All the nutrients that can be found in meat can also be found elsewhere, so feed dogs foods based on the nutritional requirements of the animal rather than starting with any particular food source.
A plant-based diet for dogs is fine, according to Dr. Sam Westhead of Amity Veterinary Clinic in Al Barsha, Dubai, as long as owners ensure that the animals get enough nutrients. "Dogs, like humans, may follow vegan diets as long as they are properly balanced and carefully planned. "They require a wide variety of vitamins, minerals, proteins, fats, and carbohydrates," he stated.
Dr. Westhead stated that the situation for cats was more complex, with
the diet needing to be supplemented to ensure that the animal obtained all
of the necessary nutrients. Taurine, a vital amino acid, is available in
animal-based meals but not in plant-based goods until added. It can be
done, but it needs to be done very carefully with a great deal of thought
and likely with the input of a veterinary surgeon to make sure you get it
right, he said.
Dr. Katrin Jahn, owner and chief doctor at the German Veterinary Clinic in
Abu Dhabi, stated that the most important thing for dogs was to ensure that
all of the necessary nutrients were there, regardless of their source. "As
long as we get the balance of what dogs need in regard to protein,
carbohydrates, and fats in their diet, as well as all the vitamins and
minerals they need, that's much more important," she said.
Recently, the British Veterinary Association, the UK's national veterinary
organisation, announced that it no longer advises against a vegan diet for
dogs. The organization claims that "it is possible to feed dogs a
plant-based diet," but warns that pet owners should exercise caution if
their dog turns vegan.
Dr. Martin Wyness, the founder and CEO of the British Veterinary Centre in
Abu Dhabi, stated that his opinions were "exactly in line" with those of the
BVA. If individuals want to feed their dogs a plant-based diet, he
recommends that they carefully examine the ingredients to verify that all of
the vital elements are included.
In addition, Damian Eadie, co-founder of Benevo Vegan Pet Foods, which makes
vegan food for dogs and cats, stated that domestic dogs have evolved to be
able to digest foods that their ancestors could not. "For example, they have
more genes for digesting starches than wolves. The main principle that
people often get confused with is that animals require nutrients rather than
specific diets. All the nutrients that can be found in meat can also be
found elsewhere, so we formulate our foods based on the nutritional
requirements of the animal rather than starting with any particular food
source, he said.
Posted on All-Creatures.org: August 12, 2024
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