Pet Digest

Vegan and Vegetarianism in Dogs: Can Dogs Thrive on Plant-Based Diets? With increasing awareness of environmental sustainability, animal welfare, and health concerns, more dog owners are exploring vegan and vegetarian diets for their canine companions. But can dogs truly thrive on plant-based diets? This article examines the science, benefits, risks, and holistic considerations involved in feeding dogs without meat. Plant-based dog food is growing in popularity but requires careful formulation. Are Dogs Naturally Carnivores? Dogs are considered facultative carnivores , meaning they primarily eat meat but can digest and utilize some plant materials. Unlike obligate carnivores (like cats), dogs have evolved digestive enzymes that break down starches and plant fibers. However, their nutritional requirements include some nutrients predominantly found in animal products. For example, essential amino acids like taurine and L-carnitine are critical for hea...