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Dog experts have settled the debate on whether or not dogs should have a vegan or vegetarian diet. Our furry friends are omnivores, enjoying both meat and plant foods. However, some owners may prefer that their pets be on specific diets, with the reasons varying. For some, it could simply be because they are vegan or vegetarian, while for others, it might be due to health concerns they have for their dogs. The list of reasons goes on.
However, whether it is beneficial or not to put your dog on one of these specific diets is something that many dog owners try and figure out. At the end of the day what most people simply want is the best for their dogs and so if you’re stuck on whether it is wrong or right, this advice from Blue Cross, an animal charity, will give you all the information you need to decide.
The charity explained that whether or not dogs can get all nutrients from a diet that is exclusively vegan or vegatarian will depend on the ingredients in the food.
It added: “While there are high quality, complete vegan or vegetarian diets available, there can also be some that will not meet the safety and nutritional standards of other types of food. Whichever food you choose, always check that the manufacturer is reputable.”
If you are thinking of putting your dog on a vegan or vegetarian diet Blue Cross advises that you speak to your vet and a qualified veterninary nutrionist. This is especially important as there are some risks that comes with a dog being vegan or vegetarian.
While dogs can enjoy plant based food, it can be challenging to get “the right nutrients in the correct amounts on a vegan or vegetarian diet”.
Of course, not all dogs are the same, and therefore, some simply will not tolerate vegan diets. Additionally, a home-produced vegan diet is highly likely not to consistently provide your dog with what it needs.
Blue Cross also claims that as “commercial vegan diets are new”, there are longer term impacts that experts are not currently aware of.
It added: “Like us, if our pets don’t get the nutrients they need, it can quickly lead to more serious health conditions. A vegan diet may not provide the nutrition that is appropriate for all life stages and conditions.”
The main thing to to remember is that if you are thinking of switching your dog to a vegetarian or vegan diet, speak to your vet first for independent advice as that is the best way to ensure it is right for them.
