Can a dog be vegan?

It is possible to love and care for an animal in a way that enriches the lives of both the animal and the human involved.

It is also possible to raise a meat-eating animal such as a cat or dog on a vegan diet and thus reduce the overall amount of animal suffering and death in the world by not supporting the exploitative industries of fishing and meat-farming.

How to make your dog vegan

The best time to begin your dog on a vegan diet is when he is a puppy, but older dogs can convert easily too. Make any changes to your dogs diet slowley, mixing the old food with 20% of Veganpet food, increasing over several days. Be sure your dog is eating enough to sustain him, if not go back a few steps adding more of his old diet. Always have fresh clean water available, as well as shelter from heat or cold and lots of love.

If your dog is very old I would not try to make him completely vegan, you can slowly reduce the amount of meat or chicken feeding him mainly vegan food and only a very small amount of meat or chicken. Even though your dog is still eating flesh of a dead animal the amount is greatly reduced. VEGANPET Dog Food is suitable for puppies and adult dogs.

VEGANPET dry food is an excellent base for your dog's vegan diet. Just add the required amount of food daily as suggested on the label allowing for size, activity and age of your dog. Older, less active dogs should have less. You can feed it alone, mix it with any other food or pour warm water over it making it softer.

In recent studies it was found that it is best to feed your adult dog at least twice a day (puppies must be fed more) instead of one big meal daily. The smaller more frequent meals have been found to stop gulping of food, which helps to prevent ingestion of air causing stomach cramps. Small meals can prevent choking while gorging on food. Smaller meals help prevent gastric dilatation, and aids in nutrient absorption in the small intestine. Do not feed your dog a big meal before any strenuous exercise.

Your dog will thrive on just VEGANPET dry dog food, however they really enjoy a variety of different foods as well. Some other foods dogs enjoy are: cooked mashed squash, sweet potatoe, sweetcorn, rice, lentils, tofu, TVP or pasta. Just try your dog on different vegetables you will soon see what his tastes are. Fresh food is great too. Finely grated fresh greens and sprouts, mix together well with an added whole grain cereal or brown rice. I recommend cooking grains and rice with a vegetable stock such as 'Vegeta' and 'Rapunzel: Vegetable Bouiilon' to add flavour. Fruit should be fed alone before or after the meal because fruit is high in water and is digested rapidly. Favourite fruits are cantaloupe, banana, melon, berries and pear, but you can try any ripened fruit. Some additives to enhance flavour and add interest to your dog's food include seaweed, vegetable bacon bits, a sprinkle of brewer's yeast, spirilina powder, garlic, soya sauce or tahini.

Dogs love a sweet taste too, but only give sweets as a special treat. Chocolate contains theobromine, which is toxic to dogs when consumed in large amounts. A small special treat of a cocoa or chocolate is fine but all chocolate foods should be stored in areas inaccessible to dogs. Some things to avoid are full fat milk (some adult dogs can tolerate it), salt and sugar. Yellow cheese can be tolerated by some dogs, but in general is not desirable.

Always serve food at room temperature or slightly warmed, and with fresh water. Be adventureous and try all sorts of mixes of foods for your dog, he will soon develop his favourites. Always be careful to incorporate enough VEGANPET dry food to ensure your dog receives its required nutrients.

Happy cooking, remembering all the time no animal has suffered to feed your pet. Doesn't it feel great!

Dogs' Special Needs

Niacin

Niacin is a B vitamin. The very poor ability of dogs, to convert tryptophan (an essential amino acid) to niacin is not a major concern as it can be found in grains, yeast, and oil. A vegetarian source of niacin can easily be supplied.

Vitamin C

Unlike humans, dogs make their own vitamin C. According to animal naturopaths, if a dog is unwell or old, added vitamin C is recommended. Some is included in Veganpet food as the makers believe that it can be only beneficial.

Essential Fatty Acids

Flaxseed oil, canola and sunflower oil is included as a source of linoleic acid. This acid is broken down into a balance of Omega 3 and Omega 6, essential long chain fatty acids. Also, actual long chain tare/acids DHA (Docosahexanoic Acid), Aa (Arachadonic Acid) and EPA (Eicosapentanoic Acid) have been added. This helps dogs which are inefficient at breaking down the linoleic Acid, and promotes healthy skin, a shiny coat and general well being.

Veganpet Dog Food

In the making of this quality product no animal has suffered.

This food is a complete and nutritionally balanced vegan food for puppies and adult dogs. It meets all nutritional requirements according to the Association of American Feed Control Officers' (AAFCO) dog food nutrient profile for puppy and adult maintenance.

Ingredients

ALL INGREDIENTS ARE HUMAN GRADE. Organic corn, org. rice, org. soya, oat bran, org. corn gluten meal, org. flax meal, brewer's yeast, org. sunflower, org. flaxseed and org. canola oil, barley and garlic grass, garlic, spirulina, kelp, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, FOS, yucca extract, omega 3, omega 6, linoleic acid, essential fatty acids, vitamin C, prebiotics and probiotics.

Typical Analysis

• Protein 26.4%
• Fibre 2.8%
• Ash 5.3%
• Fat 19.1%
• Moisture 9.1
• Calcium 0.71%
• Potassium 0.58
• Magnesium 0.15%
• Phosphorus 0.60%
• Calcium:Phosphorous ratio 1.2:1
• Energy Value 1700 kj/100 grm

Feeding

Each dog has different needs regarding amounts of food required. Working dogs need more then non-working dogs. Following is an approximation of minimum amounts needed to provide the necessary nutrition. You can feed more than the quantities listed, or supplement with other foods.