Im a vegetarian and I was wondering about my dog?

Question

I figured since I dont eat or buy meat, I bought my dogs very expensive vegetarian dog food so that I dont have to buy meat at all anymore. I think dogs are supposed to eat meat though, he isnt happy with this new diet, and Im thinking about going back to premium dog food with meat in it...Any suggestions

How is that animal cruelty this dog is treated great, I didnt say I was doing it forever..I was looking for suggestions not negativity

People are so mean when all you want is another persons insight....

Alright so it is obvious that he needs meat....Ok no problem it is cheaper anyway!! Thanks to the people who gave good insight!!! And to the nasty ones I hope you have a horrid day

Answer 1

Actually, it is not cruel to feed your dog a meat-free diet. Dogs are natural omnivores, which can be argued for humans, as well; however, if given the proper nutrients, a dog can survive and actually outlive their omnivorous peers on a plant-based diet...just like many veg*ns can survive and in many cases outlive their omnivorous peers. Also, have you ever read the ingredients of most non-veg dogfood out there? By-products galore! Yuck.

I feed my Australian Cattle Mixed dog Nature's Recipe Vegetarian kibble. I find it at Petco. It's actually not as expensive as most veg*n dogfood out on the market. He absolutely loves it! His vet, who is not a vegetarian, is amazed with how shiny his fur is, how healthy his teeth are, and how healthy he is overall!

I've included some links to help you decide for yourself whether it is possible to have a dog on a veg diet. It seems like everyone who has answered this question is giving you their personal opinions with no research to back it up.

I hope this helps! Take care!

Answer 2

Personally I am an unrepentant omnivore, but I support your decision to become a vegan or vegetarian if your empathy for animals keeps you from eating meat. My diet does consist primarily of grains, with some animal by products, fruits, vegetables, etc. but probably approximately 10-15% (by mass) is from animal proteins. I understand that some people can feel empathy for animals and not want to eat meat. Personally I am not real big on watching any of my food being processed from raw materials. I used to work in a produce department in a grocery store, and haven't been able to enjoy eating watermelon for approximately 24 years after that time now. It's just a matter of perspective really. I'm pretty sure if you witnessed some of the things I've seen in produce many fruits and vegetables would turn you off as well. For example does anyone enjoy those spider eggs inside your grapes? Didn't notice them perhaps? That was a produce department worker cleaning up the telltale signs. Sometimes it helps to be a little bit ignorant about our food unless you are not of a delicate disposition. Myself I can understand where vegetarians are coming from, I feel similarly about several items of produce after my experience. I hope this helps.

Answer 3

I apologize to you for those who don't use this forum wisely. Dogs, yes they need meat, or at least protein. Which can be found in eggs, beans and etc. You are very wise however, to give your dog his food back. There are some very good high quality dog foods out there that incorporate veggies (which by the way, dogs need those too) and meat. When reading the label, make sure that the first three items listed in the ingredients is protein based. i.e. chicken, beef, lamb etc. That will give your dog the adequate amount of protein. I have many friends who have put their dogs on veggie based diets, it takes them time to get used to it, but as long as they have the protein they need to feed their muscles, they should be fine. consult your veterinarian before making/and changing your dogs diet.

Answer 4

Sorry you are getting such mean answers, as an owner of three dogs; it is not true that they have to have meat. But actually protein, being a vegetarian you know you can get this without eating meat. There are several brands of dog food that do not have meat in them, I say talk to your Vet and get input from them. As for dogs… I have a Lab great Dane mix that loves Cucumbers, tomato, Apples, lettuce, celery, and Ice cubes( still have not figured out why she eats)

Answer 5

Dogs really do need the extra protein that meat provides. Soy just doesn't it. Also, when it comes to buying dog food, especially the dry kind, meat should be first in the ingredient list. Corn, rice and other fillers are tops in the cheaper brands.

Vegetarianism is a choice, dogs can't make that choice and you are responsible for making it for them. You should also give him eggs, which help their coat and actual meat occasionally too.

Speaking of dogs... mine now wants a walk... good luck with it.

Answer 6

If your dog won't eat the veggie food, you're going to have to go back to the meat-based stuff. But don't get Eukaneuba, as they are owned by Iams, who does cruel tests on animals. Maybe you could mix the meat and veggie food and see how your dog likes that.

Answer 7

Ignore the people who are being mean to you. The fact that you are worried about him shows you love him.
(Personally, I think dogs need meat to survive.)
Anyway, dogs are a completely different species from us humans, we shouldn't deprive them because of our mistakes & they choose to be our friends.

Wikipedia has some neutral information on this:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dog#Diet

Good luck.

Answer 8

There is another dog food company called Solid Gold and I think they make veggie dog food also. It may just be that you need a different kind.

Answer 9

Dogs can be vegetarian & I've known some who are. Your dog might not like the brand you gave him. You could try a different brand/flavor or go back to his regular premium food.
We don't live with a dog, but were taking care of 1 for several weeks & while he was here we gave him vegetarian dog food & biscuits. We mixed it w/ the kibble his family left with us until the kibble was gone & then gave it to himby itself. We also give our rats & mice vegetarian dog food & biscuits to supplement their grains & veggies. Cats, unlike dogs or humans, are obligate carnivores so we give ours food with human-grade ingredients.

Answer 10

Haven't any of you seen "Lion King"? Simba ate leafy foods and bugs in the jungle! If the king of the Jungle can be keen to his environment, then so can we!! I know Steph's doggie can too!! So lay off!! lol

Serious though, Veggie pet food has all the protein of the rest of the bloody pet foods that contain a Darwin's grab bag of meats and mill!