Vegetarian Diet for Dogs

A vegetarian diet for dogs?  But aren’t they carnivores?

Good news!  Dogs by nature are omnivores, not carnivores.  They can thrive on a diet without meat.  Plus the needs of our dogs can be much different than the wolves they descended from.  They are less active, live in a less clean environment with less healthy food sources and they don’t fast as long between meals.

There are many good reasons to eliminate meat from your dog’s diet, including health, global, ethical and environmental concerns. 

As with any other new diet, take caution when transitioning to a vegetarian diet for dogs.

• Vegetarian or Vegan?
• Benefits of protein and how to include it in a vegetarian diet
• The right vegetarian diet for your dog
  

Vegetarian or Vegan?

Whereas a vegetarian diet for dogs allows animal-based foods into your dog’s diet, a strictly vegan diet would mean no animal products whatsoever.  Unfortunately it is not safe to go with a strictly vegan diet for your dog as dogs must have the protein from animal-based foods to stay healthy.

However, some research suggests that dogs may be better off going the vegetarian route over a meat-filled diet:

You will, however, need to maintain the appropriate balance of protein, vegetables, vitamins and minerals in a vegetarian diet for dogs to keep your dog healthy.  To help ensure the right nutrient mix, include plenty of vegetarian food variety. 

You should also learn which vegetables to feed your dog and whether they should be cooked.  Now let’s move on to some good meat (protein) substitutes.

Benefits of Protein and How to Include It in Your Vegetarian Diet for Dogs

Dogs need a lot of protein – much more than you and me – to stay healthy.  Since dogs grow so quickly so fast in their early months, puppy food needs even more protein than adult dog food. 

While meat (cattle) is the best source of protein, it is also one of the most polluted foods on the market.  Harmful elements found in some meat can result in allergies, infections, cancer, kidney and liver problems, irritability and hyperactivity.

So how should your dog get the necessary amount of protein when eating a vegetarian diet for dogs?

Through meat substitutes:

• Beans
• Dairy Products
• Eggs
• Poultry – select turkey over chicken as they have more protein, are usually raised more humanely and are fed a more vegetarian feed.   They also have less fat, so your may need to supplement your dog’s diet.
• Soy products may or may not be tough to digest.  Start with small portions to determine how your dog reacts.

The Right Vegetarian Diet for Your Dog

The possible vegetarian meals are virtually endless, and different diets are necessary for different dogs.  To make sure that you are preparing the right food for your dog, pick up a good natural health book for dogs and follow the diet given based on the size of your dog and the breed – it will ensure that your dog is getting all of the necessary nutrients and the right variety.  It will also help you find a diet that your dog actually enjoys.

If you would rather buy your vegetarian dog food pre-made, these are the best on the market...

Recommended Vegetarian Dog Foods
Natural Balance Vegetarian Dog Food Healthy Label Test Results	Dr. Harvey's Veg-to-Bowl for Dogs Healthy Label Test Results
Wenaewe Adult Vegetarian Dry Dog Food Healthy Label Test Results

Here are a few general guidelines for after the transition to a vegetarian diet for dogs:
 

• Talk to your vet about periodically testing your dog’s urine at home.  A vegetarian diet for dogs can make your dog more likely to develop urinary tract infections.  The recipes provided in a good natural health book should make this a non-issue, but it’s better to be on the safe side and catch a problem early.  

• Consider buying high-quality vegetarian dog food, especially if you are uncomfortable with preparing vegetarian meals or just don’t have the time.  You can also pick up veggie biscuits and treats to supplement the meals. 

• Dogs’ digestive tracks are much shorter than ours, so some vegetables should be cooked to be made more digestible.  When cooking, it is best to bake the veggies to retain the most nutrients.  Boiling is your next best option.

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Vegetarian Dogs References

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