12/08/2025
VEGAN DOGGY DIETS
Vegan diets have become more prevalent in human society, as proponents feel it is better for their health and the environment. At the same time, some feel a vegan diet for their pooch would also be a healthier option. Here are some interesting points about whether feeding your pup a vegan diet is or isn't an appropriate option.
Dogs are in the Order Carnivora; as scavenging carnivores, they require a balance of meat, protein and carbohydrates. Their Gastrointestinal tract is not designed for more complex digestion of plant matter. Biologically vegan animals, like cows, have a four-chambered stomach for this reason.
An animal's tooth shape evolves for the type of food they are born to eat. Your dog's teeth are designed to rip, tear and shred flesh from bone; dog molars are pointed, not flat. Their jaws open wide for whole chunks of meat and bone, and the movement is an up-and-down motion for crushing. If you look at the teeth of other omnivores and herbivores, you'll see big, wide, and flat molars designed to chew plant matter. Their jaws move side to side, necessary for grinding plant material.
Dogs have evolved with powerful jaw and neck muscles that aid in pulling down and consuming prey. Canines tend to tear chunks of meat off the game, get it into their bellies as quickly as possible, and not engage in repetitive chewing.
Protein is an essential part of a healthy, balanced canine diet; however, it can't be stored in the body, so it has to be provided daily. Protein plays several roles in the body, such as repairing and building body tissues and muscles. It is needed to grow hair, form new skin cells and assist in creating body chemicals like enzymes and hormones that are required for normal function. In addition, it provides energy and keeps the immune system strong.
Proteins consist of chains of amino acids, and dogs require 22 different amino acids. For example, a dog's body makes half of these needed amino acids; the rest must come from your pet's daily food. They are called essential amino acids because they are so important. Deficiencies of essential amino acids over time can lead to health problems.
For a balanced diet, dogs also require fresh plant roughage by offering prebiotic-rich, fibrous veggies, which results in a healthy gut microbiome. In nature, wild dogs will consume some of their kill's stomach contents, providing them with the necessary plant fibre.
They require around 20 - 40% animal protein, 12% fat, 10% bone and 15-20% vegetable and fruit.
Plant protein isn't the same as protein from animal meat, and the DCM (dilated cardiomyopathy) crisis in carnivorous pets has proven this. An improperly balanced vegan diet can lead to severe deficiencies:
Inadequate protein intake, an adult dog's diet should be 20-40% protein (depending on their required energy levels).
Amino acid imbalance (can lead to heart problems and other illnesses)
Vitamin and mineral deficiency, dogs need B vitamins, phosphorus, calcium, and iron, all of which are found in meat.
Most commercial vegan pet foods on the market have ingredients not approved for human consumption (just like all the other poor-quality "feed-grade" commercial pet foods). And are required to add synthetic vitamins to balance nutrient requirements, contrary to their marketing strategies.
Suppose you were to change your pup to a vegan diet. To ensure your pup gets all the essential nutrients required, you would need to prepare your vegan dog food at home with organic ingredients and include the 20+ synthetic lab-produced nutrients to avoid significant nutritional deficiencies (not easy!)
It can be challenging for dog lovers with solid convictions about eating plant-based diets to reconcile personal politics with their dogs' needs. Vegetarians don't particularly relish serving fresh meat to their dogs; however, animal nutritionists agree that an omnivorous diet is best for our fur kids.
"Understanding what constitutes biologically appropriate nutrition for the species you're caring for is a key first step in nourishing any pet in a way that respects their physiology. Metabolic and immunologic stress are reduced by feeding animals according to their species."
