Is it possible to raise my new beagle puppy vegetarian like me?

Question

My mom jsut got me him 2 days ago as a surprise i wanted for a late 18th birthday present. well i turned 18 nov 12th. and i'm a vegetarian and have been since 6th grade. So is it possible to raise my dog vegetarian like give it vegetarian foods? do they make vegetarian food for dogs and if they do where do you get it?

it says vegan cause the only dairy i eat is cheese and icecream. (i dunno what i am if i don't eat any animal and only cheese and icecream for dairy) i am a vegetarian because i love animals and i don't want my dog eating animals if he don't have to.

Answer 1

When my husband and I adopted a dog (a cute little corgi) from the shelter I researched veg diets for dogs (I am vegan). Dogs are able to eat both plants and veggies (cooked veggies). Wolves eat the plant matter out of the stomach of prey. If you make sure you buy a high quality food or research a way to make a balance homemade food, your dog can be healthy and happy

My dog now eats Natural Balance dog food in their vegetarian formula. He likes it and gobbles it up. I also give him some fruit and veggies that I eat. He is completely obsessed with coconut for some reason. Regarding the person who wrote that kibble is the worst food for dogs, wet dog food is worse because it can promote tooth decay, whereas kibble helps clean the teeth. I believe that a high quality dog food (like NB) is healthy for a dog (though supplementing this with some cooked veggies and fruits (not raisins grapes, macadamia nuts, onions and garlic as these are toxic) adds variety. Natural Balance also does not test on animals which is another thing you must consider when buying a dog food. You can purchase NB from petco or petsmart. There are also mom and pop stores might offer it that don't sell any animals in their stores. Remember, never patronize a store that sells dogs and cats in addition to pet accessories because you are supporting the cruel practice of puppy mills. If there are no stores in your area, natural balance is available online.

There are also smaller brands that are dedicated to vegan dog food. Many of these are available at vegan online stores such as veganessentials.

Answer 2

The BEST way for the average person is to raise it at someone else's house! Beagles are very cute and sweet with kids, but they are scent hounds bred to live in packs and hunt all day. They are harder than average to housebreak even if you use a crate, and as far as general training - unless you're training them to hunt rabbits, you are very nearly wasting your time. They have powerful tracking instincts which nearly guarantee that they will try to run away every time you open the door. You can get them to sit and do tricks for treats, but you will almost NEVER see a beagle in an obedience competition. They can be incredibly stubborn and they will dig, chew, bark and howl endlessly if left alone.

Answer 3

I'm not sure, because buying pet food really is contributing to the meat industry, and has unnecessary artificial flavors - to impress to people, of course - and dry food can harm pets. I think I would let him hunt whatever he wants, it's natural (but if the prey is sick, it can be harmful), and I heard of a dog who lived up to 27 years old on a vegetarian diet. (I think the dog lived up to 29 years old.) Here's an article:

http://dogsinthenews.com/issues/0209/articles/020918a.htm

I have a [stray] cat we have, and I really hate to be feeling like an incredible hypocrite by supporting these industries. If you keep a good, close watch on their diets, it can be successful.I know many of us here think it's "unnatural" (being natural or unnatural is irrelevant in an argument like this. )

Answer 4

While it's possible, I wouldn't recommend it. Dogs are carnivores by nature. It isn't even really healthy for them to be eating kibble or other forms of carbohydrates.

I feel that a love for animals should mean that you have their best interests at heart. Sometimes this means that interests will compete with one another. You're going to need to decide what is more important to you.

Answer 5

I have a question, I bought a 7 week old beagle pup, very cute little one, he tends to bite everyone and everything, I would like to know how to stop him from biting and as of now I am giving cerelac thrice a day, can I start on vegetables steamed, rice dhal etc.

Answer 6

I guess it's possible, but I don't think you can guarantee the dog will not eat meat if given the chance. I don't think I would recommend it, actually.

I'm vegetarian and I love dogs. I had a male cairn terrier who ate all kinds of vegetarian food, but he couldn't resist the urge to kill animals that he caught--squirrels, birds, snakes, toads, mice, etc. I found this disturbing, but I realize it was natural behavior. Also, my mom used to give him hotdogs, and he would steal food from my mom's cat. Now I have a young female cairn and she has at least killed one rabbit and one bird.

But, cairns were historically raised to kill rats, maybe beagles don't have as much of an urge to kill like that. I know a few beagles and I'm not as familiar with them as I am with terriers.

Answer 7

I am a vegan and have a pet beagle too :) (The world's cutest dogs no?) You really have to think and ask yourself what does you puppy have to gain from being vegetarian? I understand *your* reasoning and ethics in this regard---but would your beagle? The likely answer is no. No having a meat based diet would go against *their* very nature and their dietary needs. It would be terrible if your dog became ill and didn't have to.

That being said my beagle loves his vegetables---especially baby carrots and pressed seaweed sheets (nori rolls--the outside of sushi.) You can always supliment his diet with such.

Answer 8

I don't think so. Unlike humans, dogs, cats, etc. need meat, humans aren't really supposed to eat meat anyway. I'm a vegetarian and I still give my cats food with meat in it.

Answer 9

Yes it's possible and your dog will probably benefit from it. Cancer in dogs was virtually unheard of but they're suffering too now due to the inferior meat on the market thats pumped full of chemicals. And just think what meat goes into animal food... it will be the worst quality that aren't fit for humans.

There are lots of vegan dog foods on the market developed by nutritionalists who will know more about the subject than the people on here being guided by their 'common sense'. It's the same common sense that makes people say veganism for humans is unhealthy even though in most cases, it's healthier than an omnivorous diet. Dogs are natural omnivores... my dog and my family's dogs love fruit and veg... my dog has an apple and carrot a day as well as brocolli, tomatoes, salads and just about anything else along with her normal dog food. Sure in the wild, theyd eat meat but they're hardly wolves anymore. We control every aspect of their lives anyway and they wont even be able to tell that their food has no meat in if it smells the same and are full of the nutrients that will keep them healthy. If animals were unhealthy and dying on these foods then they wouldn't be in business would they? A family friend of mine has had rescue pets for over 40 years and each one was a vegetarian and lived to an old age. I don't know where you are so just google 'vegetarian or vegan dogfood' and you'll find loads of great companies.

Answer 10

I always say talk to your vet befoer switching a a pet's diet. They will know what is best for your little buddy. I have 8.5 lb Italian Greyhound that could never be a on a veggie diet. he is still on puppy food even though he is two years old and my vet just told me last week she will continue to have him on puppy food for at least two more years. Tell her/him your concerns and then let them help you design a diet that is appropriate for him. Good Luck!