Dogs prefer meat, but a vegan or vegetarian diet is possible with the right supplements.
For health and ethical reasons, many vegetarian and vegan humans choose to share their dietary preferences with their dogs.
In general, dogs are omnivorous. They eat meat, fish, and poultry, but also can derive nutrients from a wide variety of sources, including vegetables, grains, fruits, and legumes.
Risks of a Vegan Diet for Dogs
- The dog may not get all the protein they need.
- The dog may experience an imbalance of certain amino acids, such as taurine and L-carnatine.
- The dog may suffer a vitamin or mineral deficiency.
To offset these risks, you must add supplements to your dog’s vegan or vegetarian diet. There are several supplements on the market but it is critically important to select one that provides taurine, L-carnatine and vitamin B-12.
A commercial vegetarian diet can alleviate your concerns about dietary imbalances. If you choose to purchase a natural diet for your dog, make sure it’s free of animal and plant byproducts, and such chemicals as BHT, BHA, and ethoxyquin.
Should you choose to prepare homemade meals, it’s best to consult with your vet or a veterinary nutritionist to properly formulate a balanced diet.
However, keep in mind that in the wild, dogs prefer animal-based protein. It’s important that they eat a diet that most closely resembles what they would eat if hunting on their own.
Most veterinarians strongly advise against feeding a vegan diet to a puppy and suggest that you schedule more frequent wellness exams, including blood work, for dogs on vegan diets.