The Dog Spot
Vegetarian Dog Nutrition Article
This is a selection made from among articles on Vegetarian Dog Nutrition. For a permanent link to this article, or to bookmark it for future reading, click here.
Can A Dog Thrive On A Vegetarian Diet
from: Kyle BesserOnce you become a dog owner, you need to decide what kind of food to feed your dog. You may eat a vegetarian diet, so you would like your dog to follow a vegetarian diet for dogs. But does a vegetarian diet provide the right nutrition requirements for a dog?
Let's take a look at what dogs eat in the wild. A wolf or stray dog typically will kill a small animal or scavenge until it finds something that it can eat. In the wild, a dog will eat grains and vegetables, but the dog's diet also contains meat.
Take a look at your dog's teeth. You will notice that grinding and tearing surfaces are present. This is one indication that dogs are naturally omnivorous. This means that dogs are biological meat and plant eaters. Straying from nature can be difficult, but it may not be impossible.
It may be possible to feed your dog solely vegetarian meals, but a vegetarian diet is not typically recommended for dogs. A dog's diet must be well balanced and nutritious to support good health and optimal body function. A completely vegetarian diet may be good for you but not supply the nutrition requirements for a dog.
A healthy diet should allow your dog to thrive, not simply survive. A vegetarian dog diet will too frequently result in a dog who shows signs and indications of a lesser quality of health than a dog fed a well balanced diet containing animal products.
Your dog's body requires high amounts of protein. Protein is most frequently provided through animal tissue and bones in the wild and in most varieties of manufactured dog food.
Amino acids are also important to your dog's health. Only 12 of the 22 essential amino acids can be produced by your dog's body. The other 10 amino acids must be provided to your dog through the dog's diet. A vegetarian dog diet has trouble meeting these nutrition requirements for a dog to thrive.
As with any change you would make to your own diet, you would want to consult your physician for medical advice. Talk to a professional about the advantages and disadvantages of feeding a vegetarian diet to your dog. Depending on your specific plan, your vet may be able to recommend some supplements to add to the prospective vegetarian diet that will create a healthy balance for your dog. If supplements are not available to create the healthy and balanced diet your dog needs to thrive, you can discuss other options to achieve a diet that works well for your dog and still satisfies your lifestyle.
A vegetarian dog diet goes against nature so to speak and is typically not recommended for dogs. Talking your situation over with a veterinarian will help you to determine the best way to achieve dietary goals for your dog. Your dog's diet must be well balanced and nutritious to provide essential nutrients and amino acids to your dog's ultimate health. Supplements may help you to achieve proper vegetarian dog nutrition. You and your vet both want what is best for your dog and you will undoubtedly be able to determine a diet that works for your dog and your family.
Related Articles for Vegetarian Dog Nutrition
Dog-Nutrition Online News
Secret Service chief denies 'culture' of impropriety - Christian Science Monitor
 Christian Science Monitor | Secret Service chief denies 'culture' of impropriety Christian Science Monitor Secret Service Director Mark Sullivan said the scandal involving agents and prostitutes in Colombia was not part of a 'systemic issue.' But Sen. Susan Collins said it 'was almost certainly not an isolated incident.' By Brad Knickerbocker, Staff writer ... Secret Service - or 'Secret Circus'? US Secret Service chief apologizes for sex scandal Inquiry hears of wider Secret Service misbehavior |
Obama spokesman incorrectly says Romney moving goal posts on unemployment - Washington Post
 Globe and Mail | Obama spokesman incorrectly says Romney moving goal posts on unemployment Washington Post WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama's campaign says Republican rival Mitt Romney is trying to “move the goal posts” and reverse his position on unemployment. Actually, that's a fumble of the facts. In an interview with Time magazine, Romney predicts ... Obama team wrongly says Romney moves goal posts Romney Works to Balance Bain With General-Election Demands Romney Wades Into Tricky Waters With Unemployment Rate Promise |
GOP Rep. King says Obama officials disclosed identity of jailed Pakistani doctor - Fox News
 The Guardian | GOP Rep. King says Obama officials disclosed identity of jailed Pakistani doctor Fox News GOP Rep. Peter King, chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee, expressed concern Wednesday about the extent of the Obama administration's efforts to protect the Pakistan doctor who was sent to prison in Pakistan for treason after helping to ... Security breach alleged in making of bin Laden raid film Profile: Shakil Afridi US to press for release of Pakistani doctor who helped find Bin Laden |
Lawmakers to investigate disabled veterans charity - CNN International
 Bellingham Herald | Lawmakers to investigate disabled veterans charity CNN International By David Fitzpatrick and Drew Griffin, CNN Special Investigations Unit Watch Drew Griffin's latest reporting on the investigation and an interview with Sen. Max Baucus tonight on "AC360" at 8 ET. Washington (CNN) -- The Senate Finance Committee is ... Baucus: Senate investigating veterans charity Sen. Baucus of Mon. says Senate Finance Committee is investigating disabled ... |