Vegan pets are a 'consequence' of the spread of veganism. Anyone proposing a vegan diet to their animals, although they do it with good intentions, is not aware of not providing the nutrients a dog or cat needs
More and more people decide to change their diet in search of a more harmonious relationship with the animal world. And if these people have dogs or cats, sometimes they "force" them to eat according to their precepts. Vegan pets are a reality and it is worth knowing if they are healthy or how the lack of certain nutrients can affect their health.
Vegan pets?
Perhaps for some, veganism is an eccentricity, something fashionable or reserved only for wealthy people, but the truth is that more and more people decide to stop eating meat, milk and eggs.
And that's not all, since many vegans decide to make even their vegan pets. Yes, that's right, you got it right. There are those who have chosen to eliminate all products of animal origin from the diet of their dog or cat. Beyond a philosophy of life, many vegans claim that they cannot tolerate seeing or smelling - let alone manipulating - the meat to give to their animal friends.
Due to the increase in vegan people and pets in the world, the main feed brands offer special foods, made with flaxseed, beet pulp and lentils instead of meat, chicken, milk and fish.
Veterinarians say that these pet foods, although they appear healthy, cannot constitute 100% of the animal's diet, because they do not meet the minimum requirements and do not offer the necessary nutrients that pets need.
Vegan pets: the problem of cats
While all vegan pets suffer from a lack of vitamins and animal proteins, it is important to note that in cats the situation is even more serious. This is because felines are strict carnivores (dogs are omnivores). That is, the teeth and digestive system are prepared to consume animal tissues that provide the necessary nutrients.
Vegan cat
The proteins of plant origin are less digestible for our feline friends and sooner or later they will begin to notice physical changes in the animal: a reduction in weight, the onset of diseases, apathy, etc.
Cats cannot, therefore, be vegans because they need meat and animal fats for their normal development and to grow healthily, as well as to keep their immune system in good condition. A vegan menu in cats can in fact lead to serious diseases, such as retinal degeneration or dilated cardiomyopathy.
The case of dogs
Dogs are omnivores, so they can eat animal or vegetable foods. But this does not mean that making them vegan is a good decision.
Vegan dog
Although it is not as serious as in the case of cats, a dog that does not receive its daily dose of meat - through nutrition - can suffer from food intolerance, overweight, dermatological disorders, intestinal inflammation, a response deficit immune and even diabetes.
It is not advisable to completely eliminate the meat - red or white - from the diet of your dog, although consumption can be reduced. If you want to reduce the presence of meat in a dog's diet, at least it must be supplemented with foods rich in good quality vegetable protein and without the necessary fibers and vitamins.
It should be kept in mind that without meat the dog will not have certain nutrients, such as essential fatty acids and amino acids.
Vegan pets: an unnecessary humanization
The consequences of humanizing our pets are disastrous for both the mind and the body. If contact with meat or animal food is not tolerated, it is always possible to buy specific feeds and supplement the dog's diet with suitable vegetables or pulses.
We cannot change the essence of the animal to the point of not offering the food it needs to be healthy and strong. And, believe it or not, having a vegan pet can be considered as a form of animal abuse ... just like those closest to us!