Alfalfa for Dogs

Main Constituents

• Minerals such as calcium, copper, folate, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorous, potassium, silicon and zinc
• Vitamin A, B1, B12, C, D, E, and K

Medicinal Activities

• antioxidant
• anti-inflammatory
• nutritive (good for bone building)
• diuretic

Common Uses in Dogs

• For older dogs: This herb is one of the best for dog arthritis and gout.
• Good for cancer prevention.
• For young growing puppies: The sprouts are highly nutritive - it stimulates natural production of growth hormones.
• It has a high Vitamin K content and is beneficial in remedying bleeding disorders which result from long-term use of allopathic drugs such as antibiotics. (Caution, however, should be taken as Vitamin K has been linked to cases of Heinz-body anemia in dogs (and cats) when taken in large quantity.)
• Good for treating bladder irritation due to overly acidic urine due to its alkalinizing effect.

Availability

Available at health food stores in the forms of capsules, infusion, or liquid extract. The bulk powdered dried herb is also available at health food stores. Sprouts are available at supermarkets. References

J.A. Duke, The Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook: Your Comprehensive Reference to the Best Herbs for Healing (Rodale Books, 2000).
M.L. Wulff-Tilford and G.L. Tilford, Herbs for Pets (Bowtie Press, 1999).