If I'm Vegan, Could I Make My Dog Vegan Too?
It is an entirely personal choice and only you should make that decision. Based on the nutrition and health of <a href=http://pets.webmd.com/features/vegetarian-diet-dogs-cats#1">dogs on vegan diets, there have been no significant issues to state that a vegan diet for dogs is wrong, even if the general consensus is that dogs do tend to prefer a carnivorous diet. If you are vegan, it’s nice to have a pet that can follow your beliefs. This way meal time isn’t uncomfortable when you are preparing meat for your dog. Eliminating animal foods from a dog’s diet can help improve their coat health and physical condition.
Is it safe to make my dog vegan?
Dogs are known as carnivorous, but they are omnivores. They can live on plant based diets, sourcing the nutrients they require from plant foods and supplements. If your dog is eating a meat diet the recommendation is you slowly and gently switch over to the vegan side. A sudden drastic change in a dog’s diet can give dogs digestive problems. Some dogs won’t adjust well to a vegan diet but others might. You just need to give your dog encouragement and patience. Vegan dogs ought to eat 2 smaller meals every day and a few snacks like vegan free dog biscuits. If you prefer to buy for the convenience, there are complete foods available for vegan dogs along with snacks that are approved for nutrient standards. You can mix some homemade whole food with the canned food so that you are adding some whole food and different flavours.
Important to remember:
• Observe how much salt you're adding to your dog’s meals to suit your taste. Dogs can’t process too much salt
• Make your dog walk down the park and play with one of their favorite TufToys in the sun for their required intake of vitamin D.
• A third of the dog’s meal should consist of a protein source
• Other foods important to add are whole grains, cooked or raw vegetables, and supplement items recommended.
Talk to your vet about a vegan diet for your dog. To make sure you are giving the right nutrients for what your dog may need as an elderly dog may require more of something rather than that of a puppy.