Vegan dogs? Here’s what science says about this type of food for man’s best friend
Many dog owners are tempted to offer their pets a vegan diet, but what do the experts say?
While dogs are often perceived as carnivores, they are in fact biologically omnivores as their digestive systems have adapted, over generations the ability to process both meat and plant matter, and they can derive essential nutrients from a variety of sources.
The most important aspect of any dog diet, whether meat-based or vegan, is that it provides all essential nutrients in the correct amounts and ratios and for vegan diets, the following are essentials.
- Protein and Amino Acids: Plant-based sources like lentils, peas, chickpeas, soy, potato, quinoa, and yeast can provide the necessary protein. However, specific essential amino acids like taurine and methionine, which are often found in higher amounts in animal products, might need to be supplemented.
- Fats and Fatty Acids: Dogs need essential fatty acids for energy, skin and coat health, and nutrient absorption. Plant-based fats like rapeseed oil, flaxseed oil, and sunflower oil are good sources of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.
- Carbohydrates: Grains (like rice, oats), sweet potatoes, and other vegetables provide carbohydrates for energy and fiber for digestion.
- Vitamins and Minerals: Key vitamins and minerals like B12, D, A, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, and zinc are critical. Vitamin B12, in particular, is primarily found in animal products, so it’s a common supplement in vegan dog foods.
BVA guidelines
The British Veterinary Association claims that a definitive answer on the viability of a vegan diet for your dog is still not conclusive but they claim: “What we know is that your pet needs a balanced diet that is tailored for their age, health, weight and lifestyle.
Our advice is to always talk to your vet before changing any aspect of your pet’s diet – problems can result from all sorts of non-traditional diets, including vegan diets but also raw meat diets, feeding bones, and home-made diets".
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