Vegan Diet for Dogs
My pug Benny accidentally became one of the procuring causes for my own veganism. I did not initially intend to go vegan, or to drag my dog along with me, but Benny and I have both benefited greatly from this transformational switch.
Photo Credit: e≥∞∞∞
Choosing a healthy dog food was one of the first big decisions my wife and I had to make with our new puppy. Three years ago we strolled into a local pet store and bought the healthiest (meat-based) dog food at the store. We paid the highest price we could to ensure the healthiest possible food for our little fury bundle of joy.
Vegan Diet for Dogs
However, this choice led me to ask the next most logical question, “If I am willing to feed my dog the best food on the market, why am I not willing to do the same for myself?”
This pivotal question led me into my natural health journey that brought about my current fruitarian diet and ultramarathoning lifestyle.
Almost immediately after going vegan myself, I was curious if Benny could do the same. Was it healthy for dogs to eat vegetables and avoid meat? Would he die prematurely without animal products?
It didn’t take long to discover the answer:
Can Dogs Be Vegetarian?
Yes – in fact, dogs can live awesome lives without eating other animals. I ran across this article that should help answer some common questions.
“The answer is yes, dogs can eat a vegetarian diet and thrive.” – Dr. Jennifer Coates
But aren’t dogs carnivores? Yes, but they will live much longer and with greater vitality on a plant-based diet, just like humans. When you lower the protein in your diet, or your dog’s diet, you will inevitably add years to your life.
As Dr. Coates states, “It is true that dogs belong to the order Carnivora, but they are actually omnivores. The canine body has the ability to transform certain amino acids, the building blocks or protein, into others, meaning that dogs can get all the amino acids they need while avoiding meat.”
Oldest Dog Ever
Lower-calorie, low-protein, vegan diets for dogs are ideal for a long and prosperous life. I ran across this article which discusses how the world’s oldest living dog was a vegetarian. Surprised?
Making the Switch for My Pug
When I switched Benny’s dog food, I picked up the most popular vegan dry dog food at the time, which is now one of many great options (see below). Within a few weeks he had lost weight and noticeably had more energy.
On his next visit our veterinarian asked how Benny was able to stay so thin as most pugs are severely obese and experience many breathing problems due to their weight. I explained how Benny was now a vegan dog and he seemed to be doing very well.
Our vet had the same reaction most people do, he was curious, amazed, and highly critical. He told us how Benny would not get enough protein and that he would experience countless problems. He recommended a number of other meat-based options, which we politely declined.
I didn’t expect our vet to understand, much like I don’t expect anyone to understand a topic they know nothing about. His reaction was unfortunate, but expected.
Unmatched Energy and Endurance
Benny has been vegan now for three years and is as healthy as can be. We frequently take him to the park where he can scale 2-3 miles of hilly trails without having to be carried home. Many dogs, regardless of breed or diet, are unable to do what my 15-pound pug does all the time.
We are frequently asked by hikers and runners how our pug can scale the hills without wheezing or passing out. I love the curiosity because Benny has become a living example of canine vegan health.
Best Vegan Dog Food Products
- V-Dog Kibble – This is what I feed my dog, along with purified water to drink. I highly recommend this food and the company. Shipping is free and usually arrives in 2 days. The food is so healthy that the average American would benefit from eating this instead of their usual cheeseburger and fries. 🙂
- Natural Balance Vegetarian Dry Dog Formula (Vegan) – Winner of the VegNews 2009 Veggie Awards
- Halo’s Vegan Garden Medley – Co-owned by Ellen DeGeneres
Raw Food Diet?
Can dogs eat a raw vegan diet? Yes, but it will require a lot more work on your part as the owner. You will have to prepare the food each day like you would do for yourself, as opposed to using the convenience of pre-packaged dry food.
Here is an example of a raw vegan diet for a dog:
Breakfast: ripe fruits
Lunch: apple pieces mixed with dates
Dinner: cooked potatoes mashed with avocado and salad
The Other Side of the Argument
Not everyone believes dogs can be healthy vegans. Though I have done research myself and I advocate veganism for dogs, I want you to be fully informed. Here is an article from Dr. Mercola’s website that advocates a meat-based diet for dogs.
I don’t agree with 90% of the article, but I want to give you the opportunity to hear both sides.
Meat-Based Dog Food is Not What You Think
Everyone loves the picturesque scenes on packages that show a farm with happy animals grazing. Likewise, most of us think a stock photograph of a plump chicken or turkey on pet food represents the quality of the food inside the package. This is marketing genius and, sadly, it’s a far cry from the truth.
The meat used in dog food is the scraps, the leftovers, the worst of the worst that the slaughterhouse was unable to put in meat for humans. To be frank, meat-based pet food is filled with the most disgusting animal parts in existence.
“Pet food provides a convenient way for slaughterhouse offal [internal organs], grains considered “unfit for human consumption,” and similar waste products to be turned into profit.
This waste includes intestines, udders, heads, hooves, and possibly diseased and cancerous animal parts.”
If you want your dog to eat a healthy chicken for dinner, you will have to raise and slaughter that chicken yourself.
Conclusion
Vegan dogs are happy AND healthy dogs that can live for many more years than their meat-chomping counterparts. Try out one of the vegan dog foods above and let me know how it worked for you and your lovable creature.
