Are There Vegetarian Dogs?
Although it may seem strange to us, in many countries there are vegetarian dogs. The highest rate of dogs that follow, necessarily of course, this type of diet, is found in the United States and the United Kingdom. Is it good for a pet that follows the same diet or philosophy as its owner? In this article we will tell you about it.
Vegetarian owners, vegetarian dogs
A pet does not choose by its own means not to consume this or that food unless it does not like it. If we start from the basis that dogs are by nature omnivores and cats carnivores, animal nutrition experts indicate that we cannot stop offering them all the nutrients they need even if their owners do not consume them.
Physiologically speaking, the teeth of dogs are molded to cut, tear and shred meat or animals. They do not have molars, those indicated for eating vegetables.
As for the digestive system, your stomach is prepared to digest even raw meat, but it does not have gastric juices that work on the vegetables.
Those people who for different reasons have decided to follow a vegetarian diet, probably comply with the same restrictions for their pets. Even in certain countries where many people who do not eat meat live, there is vegetarian or even vegan feed.
However, offering the dog a diet free of certain ingredients (especially meat) can be a big mistake. This decision is a reflection of a habit called “humanization.” In it, the owners consider their pet as a person and therefore must comply with the same diet as them.
With the feeding of the dog or the cat there is a tendency to mix concepts. It is not about the wishes and philosophy of the owner, but about the real needs of the animals. It’s funny how owners decide what their pet can or can’t eat just from their own conception and not after asking those in the know (vets for example).
What Doctors Say About Vegetarian Dogs
At the moment there are no studies that reliably demonstrate that a vegetarian diet in an animal can be good or bad. Although this type of diet can be offered to the dog and nothing negative happens to its health, it does not mean that it is the most recommended.
When choosing the dog’s feed, it is essential that it provides all the vitamins and other components necessary for its life. A dog can then receive a diet without meat as long as it is combined and complemented with those additives that provide them with nutrients that raw materials of plant origin do not provide.
It is very important that if a person decides that his dog is vegetarian, he should take him to the veterinarian for a check-up. Your doctor will be able to tell you what type of feed will be most beneficial to you and what vegetables or fruits you can consume. Also if at some point in life (pregnancy, old age, illness) you must return to an omnivorous diet.
Beware of vegetarian dogs
In addition, we must bear in mind that a dog cannot become a vegetarian overnight as his owner might have. Animals become very accustomed to their daily habits and need to modify their patterns gradually. Therefore, you can gradually remove the meat or give it more vegetables, rice, etc.
You should also bear in mind that your dog will probably not accept the new food at first as it does not contain meat. If you eat beef, chicken, or turkey every day and suddenly come across a plate of carrots, chard, and zucchini, you may not find that “familiar” flavor. That is why if you want your pet to be a vegetarian you must gradually instill change in him and understand that if he does not like current food it is because he does not understand why it has been changed.
If you don’t eat meat, you can feed your pet that does contain it, without having to be in contact with the ingredients. As much as it is a philosophy of life, your dog does not have to pay the consequences. Analyze if, having changed his diet, he is more tired, with less energy or without strength. This may be a sign that you are lacking nutrients that vegetables do not provide.
