Identifying yourself as a vegetarian or vegan isn't that unusual these days. Many people recognize that either of those lifestyles are healthy for humans and for the planet. Whether it’s healthy or not to feed cats and dogs vegetarian or vegan diets, however, is a highly contested issue. There’s no clear consensus, but the middle ground may be that a vegetarian lifestyle is safer for dogs than for cats.
Dogs are biologically omnivorous, but some veterinarians believe that dogs can adapt to a plant-based diet as long as it meets all their nutritional needs. A vegan diet is a little more tricky, as it may lack certain amino acids, vitamins, iron and calcium. Nevertheless, there are supplements that you can add to your dog’s diet to ensure he or she is getting all the necessary nutrients. Talk to your vet to see what nutrients your dog needs, as some dog breeds require additional amino acids that other dogs may not need.
Cats, on the other hand, are carnivorous. Their bodies haven’t evolved to be able to process a high-carbohydrate diet. One example of this is that they can’t convert the beta-carotene in carrots and dark green vegetables into vitamin A but instead need "pre-formed" vitamin A that is found in liver and fish oils. Dogs are better able to eat and utilize nutrients found in plant-based foods. Nutritional supplements are available for cats as well, but some vets question their effectiveness.
Commercial vegetarian and vegan foods for both cats and dogs are available. These companies insist that vegetarian or vegan dogs and cats can be even healthier than dogs and cats who eat meat-based diets. Evolution Diet is one company that offers vegan dog and cat food in both wet and dry forms. When choosing a commercial pet food, look for a label from the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), which tests the nutritional value of pet foods in trial feedings. If you prefer to make your pet’s food, the company Harbingers of a New Age sells supplements that you can mix into your cat or dog’s meals.
Whether humans, canines or felines are involved, becoming a vegetarian or vegan is a serious decision. Examine the ingredients in vegetarian and vegan pet foods, and see how well they fill your pet’s nutritional needs. Talk, talk, talk to your vet. If you do decide to have your furry friend try a vegetarian or vegan diet, both you and the vet should monitor how well your pet is responding to the change. Whether the diet you decide on is vegetarian, vegan, omnivore or carnivore, your pet’s well-being is what’s most important.
Source: BecauseAction.com
