They look healthy and add color to your food, but can dogs eat alfalfa sprouts? Read this guide before adding them to your dog’s diet.
Dog owners, if you wondering if alfalfa sprouts are a great way to boost your dog’s immune system, keep reading. We’ll look closely at what alfalfa sprouts are and whether you should add them to your pet’s diet.
For ultimate pet safety, please ask your vet any questions you have regarding your dog eating alfalfa sprouts.
What Are Alfalfa Sprouts
Before we consider whether alfalfa sprouts are a healthy food to add to your dog’s daily diet, let’s examine what they are.
They are the first growth from the Medicago Sativa plant and are a member of the pea family. They have a crunchy texture and nutty flavor that makes them a popular choice for humans to add to sandwiches and salads. Most people eat them raw, to enjoy that delightful crunch.
Are They The Same Thing As Mung Bean Sprouts
No, they aren’t the same thing. Alfalfa plants are not the same plant as mung bean. Just like broccoli sprouts, alfalfa sprouts are baby plants, the first things that grow before the full plant matures.
Health Benefits
There is a lot of nutritional value in alfalfa sprouts. Here are just a few of the many trace minerals in them.
- Vitamin K – important for heart health and blood circulation
- Amino Acids – support muscle development
- Vitamin C – immune system
- Antioxidants – fight disease-causing free radicals
- Dietary Fiber – supports digestive health
The nutritional content can help prevent common health conditions like heart disease.
Can Dogs Eat Alfalfa Sprouts
The short answer is that dogs can safely eat small amounts of alfalfa sprouts. Some people add alfalfa sprouts to homemade dog food. These tiny plants can be a healthy addition to your dog’s dinner.
If you want to give your dog these sprouts, follow food safety guidelines. Raw sprouts run the risk of containing both E. Coli and Salmonella. These bacteria could cause gastrointestinal upset in dogs.
The best way to give them to dogs is to wash them to rinse off the bacteria. The safest way is to cook them.
Are Alfalfa Sprouts Good For Dogs
Adding alfalfa sprouts to your dog’s food could be a very good thing for them. They contain a lot of essential nutrients that will benefit your furry friend.
Alfalfa is also a natural diuretic for dogs. This means that it balances out your dog’s kidneys and prevents their urine from being too acidic. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that could be good for dogs with arthritis.
Since they’re so high in fiber, only give them a little bit at a time. This will still boost your dog’s health while also preventing multiple trips outside to poop.
Small quantities describe about a few sprouts at a time for small dogs and 1/8 of a cup for larger dogs.
Are Alfalfa Sprouts Bad For Dogs
As with other types of plant foods, there are a few risks associated with alfalfa sprouts.
First, just like with all types of new food that you give your dog, watch for signs of allergic reactions. This includes itching, coughing, or sneezing.
Other adverse reactions to watch out for include diarrhea or vomiting. Large amounts of sprouts – just like other fresh produce – could give your dog loose and frequent stools. It’s the high fiber content that does it!
Remember, dogs should eat animal protein. Too many veggies are rough on your dog’s digestive system.
Alfalfa Sprouts For Dogs
The best way to give your dog alfalfa sprouts is to grow them yourself and then pick them fresh from your garden or pot. Alfalfa sprouts grow best in direct sunlight, so keep them on your kitchen window sill in a sprouting jar.
Then, pluck a sprout, chop it up, and add it to your dog’s food. Or, cook it first to make sure it kills any nasty bacteria.
Can Dogs Eat Alfalfa
Yes, dogs can safely eat fresh alfalfa. But don’t let them eat alfalfa seeds. The seeds contain a toxic amino acid L-canavanine.
But the sprouts and the full plant are both safe for dogs to eat.
Can Dogs Eat Raw Sprouts
Yes, dogs can safely eat raw sprouts. To be safe, give them a final rinse and only give your dog organic sprouts.
This is true of alfalfa sprouts and other kinds, too. For more information, read about dogs and bean sprouts and dogs and brussels sprouts.
Can Dogs Eat Cooked Sprouts
Yes, dogs can eat cooked sprouts. This is the safest way to give your pup alfalfa sprouts. Even though cooking them minimizes the nutrients a bit, it’s still good for dogs.
This is because dogs should get their protein nutrients from animal protein, not plants.
Alfalfa Supplements For Dogs
If you’re worried about your dog eating too much fiber or have any other concerns about raw alfalfa. you can always give your pup supplements, instead.
Please speak to your dog’s veterinarian before buying and giving your dog any kind of supplements.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, alfalfa sprouts are safe for dogs. But control how much you give them so that your pup isn’t eating too much fiber. And always give your dog clean sprouts or cook them first.
More Dog Food Resources
Here are some more resources about human foods dogs can eat and ones that are bad for them.
- Can Dogs Eat Artichokes
- Can Dogs Eat Beans
- Can Dogs Eat Bok Choy
- Can Dogs Eat Eggplant
- Can Dogs Eat Lentils
- Can Dogs Eat Okra
- Can Dogs Eat Olives
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