Vegan or Vegetarian Dogs? WOT?
I know, sounds strange. Because we’ve been taught to think it does. I thought it sounded strange. But consider the quality of meat that makes it to the grocery store for human consumption – the “meat” that makes it into dog and pet food is surely not as “good.”
I’ve found a couple of vets who love the idea… and a couple who are challenged by it (one who said she was going on a trip to see the Science Diet factory because she’s such a fan… hmm. Not sure about that one.)
And, if you have read some of my other blogosphere stuff… I’m a huge fan of Dr. Campbell’s “The China Study.” Took me from vegetarian to confirmed and proud vegan in a matter of a week.
So – if it’s good for humans, and decreases our risk of cancer and so many other diseases… what about dogs? Aren’t they carnivores? I did a lot of research… as I am NOT an expert by any means in the field of canine nutrition. But MOST non-accidental canine deaths are caused by cancer… and over half over age 10 die from it.
Seems they do NOT need meat. Seems cats DO… but dogs don’t. I moved my four to Nature’s Recipe… with mixed results. They seem happy… well adjusted… vet says they’re healthy… but their … um… business… is … um… loose. Really loose. And that concerned me.
On the advice of more research and several personal recommendations, I’m moving them to another complete balance food – SUPER premium (and not cheap). It’s Natural Balance… and I’ve got high hopes. Supposed to help reduce the itchy skin and other allergies, too.
Watch this space… I’ll let you know.
Give Peas a Chance…
Patrick
From new issue of R. Ray Mag: Halloweenie Stoup
1 tblspn of EVOO
1/4 head of cabbage, shredded
1-2 carrots, grated
1/3 c green beans coarsely chopped
1 pinch of tumeric
1 beef frank (maybe use a tofu pup?)
2 cups of stock or water
1 cup cooked rice
In medium pan, evoo, add cabbage, carrots, green beans-cook til softened 4-5 minutes
add tumeric
add “frank”
add 1c of stock and cook 3-4 min
stir in cooked rice and remaining 1c of stock
Hope your doggies enjoy!
I would love to hear more about your vegan dogs! I’m compiling all my research into a blog to prepare for my vegan dog: http://ecovegandog.blogspot.com
Well… the dogs went vegan just a short time ago. I did a considerable amount of research, and went through two diet attempts until landing on what seems to be a fantastic food. I have a family member who has also recently switched her dogs, said they’re doing better than ever before.
I tried Nature’s Recipe for a month… did NOT work well. Very tough on them… I considered going back to science diet or something similar. Then, someone mentioned Natural Balance. They have a huge line… from duck to vegan. And my dogs LOVE the vegan… and the ingredients, I’m told and my research shows, are first rate.
I just can’t imagine… the quality of the meat at the local grocery store is abysmal. Dyed colors and lit carefully to make it “appealing”… limited shelf life, sales toward the end. ICK. WHAT then, do they put in DOG FOOD??
If I thought for a moment that my dogs’ lives would be compromised or challenged in any way, I’d got get them a steak. But that’s simply not the case. Not for them, and not for me.
We’ve been on this for nearly two months (the dogs)… and have been to the vet several times (initially not supportive, but she’s coming around)… weight is good, health is excellent, and all signs are fantastic.
So… do your research! Check it out! See if it works for you!!
Would love to answer questions, discuss in more detail, or talk offline if you’d like.
Best
Patrick
After reading The China Study, I decided on veganism for health. Previously, both my dogs had received the “best” dog food, I thought, with the animal protein source listed as the first ingredient. I thought I was giving them an optimal life, with yearly vet visits and even knee surgery for the one who had a ligament tear.
One had died slightly prematurely from cancer, and his buddy was disgnosed with lymphoma. Vets see the health of a dog as a reflection of how the owner takes care of herself, so I saw this as possible harbinger for my own health. Since in Collins’s study, animals fed an animal protein source developed cancer when exposed to a toxin, but the ones who were fed only plants did not, even with high levels of toxin exposure, it made sense to me to feed my newest dog (#3) a vegan diet. I won’t know the results of this experiment, of course, for about 10 years, when I hope he has had a long, healthy life and dies of something other than cancer.
This summer, I started the vegan diet, human and canine. Both the second dying dog and the new, younger dog were eating Nature’s Recipe, but after the dog that had lymphoma died in September, the other dog now refuses the kibble (I think because there is not a competition factor anymore–they had an amusing ritual of muscling each other off of the other’s bowl). So, I have been feeding him a dal concoction(in this case, red lentils and yellow split peas) by accident after an Indian recipe went wrong. The dog liked it! (Gosh, he’s picky, though–won’t eat it if it’s cold–I’ve got to warm it up.) I may simply cook my own dog food, but I’ll need to research the best combination of nutrients. His stool is just fine, and he’s extremely healthy. This is a bichon frise we’re talking about, high on the stubborness scale and quirky personality.
Wow… Thanks, everyone… fantastic comments.
Candice – Thanks for the amazing post.. I think we’re on similar journeys.
Have you read Skinny Bitch? It’s incredible… and references a lot of Collins’ work… as well as other great information. It’s a MUCH easier read, too… you’re through it in a number of hours as opposed to the long (albeit fantastic) academic work by Collins.
Best!
Patrick
I’ll look for the Skinny Bitch, then! I don’t mind the long read (Collins), because he’s a scientist, and I want to know the science. I would, though, like to find some more corroborating studies with the plant vs. animal protein sources. I’m not squeamish about animal studies, especially one like this. What makes me more uncomfortable is having information (that a diet including animal products is not optimally healthful) and not acting on that knowledge. I feel discouraged when someone like my step mother says, “Oh, but I could never give up cheese!”
You can’t be hypervigilant about all of these things, but I want to feel I’m doing the best for me, relatives I can convince to try, and the little beasts I take on as companions. The upside is that if the Collins study has some direct bearing on our physiology, I’m thinking that I’m not sweating all of the toxins that I know I’m coming in contact with. The mechanism for turning on the cancer won’t be tripped by keeping the nutrition plant-based. That’s the plan!
(And enjoying a great selection of food, as well as life in general.)