Veganism for dogs - yay or nay?
That is a very valid question and one that has been raised time and time again. Like humans, dogs are omnivores, meaning they eat both meat and plants as part of their diet. Yet, many vegan dog owners may struggle to purchase non-planted-based products for their pups due to ethical reasons.
Is this an issue? Not if you do canine veganism correctly. Vegan owners need to take extra time to research the food items they give their dogs to ensure they are high-quality products. Many don’t meet the safety and nutritional standards that recommended dog foods do. In the eyes of the law, owners are responsible for ensuring their pets eat a suitable depending on their species under the Animal Welfare Act 2006. So, best do your research.
What are the risks of giving your dog vegan food?
According to the Blue Cross, the main risks of your furry friends being vegan are:
- Not all dogs are the same and some pets won't tolerate a vegan or vegetarian diet
- As with other homemade diets, cooking vegan or vegetarian dog food carries a high risk that it will not consistently give your dog what they need
- There’s not a lot of research about the long-term impact of vegan dog diets. Like us, if our pets don't get the nutrients they need, it can quickly lead to more serious health conditions.
However, there are a handful of benefits to providing your dog with a vegan diet. When done correctly, these include getting the nutrition they need with the correct nutritional and veterinary advice, enjoyment as dogs love vegetables and a lower-calorie diet which may be suitable for overweight pups.
For new vegan owners, it’s advised that you speak to your vet before providing your pal with a plant-based diet. Seasoned owners, however, may just be looking for some canine culinary inspiration, which you can find below.
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Butternut Box Planet Get Enough
Butternut Box has worked alongside leading veterinary nutritionists to ensure its meals are carefully crafted to be suitable for dogs of all life stages, which is why you won't see labels such as 'puppy', 'adult' or 'senior' on the food. The brand’s Plant Get Enough option is pawfect for veggie pooches, filled with linseed and hearty butternut squash.
The brand is a subscription service. Simply fill in your dog’s details and let the brand work out the correct grub for your pal. As your puppy gets older and their weight changes, let Butterbox know and it will adjust the portion size to make sure your pet is getting the correct amount of calories.
Prices vary per order.
Buy now, Butternut Box
Lily’s Kitchen Mighty Burrito Bowl (Vegan Recipe 6 x 400g)
You’ll probably recognise Lily’s Kitchen from your weekly supermarket shops. The brand is a mecca of tasty canine meals. The Might Burrito Bowl, available to purchase in bulk or as a one-off for those wanting to experiment, is ideal for pups owned by plant-based warriors. The vet-approved recipe is packed with delicious vegan ingredients, spanning jackfruit, a top-notch source of vitamin C, manganese, vitamin-rich red pepper and kidney beans which promise plenty of protein and fibre.
Buy now £15.29, Amazon
Lily’s Kitchen Vibrant Rainbow Stew (Vegan Recipe 150g)
Another Lily’s Kitchen offering, the brand’s Vibrant Rainbow Stew is great for owners who travel frequently. The small, compact design can be packed up and carried with ease, plus includes a host of drool-worthy ingredients. Vitamin-saturated courgettes, antioxidant-filled carrots and protein-packed lentils will ensure your dog is well-fed at all times.
Buy now £16.80, Lily’s Kitchen
The Pack Plant-Based Healthy Meals
Bulk order and stock up with The Pack’s plant-based meals for dogs over the age of one. Select from No-Cluck Casserole, No-Moo Ragu, No-Fishy Dishy or a combination of all three and delight your doggo with some great grub. Sustainability champs will be particularly thrilled to know that the vegan wet food is served up in recyclable 375g cans, is 100 per nutritionally complete and comes vet-approved.
Buy now £17.99, The Pack
Omni Eco-Friendly Plant Powered Dog Food
Stats incoming! According to Omni, pets eat 20 per cent of the planet's meat - the equivalent environmental impact of 13.6 million cars. Omni offers a viable alternative. The brand’s dog food requires 92 per cent less land, 61 per cent less water, and creates 85 per cent fewer greenhouse gases. Sustainable and scrumptious.
Buy now £16.99, Amazon
Scrumbles Grain Free Veggie Dog Food
Ensure your pup’s tum will never rumble with Scrumbles. Designed for dogs with sensitive stomachs, Scrumble’s Grain Free Veggie Dog Food a a plant-based pick to satisfy your canine companion. The food incorporates over ten ingredients in its munch-worthy mix with an added sprinkling of gut-friendly prebiotics. Subscribe and save or order as a one-off and let your dog do the taste-testing.
Buy now £11.49, Pets at Home
Edgard Cooper Crunchy Beetroot & Pumpkin Food
Adult dogs, you are in for a treat. Let your pup dive into a hearty spread of crunch-tastic beetroot and pumpkin food simply bursting with flavours. The recipe, which uses 43 per cent less carbon dioxide to formulate, is saturated with vitamin B12, protein and healthy amino acids. You’ll further find potato, rice and peas in the mix, making for a filling feast for any fully-grown pooch.
Buy now £54.77, Edgard Cooper
