Bush Clover
2 foods contain this ingredient
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About Bush Clover
Bush clover (Lespedeza) is a forage legume that may appear in some pet food formulas as a minor fiber and plant-protein ingredient.
Bush clover (genus Lespedeza) is a leguminous forage plant sometimes used in animal feeds as a source of plant protein and bulking fiber; in pet food it would typically serve as a fiber/filler and minor plant-based protein contribution rather than a primary nutrient source. It can contain condensed tannins and other anti‑nutritional factors that may reduce protein digestibility and palatability, so it is uncommon in commercial dog and cat diets and must be balanced carefully within formulations—especially for obligate carnivores like cats.
Related ingredients
- Derived from
- Lespedeza species, a warm-season legume in the pea family (Fabaceae)
- Primary role
- Minor fiber and plant-protein contributor
Why it's used
Bush clover is grown widely as livestock forage and hay because it establishes easily and adds protein and nitrogen to pasture mixes. Its occasional presence in animal feed formulations draws on that same forage-crop background rather than any pet-specific research base.
Common concerns
- Condensed tannins Sericea lespedeza (Lespedeza cuneata), the most studied species, contains high levels of condensed tannins, which bind dietary protein and can reduce its digestibility and palatability in livestock.
- Limited research in dogs and cats Nearly all available research on Lespedeza's tannin content, digestibility, and even its use as a natural dewormer comes from sheep and goat studies, not companion carnivores, so its effects specifically in dogs and cats are not established.
Also relevant
High-tannin Lespedeza cuneata hay has been studied in small ruminants for reducing gastrointestinal nematode egg counts, an effect tied to the same condensed tannins that limit its use as a protein source.
4 sources cited
- Sericea lespedeza's high crude protein offset by condensed tannins that bind protein and reduce digestibility
- Condensed tannin content and effects on palatability and intake
- Sericea lespedeza hay reduces fecal egg counts of gastrointestinal nematodes in goats via condensed tannins
- Lespedeza genus taxonomy within the legume family Fabaceae
Common Questions
What category is Bush Clover?
Bush Clover is categorized as a herb ingredient in the KibbleLab database.
Is Bush Clover part of an allergen group?
Yes. Bush Clover is grouped under the Legumes allergen group in the KibbleLab database.
Which foods contain Bush Clover?
2 foods in the KibbleLab database contain Bush Clover, including Forza10.
Foods with Bush Clover
Alphabetical by brand. Scores run 0 to 10, higher is better, on published veterinary science.
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