do vegetarians make their pets eat like that?

Question

i heard the greenies product line is real bad for them.

Answer 1

First off greenies treats have *NOTHING* to do with vegetarianism! They got that name because of the chlorophyll that is added to 'improve' pet breath. The problem with them is that they can break into large pieces that cause suffocation/strangulation if swallowed.

As to what veg-heads feed our pets? Most of us feed them appropriate standard petfoods. I care for a dog, two birds and three fish tanks and except for the birds (finches) they get meat based food. There *are* non-meat foods available for dogs and cats (the cat foods have bacterial Taurine added). I don't use those products because they are over-priced for what they offer (they've taken the standard high margin on pet products and doubled it) but there are those who don't mind the expense (and I've got no problem with that).

The only pet type animals that truly require (normally) meat based nutrition are the cat family members. Their bodies do not produce the amino acid Taurine but as I added above there are now non-meat products made for them.

As a general rule vegetarians know much more about nutrition that meat eaters and we obviously care more about animals! I've never met a vegetarian that would even begin to endanger the health of their animals by not studying their needs in detail!

Answer 2

Greenies are actually NOT a bad product. As all treat products though they need to be used in moderation. They make pet treats/snacks not pet food.
I'm sure true vegans would put their pets on a vegetarian diet when at all possible. But, everyone is different.

Answer 3

Hello Susan G :)

Like with most things, it really depends on the individual. I think you will find that the people who tend to feed their pets meat-free diets are actually vegan, not vegetarian. I have met a lot of vegans who feed their pets vegan diets, and I have met other vegans who feed their pets meat-based diets.

Although I'm vegan, feeding a carnivorous pet a vegan diet is not something I personally agree with. I have three adopted cats, and I do the best I can by feeding them high-quality meat diets. Vegans do always have the best interest of their animals at heart, and if a cat will suffer on a vegan diet, no real decent vegan will subject them to it. Animals are individuals, so react to it differetly. A lot of vegans have vegan dogs though, as dogs have a digestive system far less delicate than that of a cat, and respond quite well to very very good vegan diets.

As mentioned already, I don't personally believe in feeding a carnivorous animal a herbivore diet, but I don't judge people who do, just so long as it's done with intelligence.

Answer 4

Greenies like all treats are best in moderation. I know a couple of vegeterians who make their pets eat a soy based diet... Whatever, I say to each their own!

Answer 5

I am a vegetarian and I do not make my pets eat like that they have different bodies so I will feed them what the vet says is better for them.

All for the animals!

Answer 6

I am a vegetarian of 17 years and no, I do not impose my diet on anyone, including my pets, or the birds and animals that choose to eat in my garden....

Answer 7

I'm a vegetarian and I have a lot of vegetarian friends. Most of us feed our pets high-quality pet food which contains meat. (Some of us even use the organic pet food!)

Answer 8

Im a vegetarain also and I sure don't prevent my pets from eating meat unless if they choose to. Just becasue Im a vegetarian does not give me the right to force my pets to do so also they have their own prefrences

Answer 9

No..good pet parents will not put a carnivore on a vegetarian diet.

Answer 10

I know for sure that if the pet didn't like it then it would go get it's meat somewhere else. cats have territories it would find another home and still comehomw to eat what you gave it.