The last few decades have seen more and more people adopt a vegetarian lifestyle as we realize all the benefits of avoiding meat. Many of us wonder if our pets shouldn’t eat a vegetarian diet too. After all, normal dog food is made up of meat by-products, bone meal, and other products of the meat industry. The meat industry has a huge negative effect on the environment, and many people oppose the conditions in which animals are raised. A vegetarian dog food could be the answer.

However, it is important to remember that our pets evolved as carnivores. That can make it difficult to feed your dog a balanced vegetarian diet. Some people are even concerned that all vegetarian dog foods are dangerous for our pets. Can you feed your dog a meat-free diet and still have a healthy pet? This is what you should know.

First, we need to see what a vegetarian really is. Many people have very different definitions of vegetarianism, from vegans to people who insist that fish and poultry are acceptable on a “meatless” diet. Most people, however, agree that a vegetarian should not consume meat and can include ingredients like milk and eggs. The good news for vegetarian dogs is that, unlike cats, they don’t require specific nutrients that they can only get from meat. This means that, in theory, they can eat a dog food based mostly on legumes, beans, eggs, milk, soy, fruits, vegetables, and nuts.

However, you can’t just feed a dog vegetarian food and expect your pet to thrive. There are some really troublesome health issues that can stem from nutritional deficiencies. A dog that is not adjusting to a vegetarian diet may appear lazy or irritable, have digestive problems, or develop skin and hair problems. Not all dogs will adapt, although some eat vegetarian dog food for most of their lives and never have a problem.

Remember that dogs should not have too high carbohydrate levels, and be sure to ask your vet about any vegetarian diet you choose. He or she can give you good advice on the right food for your pet and help you avoid subpar diets. Stick to foods that are AAFCO tested and meet veterinary nutritional requirements.

Some dogs will never adjust and may eventually need to eat meat-based foods. After all, some of the most common food allergens for dogs are also among the most commonly used ingredients in vegetarian dog food. If you can’t bear the thought of feeding your dog a meat-based diet, you’ll need to think carefully when adopting your pet. Choose dogs that have a track record of success on vegetarian foods.

You can also choose ethically produced meat-based foods for your dog, if he or she cannot adjust to vegetarian dog food. Look for organically grown or ethically produced plant and animal foods. This helps reduce the negative impact of your pet’s meals on the environment.