With the growing interest in veggie and vegan diets, it’s no surprise that we’re often asked if these are good options for dogs. Our resident vet answers all your plant-based dog food questions right here.
Can I feed my dog a vegetarian or vegan diet?
Vegan dog food is plant-based, meaning it does not contain any animal produce. Advances in veterinary nutrition has led to the possibility of complete and balanced vegan dog food, as well as vegan dog treats that can be fed alongside a traditional, commercial diet – be that wet or dry dog food. For pet parents that don’t want to cut out all animal-produced protein, vegetarian dog food options are also available. Vegetarian dog food will contain egg and/or milk within its ingredients. Switching to a vegetarian or vegan dog food should be a fully informed decision that should definitely be discussed with your vet. They should always be aware of dietary changes that may affect any aspect of your dog’s health.
And is vegan dog food healthy?
Technically yes, where vegan dog food benefits those with various health problems, including protein allergies. Contrary to popular belief, dogs aren’t carnivores – they’re omnivores, just like humans. This means they’re able to digest a combination of meats and vegetables. Cats, on the other hand, are carnivores and should never be fed a vegan diet.
Feeding a vegan diet requires very careful balancing of a dog’s essential nutrients by a qualified veterinary nutritionist. It’s important to remember that each dog is different and what may be good for one may not be for another. In the same way that a vegan diet may not be the best decision for all humans, vegan dog food and vegan dog treats may not be suitable for all dogs. Just like us humans, the decision should be based on their age, unique dietary needs, lifestyle, and health.
Whilst feeding a meat-based dog food may be a moral dilemma for many people, it’s important to always take your pet’s welfare and health into consideration when it comes to dietary choices.
What about home-cooked vegan food?
Our vet would not recommend feeding a home-cooked vegan dog food to your dog. Pet parents interested in feeding a vegan diet may want to know how to make vegan dog food at home. However, a study has shown that the nutrients in these homemade diets are usually not balanced, leading to a number of severe deficiencies. The same can be said for homemade vegetarian dog food, too. It’s best to consult a veterinary nutritionist if you plan to make your own vegan dog food.
Transitioning to a vegan diet
If you are committed to feeding a vegan dog food then – as with any diet – we advise transitioning slowly. You should always mention the change in diet to your vet, so that they can help you monitor any health changes going forward. To transition slowly, start with a 1/4 new food to 3/4 old food for 2–3 days. Increase this to 50/50 for another 2–3 days. Continue to do this over 7–10 days until only the new diet is being fed.
It is normal for dogs to experience very mild digestive problems when changing foods – but they shouldn’t go completely off their dog food or become lethargic. These symptoms require veterinary attention, and are usually not due to the food alone.
Our articles are not a replacement for face-to-face vet advice. It’s important to consult with your vet on a regular basis to raise any pet concerns that you may have.
