Vegan dog food – the next best thing for your pet?
Have you ever considered vegan dog food for your beloved pets? Much like going vegan for humans, transitioning your dog’s diet to vegan dog food will greatly depend on a lifestyle change, much more than just the food they will be consuming. Veganism for dogs doesn’t just mean feeding them vegan kibbles or wet food but also opting for vegan treats, vitamins, and other forms of sustenance.
However, it is of the utmost importance that you consult with your attending veterinarian first before switching your pets to vegan dog food and lifestyle. Dogs are primarily omnivores, so this diet will greatly affect their need for certain vitamins and minerals. Feeding them vegan dog food may mean providing them with plenty of supplements to balance out their diet. To know more, read below.
Best vegan dog food brands for your pets
Dogs need types of food that contain plenty of protein, amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and other important nutrients. This is especially important if your dog is still a puppy. Without these components in their diet, several health complications may arise because dogs are omnivorous by nature. Luckily, there are plenty of vegan dog foods that contain a good number of vitamins and minerals. With the help of supplements, your dogs can still get a well-balanced diet. Here are some of the most popular and best vegan dog food brands.
Halo Holistic Garden Vegan Dry Dog Food
Why It’s Great:
Completely and sustainably sourced and made in the United States, Halo Holistic is one of the best dog foods in the market. Their protein-rich formula is 100% plant-based and rich in Vitamin B12, a vitamin that your pup needs. Many dog owner reviews online say that their canine friends enjoy the taste of this dry dog food mixed with other vegan, meat-free dog meals.
V-dog Vegan Kibble
Why It’s Great:
An established and trusted brand, V-dog is beloved by many vegan dog lovers out there. It is a bit pricier than others on this list, though, so if the price is a factor for you, you may want to opt for alternatives. In terms of value, it’s worth it, according to many dog owners. It is devoid of all animal byproducts, including fish oils, to be considered 100% pure dog food of vegan ingredients.
Wild Earth Clean Protein Formula
Why It’s Great:
Wild Earth is beloved by its many followers. Many dog owners claimed that their dogs appeared healthier after their diet was switched to this vegan dog food brand. Dogs also appeared to like the taste of the kibble, so owners did not have a hard time feeding it to them. Wild Earth’s formula is rich in fatty acids and ten essential amino acids that your dogs will surely benefit from. It may also help boost their immune system.
Natural Balance Ultra Premium Formula
Why It’s Great:
This vegan dog food provides a long list of ingredients that are considered vegetarian or vegan. You may want to double-check which ones tick off your requirements for a portion of vegan dog food because the two are different. Natural Balance’s pet food has omega oils and beneficial vitamins and minerals that will benefit your dogs. They also offer sample-size bags so your puppy can taste it first before you buy the full-sized bag.
Effectivity of a vegan diet for dogs
Vegan dog food was a taboo topic for years. Many animal rights activists believe that animals, even domesticated ones, shouldn’t be restricted to human types of diet unless it is already in their nature. A dog’s nutritional diet is sustained by leafy greens and animal products, making them omnivores by nature. By switching them to vegan dog food, you will be altering this.
It doesn’t have to be a bad thing, though. According to medical experts, veganism for dogs isn’t animal cruelty, so long as their other nutritional needs are met. The dogs can thrive with vegan recipes as long as they are provided with protein-rich supplements. The best part is that it isn’t the only diet you can give them. Other vegan recipes are super easy to make. Whip together some brown rice, sweet potatoes, and some green vegetables, and your dog will love it.
Are there downsides of vegan dog food?
Not many ingredients can replace meat’s high concentration of Vitamin E, B13, iron, calcium, iodine, and protein. There are soy products that can make good alternatives, but they don’t contain as many of these components as raw meat or meat-based dog food. Another con of giving your pet’s food is that it takes almost twice the time to look and research vegan ingredients to give your fur babies regular canned dog food.
Another more serious factor that you may want to consider is that dogs’ digestive tracts are not designed for a plant-based diet. Switching to vegan dog food may cause irritable bowel syndrome, lack of energy, and other various symptoms. If they get serious, stop giving them the vegan dog food first, and if it persists, visit your primary veterinarian.
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Is a restrictive vegan diet bad for dogs?
According to the University of Vienna, a study found the consequences of a vegan-based diet for 20 dogs resulted in no negative impact on the dogs’ health. However, the study did not last for more than half a year. This is not nearly enough time to properly observe the long-term effects on dogs, not to mention in a dog’s stage of life or age.
In effect, there is not enough scientific study to undoubtedly say that it is good or bad for dogs. However, short-term, it seems to have no significant side effects except maybe providing the same benefits to dogs that a vegan diet does for humans. If you are unsure of vegan dog food’s effects on your dog, consult your vet before making changes to their diet.
Summary
Dogs can live on a vegan diet and maybe even thrive on it — but only with your tender love, care, utmost patience, and dedication. If you are planning on switching your dog to vegan dog food, be sure to provide supplements that this diet lacks, like protein and other important nutrients. Veganism is a lifestyle that not only your pet can start practicing but a shift in lifestyle that you can maybe look into as well.
To begin, do your homework and thoroughly research what veganism is and why it’s a good option for a healthier diet. Once you start buying vegan food, be sure to purchase sustainably farmed vegan ingredients that do not harm the environment. This is one of the most important principles of being vegan: not harm yourself and mother nature.
