Just like humans can be vegan, so too can your dogs. And luckily, they can still get all their nutritional needs met even without meat in their diet.
Did you know that your canine companions could go vegan? According to Popular Science, not only is it possible, but for many environmentally conscious people, this is way of the future.
In Los Angeles, there is actually a growing wave of people who are choosing to go with “vegan and slaughter-free meat alternatives for cats and dogs.” And that means that the same process being used to create alternative foods that are either lab-grown or meat-free for humans can also be used to produce dog food. However, there is one main difference, dogs are nowhere near as picky.
With our pups not being nearly as picky about their vegan diets, these companies don’t have to worry about the products looking a certain way or even smelling or tasting a certain way. And sure, we may roll our eyes at the idea of a vegan diet for our dogs, but if you think about it, it’s actually not that surprising considering how we treat our pets like our children.
Many people have already turned to new dog foods, such as raw foods and ingredients we all recognize (think actual chicken, turkey, carrots, etc). So, it should come as no surprise that there are people who would want to incorporate their own vegan diets into their dog’s life.
And if you are worried about your pup getting the nutrients they need, remember that it is the same for people. There are supplements and even many of these food alternatives that provide the nutritional needs a pet requires. The CEO of Because Animals explained that, “like with humans, these are not nutrients that pets need to survive but they are nutrients that help pets thrive.”
Just like anything else people do with their pets, there will be critics and those who think it is unnecessary, and perhaps even harmful. However, it is up to each owner to decide what they want to feed their dog. And as proponents of this diet for pets explain, they have proof to back up their ideas, and when it comes to what a dog may need for their overall health and well-being, they feel that “they need specific nutrients, not specific ingredients.”
Considering our domesticated animals are eating a different diet from their wild brethren to begin with, we can understand why there are those who feel a vegan diet would work for our dogs. As long as their nutritional needs are met, a dog can certainly thrive on food that others may not have ever considered.
What do you think of feeding your dog a vegan diet? Do you think this is something you would try with your pup? Tell us what you think in the comments.