Vegetarian/Vegan dogs?

Some of you may be chuckling right now, but that’s no joke. As more humans become vegetarians or vegans, they’d like their pets to follow suit. To those of you asking this question, please know that, above all, your dog would never willingly opt to be a vegetarian if given the choice.

Dogs come complete with all of the necessary equipment for living and eating as carnivores for a reason - they prefer the presence of meat in their diets. In the wild, dogs receive a majority of the plant and vegetable content they consume from the digestive systems of herbivorous animals they’ve killed (an icky thought, yes, but important to know). If you are morally opposed to the use of meat in society and feel that your pets should share your beliefs and morals, then speak with your veterinarian about possible options.

Some commercial food companies now make vegetarian and vegan dog foods which can be found at whole food and organic markets. Pay close attention to the content and whether or not the food satisfies your dog’s nutritional requirements. If not, you may be able to supplement the food with vitamins or other additives, but always consult your veterinarian. Never feed your pup tofu, soybean paste, or any other bean product, especially if he is of a larger or barrel-chested breed. First of all, would you want to live with your best human friend after he or she ate large quantities of beans? Probably not. As you know, beans create gas. Beyond being aromatically disgusting, excess gas in larger dogs can build up and lead to stomach bloat, an often fatal condition. Can I cook for my dog? Great question. Now turn to your dog and ask him the same question out loud.

Is he nodding emphatically?
No?

Maybe he speaks a different language.
Try asking in German.

Dogs love home-cooked meals! Besides being a fun treat for both of you, proper home canine cuisine can be chock-full of great nutrients. The most important point to remember is to include a wide variety of ingredients. Don’t just broil a chicken breast and slap it in his bowl, give him a side of rice or potatoes with a teeny bit of natural corn oil stirred in. Make sure that all bones have been removed to prevent choking or tears in the stomach lining, and use caution if you’d like to include milk. Some adult dogs have a difficult time processing it, which can mean diarrhea duty for you the next morning.