Dogs are omnivores, and as long as they get the proper balance of nutrients from plant-based foods, they can thrive on a vegetarian diet.
Altering your dog’s diet abruptly can lead to upset stomachs, diarrhea or vomiting; thus it is best to do so gradually. Start with a portion of their existing food and gradually increase it up until they get full servings of the new food.
Contents
Protein
Protein is an integral part of your dog’s diet and necessary for growth, maintenance, development and repair of organs, muscles, bones, blood, skin, fur and claws. Furthermore, protein promotes new cell formation within the body – essential to ensure all cells function optimally.
Quality animal proteins like chicken, beef and lamb provide all ten essential amino acids in sufficient amounts to keep dogs healthy and functioning optimally. Plant-based sources may not always contain all these necessary amino acids in the right amounts, so to address this issue you can add complementary plant-based sources of protein for a balanced diet that meets all your pup’s nutritional requirements.
Fat
If you’re searching for a dog food that contains no animal or dairy products, Natural Balance Vegetarian Dry Dog Formula is an ideal option. It provides all essential nutrients without using meat protein as its primary source of protein.
This vegetable oil has a low fat content and uses canola oil as its primary source of fat. Not only is this oil packed with Omega 3 fatty acids, but it has about half the saturated fat found in other vegetable oils.
It’s essential that your dog receives all the essential nutrients they need for optimal health and growth. Otherwise, they could experience stunted development, heart issues, skin issues or an energy deficit.
Carbohydrates
Vegetarian dog food typically consists of easily digestible grains and pulses such as peas or lentils, which provide a source of protein, carbohydrate and fat. Furthermore, these ingredients are high in fibre which aids digestion while improving stool quality and volume.
Carbohydrates are essential for energy production and the growth of healthy tissues in dogs. Nevertheless, their inclusion should not be overemphasized since it can disrupt dietary balance and lead to weight gain or obesity.
Recently, a study examined the effects of carbohydrates sources and dietary density on 30 healthy adult dogs’ blood profile and biochemical parameters. All animals’ counts fell within physiological ranges for fructosamine, lipase, and triglycerides.
Vitamins
Vegetarian dogs typically get most of their essential nutrients from a plant-based diet. However, they still require additional vitamins and minerals for optimal health.
Vitamin D, in particular, is crucial for a dog’s wellbeing as they cannot produce it within their bodies. It helps the intestine absorb calcium and phosphorus.
Additionally, vitamin D helps promote healthy bone formation and helps prevent rickets.
Vegan supplements can help ensure that your dog’s vegetarian diet is balanced and provides all the vitamins and minerals it requires. Look for ones that provide taurine, L-carnitine, and vitamin B-12.
Eating more fats and oils for your pup’s health can also benefit them. A couple of tablespoons of hemp seed or flaxseed oil a day will not only keep their coat lustrous, but it will also aid with energy levels and metabolic reactions.
Minerals
Pet parents transitioning their pup over to vegetarian dog food must ensure that their pup receives all necessary vitamins and minerals. A lack of one of these vital vitamins could result in serious health issues for your furry friend.
Fortunately, many fruits and vegetables are packed with the essential vitamins and minerals for dogs’ wellbeing. Vegetables like carrots, pumpkin, kale, spinach and broccoli are all great sources of potassium, calcium, iron magnesium zinc copper selenium – all vital for optimal pet health!
Minerals are vital to many bodily processes in dogs, such as bone and tooth formation, blood sugar regulation and thyroid hormone production. Furthermore, minerals help keep the balance of fluids inside and outside cells maintained.
