Buying vegan dog food online? Why not!

Can your dog be vegan?

Many people think that dogs are carnivores - but that's simply not true. Canine anatomy proves that they are omnivores, meaning they can of digest both meat and plant-based foods. A plant-based diet has many of the same health benefits for the dogs as it has for humans: vegan dogs don’t suffer food-borne illnesses like salmonella, and often chronic diseases and joint problems improve after making the switch. Many dogs even need to eat plant-based because they are allergic to animal products. One of the longest living dogs on record was a vegan Border Collie called Bramble. She lived an active, healthy life for over 27 years! 

Can dogs live without meat?

Dogs can be happy and healthy on a carefully planned plant-based diet. They have flat molars which help them grind up fibrous plants, and they can digest pretty much any carbohydrate. Their digestive systems are great at obtaining nutrients from plants. There are plenty of plant-based foods that dogs can safely enjoy, like leafy greens, beans and lentils, rice and carrots. But it’s important to keep in mind what fruit and veg that dogs can’t eat – like grapes, onions, garlic and avocado skins. Always do your research before feeding your pup anything new!

Is it safe for my dog to go plant-based?

Dogs can thrive on a plant-based diet, but it’s important to consult a professional before making any big switch in your pet’s life. There are important amino acids and vitamins that dogs need, and an poorly planned diet can lead to health problems down the line. There are plenty of vegan dog foods on the market, but you can also make your own at home – just make sure to include vital supplements like L-cauritine and taurine.

Are dogs picky about their food?

Our sense of taste is way more powerful than that of our furry friends. Dogs have around 1,700 taste buds, compared to humans who have approximately 9,000! They can detect just four tastes: salty, bitter, sweet and sour.

Dogs are more concerned with what they can smell. Their sense of smell is a thousand times stronger than ours, so they may turn up their nose to a meal with an unfamiliar scent. It’s best to transition your pup to a new diet gradually. Start by mixing in a little of new food with the old, and steadily increase the ratio over the coming weeks or months – depending how long it takes your dog to adapt.

Keep a close eye on your pet when changing their diet. Watch for changes in behaviour, skin or digestive problems, and anything else out of the ordinary.

What if my dog struggles to change?

A plant-based diet might not work for all dogs. It’s important to speak to a professional and follow their guidance when making the switch. Most of today’s commercial dog foods are meat-based, so if your dog doesn’t adjust well you can choose to regularly implement plant-based meals into their diet instead. After all, dogs are omnivores, so there’s no reason their diet needs to be mostly animal products!

There are many reasons to choose vegan dog food. Regular dog food is packed with animal products that often come from “undesirable” animals – the sick, the dying and the disabled. Factory farmed meat contains growth hormones, antibiotics steroids and food allergens. Since most dog food production process is meat-based, it has a huge negative impact on the environment. Intensive animal farming and water waste, combined with long-distance transportation are a huge threat to the planet we know and love. Plant-based ingredients are kind to the environment and the animals, with the added bonus of being healthy for your dog! 

If you’ve been thinking of switching your dog to a plant-based diet, speak to your vet and get all the facts. The most important thing is to make the right choice for your animal companion so that they can lead a happy and healthy life!