As more and more people become vegan and vegetarian, it has some asking – can dogs do the same? To meet the ever-growing number of vegans in the US, the dog food industry has adapted. It has started to create different types of vegetarian kibble, although it is packed with synthetic vitamins and minerals.
Around the world, veterinarians say that plant-based diets are dangerous for dogs. However, new research shows that perhaps dogs can be vegan, or at least vegetarian. But, if you are going to put your dog on a plant-fed diet, it must be very carefully designed.
While the guidance is still against a plant-based diet, if you must do it, it’ll take a lot of work and planning. It must be a gradual transition which will allow for their body to adjust. Additionally, you must build the diet very carefully, making sure each meal contains a specific percentage of legumes, whole grains, steamed red, orange, or white vegetables, and ground seeds, oils, or nut butter.
It’s also important to know the correct amount to feed your dog, cook and soak the food correctly for digestibility, and add supplements such as nutritional yeast, kelp, and taurine to improve the diet. In sum, it’s all about balance. You can view a sample meal plan by reading the article!