Alfalfa is an ingredient in many commercially-available dog and cat foods, and consumers are beginning to ask whether this forage really belongs in their pet's diet. Before I discuss the suitability of alfalfa for dogs and cats, let's take a quick look at the nature of this plant. Alfalfa 101 Alfalfa, of the species Medicago sativa, is called lucerne in the U.K., Australia, South Africa, New Zealand and other locations around the world. It's a perennial flowering plant in the pea family that looks similar to clover and has clusters of small purple flowers. Alfalfa is native to warm, mild
