the skin and hair healthy. This is supported by the vitamin A and protein content. Alfalfa is high in Calcium even when grown on poor soil. There are 8 digestive enzymes in alfalfa and saponin properties that bind toxins and deposits for elimination. Alfalfa supports the pituitary gland; minerals strengthen and heal teeth.
Alfalfa is a premiere food for lactation in all species. When fed to horses, wheat bran is a good addition to the diet to add Phosphorus - the equine diet must have a calcium to phosphorus ratio of - 2 to 1 - 1.5 to 1. The high calcium in alfalfa should be balanced with the wheat bran (other types of bran i.e. rice, oat - are not suggested).
The canine diet benefits from alfalfa tablets or tea. The herb helps keep joints nourished and is great for chronic digestive troubles like ulcers. Some allergies are allayed by alfalfa and bee pollen supplements. Of course, use the herbalists' safety ways - dose small amounts at first and watch for any reactions. All metabolisms are unique!
Legumes grown for hay to feed horses, cattle, etc. (includes clovers) can have blister beetles in them after the second cutting. Grass hays will not, only legumes attract the deadly beetles that swarm and can be killed, then baled with the hay during the cutting/baling processes. Only a dozen large beetles are necessary to poison a horse (colic symptoms/extreme pain) and activated charcoal, kaolin, bicarbonate of soda and later mineral oil are dosed by the Vet or practitioner to hopefully save the horse. The beetle is from 1/2 to an inch long, can be black or iridescent blue/green or green and black striped. It has a long hind end with wings, is thin.
None of these statements have been evaluated by the FDA. Always consult a health care practitioner for disease or injury in an animal or person.
We hope you find uses for this wonderful herb/food and may all your animals be healthy.
