Can dogs be vegan?
There is no doubt about it that the vegan diet has numerous benefits for humans. Addition to being the most humane choice, a diet that does not include animal products also reduces the risk of heart disease, obesity, diabetes, and numerous other health issues. As it’s so healthy for people, it’s natural that people wonder: can dogs be vegan?
For a short answer, I can say that it actually depends. Read on for learning more about the nutrition dogs require and whether being vegan will be a good choice for your dog.
Can dogs be vegan: How does it work?
Technically speaking, dogs are able to survive and can actually stay healthy on a vegan diet. Although the common belief says that they are carnivores animals and they must be kept on a meat diet for survival. This is false. So understand it this way, that they are the members of the order Carnivora. And note that this is the same order that also includes the giant panda which is a species that almost exclusively eats bamboo leaves.
So in reality dogs are omnivores and the digestive system of the canines is really capable of digesting and also deriving nutrition well from vegetable and fruits. This is also the reason as to why some of the dogs that are allergic to animal protein, are specially prescribed meat-free diets by the veterinarians and pet nutritionists.
Because of this, and the fact that some dogs are allergic to animal proteins, sometimes veterinarians and licensed pet nutritionists will prescribe specially designed meat-free diets to treat dogs with allergies and other types of health problems. With that said, Tufts University cautions that a dog food plan devoid of animal fats and proteins is potentially dangerous and should never be fed without the supervision of a professional.
What all can be included in a vegan dog diet?
There are numerous vegan-friendly foods that can be given to your dogs. These can include:
1. Veggies like carrot and broccoli.
2. Rice and lentils.
3. Quinoa and some kinds of beans.
4. Leafy greens like kale and spinach.
Also, there are numerous other plant-based foods that dogs shouldn’t eat. For this make sure you do your research really well.In addition to foods that are a dog- friendly you must keep attention on the vegan diet that you are giving to your dog as it must consist of all the minerals, vitamins, and amino acids.
You can always consult a pet nutritionist for determining the appropriate supplements and the food amount that needs to be provided. There are also easily available commercial vegan dog food that is available now, that is formulated in a manner that all of the nutritional requirements of your dog are met.
Are there any potential problems for dogs that are vegan?
Dogs are able to live on a vegan diet. But it’s crucial that the diet is properly balanced otherwise it might lead to some of the serious deficiencies:
- Low protein intake.
- Imbalance in the amino acids.
- Mineral and vitamin deficiencies.
The protein levels are adequately reached with a diet that is plant based as long as the dog is able to digest the protein in legumes and beans that is an alternative to meat. But maintaining adequate amounts of meat will surely be a challenge. So its recommended that you do but the commercially available vegan dog food that has been formulated. Remember that you will have to include supplements in case you make the vegan food for the dog at home.
How does one balance the human ethics with animal needs?
For all the dog lovers out there, that have a really strong conviction about the vegan or plant-based diet. It can certainly be so challenging for reconciling personal ethics with the needs of the dog. Here we have for you some important tips that ensure your dog stays healthy while being on a diet that is sustainable and humane:
1. Choose the pet food available commercially that has high-quality ingredients in it.
2. Prepare a wholesome meal for the dog with organic or home-grown veggies.
3. Add the supplements as advised by the pet nutritionist.
Bottom Line:
After a lot of research and carefully preparing the meals, it is possible that the dogs get all the nutrition that they require without meat. Particularly for the dogs that have some serious allergies or sensitive stomachs vegan diet can be life-saving. Just make sure that you do consult an expert veterinarian before you take the vegan route.
So did you get your answer for Can dogs to be vegan? Let us know what you think in the comment section below.
Is a Vegetarian or Vegan Diet for Cancer Patients helpful?
Vegan Love: 13 Things You Will Totally Relate To If You’re a Vegan
How To Become Vegan Step By Step: Everything You Need To Know About Vegan Lifestyle
You must log in to post a comment.
