Question 1

Why should we make the switch?

Accepted Answer

We are seeing an epidemic of cancer in dog populations, with nearly 1 out of every 2 dogs dying from cancer.
Carcinogens and other hazardous substances are higher in meat-based foods due to the bioaccumulation of toxins as they travel up the food chain.
Plant based foods, being lower on that chain and with less bioaccumulation, routinely present far less exposure.
If we truly love our dog companions, we would naturally want to do all that we reasonably could to lower their exposure to things that can harm their health.
In addition, it is well established that most of the human-generated greenhouse gas emissions originate from the livestock industry.
Whether we are meat-eaters or not, we all need to embrace the reality that raising and killing animals is neither humane, nor healthy for our planet, nor our dogs.
It's for these reasons, as well as many others, that we strongly support plant-based diets for dogs in general, and this initiative in particular.

Question 2

Are dogs carnivores?

Accepted Answer

Dogs are omnivores and have no nutritional requirement for meat. Compared to their wolf ancestors, dogs have many more genes for digestion of carbohydrates, having evolved alongside humankind over the past 30,000 years.
There are literally thousands of dogs in the world today living on a plant-based diet, and commercially produced plant-based dog food has been in production for many years. The production of plant-based dog food continues to grow, while costs become increasingly competitive.
In addition to commercial plant-based dog food, there are many people who make plant based food for their dogs in the comfort of their own home. Commercially produced food will often be more nutritionally balanced and healthy on account of the considerable testing, development, and supplementation, that goes into the product.
Although many people can, and do, make their dogs plant-based food at home, people interested in this route should always do their research beforehand and verify their results through regular visits to their veterinarian.

Question 3

Will it be too expensive?

Accepted Answer

When it comes to dog food, cheaper isn't always better. And in fact, often times cost savings for cheap food is can be erased by health issues for your dog down the line.
The cheapest food on the market today is cheap for a reason, it is of extremely poor quality.
When plant-based dog food entered the market, the prices were understandably higher than the mass-produced, low-quality food.
Plant-based dog food has always been on par with the price of other mid to high quality dog foods.
What's more, as production volume increases, prices continue to come down.
If plant based food companies are able to provide shelter dogs with their substantially higher-quality product, at the same price, the cost will likely become even less due to the increased production.

Question 4

Does anyone disagree?

Accepted Answer

It's no surprise that there is some opposition to "vegan dogs". People were opposed to ending slavery and to women obtaining the vote. For the same reasons: because "it's always been this way," because "there's money on the other side," because "we haven't studied it enough," and because "there is opposition."
Changing habits, even bad ones, can be uncomfortable, but is vitally important to protect dogs, other animals, and the future of life on this planet.
Opponents of this proposal claim that dogs are carnivores, and can't obtain the nutrients they need from plant-based sources, but they are not correct.
The fact is that dogs are omnivores, and have been living off of human diets for the past 30,000 years.
Dogs thrive on plant-based diets, and all their needs can be met with plant-based diets.
These facts are all supported by research published in reputable scientific journals (visit our information section for more details).

Question 5

What are the health benefits of feeding dogs a plant-based diet?

Accepted Answer

Healthy plant-based diets can be healing for dogs and provide a wide range of potential benefits

Heals Skin Allergies
Many vets routinely prescribe plant-based food for dogs with allergic dermatitis.

Lower Carcinogen Exposure
Plant-based dog foods generally represent less carcinogen exposure, due to bioaccumulation in animal-derived foods.

Balanced Nutrition
Dogs have no nutritional requirement for meat, thousands of dogs in the world today thrive on plant-based diets.

Overall Health
Most people who give their dogs healthy plant-based food notice overall improvements in health and vitality.

Treats Food Allergies
Many dogs suffer from allergies to meat proteins, particularly those found in chickens and cows.

Less Aggressive Behavior
It has been observed that plant-based diets can calm aggressive behavior.

Question 6

What about cats?

Accepted Answer

As long as cats obtain all the nutrients they need, whether it be from an animal or plant-based source, they can live long, happy and healthy lives. Many cats around the world are now thriving on this diet and are healthier for it too as commercial pet food is proving to be harmful to both cats and dogs, leading to a host of health issues.

Vegan taurine is produced via bio-synthesis in the laboratory as a purified bacterial fermentation product and studies confirm its efficacy. Vegan taurine is added to plant-based pet food to meet nutritional requirements.

Since cats cannot produce Vitamin A, it is added to vegan pet food. Cats also require Vitamins D, E and B-complex vitamins which are supplemented as well.

Arachidonic acid is very important for skin, fur, joints circulation, immunity, vision and brain function. Arachidonic acid is usually added in the form of kelp or other seaweeds in plant-based pet foods.

Question 7

How do I transition my cats/dogs to a plant-based diet?

Accepted Answer

Transition Gradually

We recommend transitioning over a two-week period. To get your dog or cat started, mix 1 part plant-based food with 4 parts of their current food. Gradually increase the proportion of the plant-based product until you only feed 100% plant-based meals at the end of two weeks.

Gradual changes allow the appropriate changes of digestive enzymes and intestinal microbiome (all those healthy gut bacteria). Transitioning slowly minimises all the changes you may expect such as abdominal discomfort, wind and diarrhoea.

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