You’ve made the change, and now your fridge is stocked with plant-based milk, your pantry is filled with lentils, and your Instagram is packed with pictures of chickpea curries and kale salads. But there’s one member of your household who hasn’t yet joined the plant-based revolution: your dog or cat.
You’d like to help them go vegan too, not just for their health but also because you’d rather not be complicit in the suffering of animals raised for food. But is it safe to put your pet on a plant-based diet? What do they need to thrive without eating animals? Read on to find out.
Can Pets Be Vegan?
The simple answer is yes. Many pets do well on plant-based diets, and some thrive on them. There are now numerous commercial plant-based pet foods, and more are being developed all the time. So, if you want to go vegan with your pet, it is possible.
However, there are some considerations to keep in mind to make sure your pet stays healthy on a plant-based diet. And that’s where things can get a little complicated.
Benefits of a Plant-Based Diet for Pets
While research on the long-term health effects of vegan diets for pets is still relatively limited, there are some potential benefits to consider:
- Improved nutrition: A well-planned plant-based diet can provide all the nutrients your pet needs, and potentially in greater quantities than an animal-based diet. For example, plant-based foods are often higher in fiber, which can help with digestion and support healthy blood sugar levels.
- Reduced risk of chronic diseases: Plant-based diets have been linked to a lower risk of chronic diseases in pets, including certain types of cancer and heart disease.
- Ethical considerations: For those who choose to eat a vegan diet themselves, extending that choice to their pets can help reduce animal suffering and promote environmental sustainability.
Of course, a plant-based diet is not right for every pet, and there are some medical conditions that may make it difficult or impossible for an animal to thrive on a vegan diet. But for most pets, with careful planning, a plant-based diet can be a healthy and compassionate choice.
Making the Transition
If you’re interested in transitioning your pet to a plant-based diet, the first step is to talk to your veterinarian. They can help you evaluate your pet’s specific needs and determine whether a plant-based diet is a good fit. They can also help you navigate any potential risks and challenges.
Once you have the green light from your vet, it’s time to start researching plant-based pet foods. Look for commercial options that are specifically formulated for dogs or cats and that have undergone feeding trials to demonstrate their nutritional adequacy. Some popular brands include Amora, Wild Earth, and V-Dog.
When evaluating plant-based pet foods, it’s important to consider the following:
- Protein source: Look for plant-based protein sources that are complete proteins, meaning they contain all the essential amino acids your pet needs. Some options include lentils, chickpeas, peas, soy, and quinoa.
- Vitamins and minerals: Make sure the food contains added vitamins and minerals to make up for any nutrients that may be lacking in plant-based ingredients.
- Palatability: If your pet is used to eating animal-based foods, they may be less enthusiastic about a plant-based diet at first. Look for options that have added flavors or textures to make them more appealing.
You may also want to consider supplementing your pet’s diet with certain nutrients that can be more challenging to get from plant-based sources. For example, some vegan pet foods may contain added vitamin B12, which is not naturally occurring in plant foods but is important for your pet’s health. You may also want to consider adding a vegan omega-3 supplement to your pet’s food to help support their skin and coat health.
When transitioning your pet to a new food, it’s important to do so gradually. Start by mixing a small amount of the new food into your pet’s old food, and gradually increase the amount of the new food while decreasing the amount of the old food over the course of several days or weeks, depending on your pet’s tolerance. Monitor your pet for any signs of digestive issues or discomfort during the transition.
If you’re having trouble finding a commercial plant-based pet food that you feel good about, or if you want to make your pet’s food at home, you may want to consider consulting with a pet nutritionist to ensure that your pet is getting all the nutrients they need.
Common Challenges and Solutions
Picky Eaters
One of the most common challenges people face when transitioning their pet to a plant-based diet is getting them to eat the new food. If your pet is used to eating animal-based foods, they may be less enthusiastic about a plant-based diet at first. To help make the transition more appealing, you may want to try one or more of the following strategies:
- Toppings and mix-ins: Adding a small amount of a savory plant-based meat alternative or some tomato sauce to your pet’s food can help make it more palatable.
- Wet food: If your pet is used to eating canned food, you may want to consider a plant-based wet food option. You can also add water or bone broth to your pet’s dry food to make it more appealing.
- Temperature: Some pets prefer their food warmed up, while others prefer it cold. Experiment with different temperatures to see what your pet likes best.
- Texture: If your pet is used to eating soft, mushy kibble, they may be put off by the texture of some plant-based kibble. You may want to try grinding the kibble up a bit or adding some wet food to make it more appealing.
If your pet continues to refuse their new food, it’s important to be patient and persistent. You may want to try offering the new food at different times of day, or in a quieter location where there are fewer distractions. If your pet still won’t eat, you may want to consult with a veterinarian or a pet nutritionist to make sure there’s not an underlying medical issue causing their loss of appetite.
Other Challenges
While most pets will adapt to a plant-based diet with some patience and persistence, there are some challenges that may arise. For example:
- Constipation: Some pets may experience constipation when transitioning to a plant-based diet. This can be due to a lack of fiber or other nutrients in the new food. You may want to consider adding some psyllium husk or other fiber supplement to your pet’s food to help keep them regular.
- Digestive issues: Some pets may experience digestive issues like gas or diarrhea when transitioning to a new food. If your pet is experiencing these symptoms, you may want to consider consulting with a veterinarian or a pet nutritionist to make sure there’s not an underlying medical issue causing the symptoms.
Success Stories
Many pets thrive on plant-based diets, and their owners are thrilled with the results. For example:
“My dog has more energy on this diet, and her coat is shinier and smoother than it has ever been. She also seems happier and more content overall. I feel good knowing that we’re not contributing to animal suffering by eating animal products, and I’m glad we can extend that to our dog’s food too.”
If you’re successful in transitioning your pet to a plant-based diet, you may want to share your story with others to help inspire them to do the same. You can connect with other vegan pet owners in online communities or at local meetups, and you may even want to consider starting a vegan pet food co-op in your area to help make plant-based pet food more affordable and accessible to other pet owners.