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Vegetarian Dogs & Cats

Compiled by David Ogilvie

(Page last updated in May 2010)

Index to this page:
   - Why feed a vegetarian diet to pets?
   - Potential problems
   - Introducing a dog or cat to a vegetarian diet
   - Vegetarian diets for dogs and cats 'check list'
   - Vegetarian Pet Foods and Supplements Available in Victoria
   - Helpful Links

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WHY FEED A VEGETARIAN DIET TO PETS?

Many people reading this article would be thinking "What? Vegetarian diets for cats and dogs?! You gotta be kidding! It’s unnatural/depriving/cruel/etc!" Regardless of how "un-natural" it may seem, some people feel it is the right thing to do. But why?

For many people who are vegetarian for ethical reasons or because they are concerned about animal suffering, every time they feed meat to their pet they face a dilemma. On one hand they care about their pet and want to do the right thing by it, but on the other hand they do not like having other animals slaughtered for its food, and they also don’t like supporting the meat industry. To complicate things further, when they consider a vegetarian diet for their pet they often also have moral concerns about feeding their pet a diet that is opposed to what seems "natural". So it can be quite a dilemma.

Other people who are vegetarian more for health reasons may consider a vegetarian diet for their pet out of concern about outbreaks of meat-related diseases such as Foot and Mouth Disease and Mad Cow Disease in the UK, and about what dangers lurk in the cheap offal and "meat" used in commercial dog and cat foods. Or they simply may feel that a vegetarian diet, or a diet much lower in animal products, is more healthy for their dog or cat.

Regardless of the reasons why someone would choose a vegetarian or vegan diet for their pet, studies indicate that dogs and cats can live a healthy and active life on these diets if they are properly balanced.

"Yes... but it's still unnatural and depriving!" I hear you say.

And I say, "But what is 'natural'?" The way that dogs and cats live with humans today is far from natural in itself, and for selectively-bred companion animals that would never exist in nature, what is 'natural' anyway? In regard to being depriving, pets fed vegetarian diets are at least fed. Which is more than can be said for millions of human beings around the world right now who are suffering from malnutrition. So at least they have enough to eat.

POTENTIAL PROBLEMS

The nutritional requirements for dogs and cats are very different from those for humans. Thus, a vegetarian diet perfectly suitable in meeting a human’s nutrient needs may be grossly deficient where dogs or cats are concerned. The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), in cooperation with the US Centre for Veterinary Medicine (CVM), has developed the AAFCO Dog and Cat Food Nutrient Profiles, which details the known nutritional requirements for these species. Formulating a vegetarian pet food to meet all these requirements is not a simple task but can be done.

But even the most carefully formulated diet with respect to providing adequate amounts of all essential nutrients is worthless if the dog or cat does not eat it. While dogs certainly enjoy the occasional snack such as a cookie or piece of fruit and cats will chew on grass and other plants, foods without some animal-source ingredients may not be very palatable, so asking dogs and cats to eat only plant-based foods may not be possible in some cases. Even if the cat or dog does eat the vegetarian diet, it still may not be eating enough to meet its nutritional needs.

INTRODUCING A DOG OR CAT TO A VEGETARIAN DIET

We recommend starting a dog or cat on a vegetarian or vegan diet when they are young. For older animals, vegetarian or vegan foods can be phased into the diet over time, to eventually replace meat completely. And of course we recommend only complete and balanced foods that meet AAFCO requirements.

VEGETARIAN DIETS FOR DOGS AND CATS "CHECKLIST"

If you decide to put your pet on a vegetarian diet, two important factors need to be considered:

Am I prepared to do it properly?
Eliminating meat or all animal products from the diets of dogs and cats to meet one’s personal philosophy, regardless how well intentioned, may not be the correct choice if it is not done properly and potentially compromises the health of the pet itself.

Will the diet meet the nutritional needs of the pet?
Many homemade recipes, including those found in some books and magazines, may be seriously incomplete or unbalanced. Ask yourself whether they have been shown by scientific testing to meet the nutritional needs of dogs and cats. For commercial products, check the label for an AAFCO nutritional adequacy statement as required for all "complete" and "balanced" pet foods. The label may say that the product "is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog (or Cat) Food Nutrient Profiles." However, since palatability and bioavailability of nutrients are of concern, look for product labels that bear the statement that "Animal feeding tests following AAFCO procedures substantiate that (the product) is complete and balanced."

After a month or two on the diet, and occasionally thereafter, try to objectively assess the performance of the diet compared to your pet’s previous food. Has the pet lost or gained weight? Is it enjoying its food? How’s its skin and coat? Energy levels? Stool volume and consistency? Ask your veterinarian for an examination and professional opinion on your dog’s or cat’s health status. (You may like to consult one of the vegetarian-friendly vets listed on our Doctors & Naturopaths page.)

VEGETARIAN PET FOODS AND SUPPLEMENTS AVAILABLE IN VICTORIA

Veganpet
Veganpet, 70 Trevor Road, Nar Nar Goon North VIC 3812, ph: 03 5942 7461, fax: 03 5942 7509
(Contact: Sandy Anderson)
Veganpet produce nutritionally-balanced, complete pet foods that meet the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) standards:
Veganpet Dog Food and Veganpet Cat Food: A complete and balanced dry pet food that contains no animal products. It provides a real alternative to processed animal foods and is priced comparitively. Scientific studies confirm Veganpet's suitability for maintaining a healthy diet for both cats and dogs, young and old.
Veganpet Woofers: Freshly baked snacks for dogs. Truly healthy and assist in the cleaning of teeth. Free from artificial colours, flavours or preservatives; no added salt or sugar; GMO-free. Available in 4 flavours: Chocolate Dream, Peanut, Minty Fresh and Very Veggie.
Veganpet also sell Catnip, Cat Grass and Shampoo.

BiOpet Vegan Dog Food With Malt
BiOpet Pet Care, 20-26 President Avenue, Caringbah NSW 2229, ph: 02 9524 4277
BiOpet Vegan adult dog food is a complete food which meets the nutritional requirements for adult dog maintenance as listed by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO).

Greenpet Nutritional Supplement for Dogs & Cats
Greenpet, 244 Verrierdale Road, Verrierdale QLD 4562, ph: 07 5449 1453
Greenpet Nutritional Supplement for Dogs & Cats is a natural food supplement which provides the essential nutrients which may be missing from commercial dog and cat foods. It contains a blend of highly nutritious foods and supplements and is recommended for maintaining optimum health for all dogs and cats. It contains vitamins, minerals, enzymes, trace elements and fatty acids.
Greenpet Supplements can be purchased from The Cruelty Free Shop.

Happier Pets
Healthier treats for happier pets
Ph: 0428 617 311
Email: info@happierpets.com.au
Happier Pets make a range of vegan treats for dogs and cats. Made with high-quality ingredients, including organic produce, Happier Pets snacks are a healthy as well as ethical and compassionate choice to treat your loved ones. With varieties such as Pumpkin Crackers, Tasty Tempeh Treats, and Golden Banana Biccies, they're sure to please!

The Missing Link Canine/Feline Wellness Blend
Distributed in Australia by NTP Health Products, PO Box 34, Tea Gardens NSW 2324, ph: 02 4997 2530
The Missing Link's Canine/Feline Wellness Blend is an all-vegetarian canine/feline supplement. This special blend provides the correct balance of the all-important essential fatty acids (omega 3, 6, and 9) and phyto (plant) nutrients that are nutrient-dense and sparingly processed, in addition to probiotics for better digestion. This product can be added to your dog's or cat's food daily to support and maintain health.
The blend includes:
- Essential fatty acids to support intercellular health, for absorption of fat soluble vitamins, and to maintain energy levels.
- Dietary fibre and probiotics to promote a healthy digestive system.
- Phyto (plant) nutrients to support general health and nutrition.

OmegaPet Flax Chunks
Melrose Laboratories, 4 Redland Drive, Mitcham VIC 3132, ph: 03 9874 7800
OmegaPet flax seed supplement Flax Chunks has the essential amino acids required for optimum growth and nitrogen balance. The soluble fibre in Flaxseed Supplement/Chunks may also be useful to soften stools.
- High protein, fibre and lignan formula 
- High protein 35%
- High soluble fibre 11%
- High insoluble fibre 21%
- Richest source of plant lignans - 1500mg/100g plus Omega-3, 6 and 9 fatty acids.

Vegetarian Ears
Vegetarian Ears are an all natural and tasty alternative to pigs' ears. No meat; no artificial colours; no added chemicals; no artificial preservatives; no genetically modified ingredients.
The Vegetarian Ear is the perfect way to offer your dog a treat that's actually good for them! Vegetarian Ears are packed with the nutrition of vegetables with only 2.4% fat!

BiOpet Organic Dog Bones
BiOpet Pet Care, 20-26 President Avenue, Caringbah NSW 2229, ph: 02 9524 4277
Available in a 500g box or 4.5kg box
Ingredients:  Wholegrain cereals and cereal by-products, vegetable protein, Omega 3 vegetable oil, natural limestone, sea salt, natural preservative (vitamin E).
Crude Protein 10%, Crude Fat 3%, Crude Fibre 3%, Salt 1%.
Certified Organic Ingredients; no GMO Ingredients used; no added sugar; no artificial preservatives, colours or flavours.
Cleans gums and teeth and reduces tartar buildup. Ideal for gifts, rewards or training treats.
Made in Australia to the standards of Safe Quality Foods 2000.
"My dog LOVES them, they're great quality and surprisingly great value veggie dog treats. He can take hours gnawing through one bone."
Available at selected Safeway/Woolworths stores, pet stores and organic stores. Also available online from The Cruelty Free Shop.

Dr. Skoobies Snax - Savoury Garlic Hemp Biskit 
Produced in a certified Human Grade HACCP facility, your dog will enjoy these tasty savoury garlic hemp biskits rich in Omegas and every known amino acid.
Hemp Seed contains over 30% easily digested protein and 40% dietary fibre, omegas 3 & 6 & 9 & GLA as well as boron, calcium, iron and manganese. A very special pet treat. Give as a tasty reward once or twice a day.
Ingredients:  Wholemeal flour, oats, Australian hemp seed meal, wheatgerm, organic vegetable stock, garlic, canola oil, apple cider vinegar, salt.
Available from Happy Planet and Sustainable Hemp Products.

Gourmet Vegetarian Dog Biscuits
Pets Emporium, 2 Barton Avenue, West Hobart TAS 7000, ph: 03 6231 9050
Email: kittykruup@hotmail.com
The flavours of our vegetarian gourmet dog biscuits include Carob, Fresh Breath, 'Chicken', 'Beef', 'Beef & Gravy Bones', 'Dried Banana', 'Honey Bones'.

Vegedog, Vegekit & Vegecat
Vegan Wares, at 78 Smith Street, Collingwood VIC 3066 (ph: 03 9417 0230) sell Vegedog, Vegekit & Vegecat. These are vegan vitamin/mineral supplements made by Harbingers of a New Age that can be added to vegetarian/vegan pet foods that you make yourself to ensure they are nutritionally balanced. The supplements are basically a powder that you mix into your pet's food.

HELPFUL LINKS

www.VegePets.info
www.VegePets.info was created to assist animal guardians, animal carers and veterinary personnel who wish to gain a sounder understanding of the health and nutritional issues associated with meat-based and vegetarian companion animal diets. Included are advice on transitioning to vegetarian pet food; on safeguarding the health of companion animals - particularly cats; on links to suppliers of vegetarian pet foods and nutritional supplements; and essential scientific and anecdotal information on this topic.

VegPets.com
VegPets.com is a source for information and discussion about vegetarian and vegan companion animals. Ask questions, chat with others, and gain all sorts of information from your community of fellow vegetarian/vegan companion animal guardians.

The Vegan Dog Nutrition Association
"The Vegan Dog Nutrition Association is a network of professional consultants, writers, educators and dog care experts that share an interest in advocating for vegan diets for domestic dogs and informing others.
"On this web site you will find information about vegan feeding practices for dogs and direction to other resources as well. The goal for the web site is to provide single location for links to information related to vegan nutrition for companion dogs. If you are looking into the viability of the vegan feeding of dogs I think you will find the resources we link to on this web page useful."

VeganCats.com
Vegancats.com is dedicated to the principle that the lives of ALL animals have inherent value. Founded in 1999 and initially dedicated to making vegan cat and dog food more readily available, they have since expanded to offer a complete line of treats, supplements and toys, as well as many earth- and animal-friendly accessories. They have product pages, FAQ and resource links, and you can email them if you have any additional questions.

Vegetarian Society (UK)
The Vegetarian Society of the UK has the following Information Sheets on their website:
- Dogs - A Vegetarian Diet?
- Cats - A Vegetarian Diet?

Book:  Vegetarian Dogs
Vegetarian Dogs, Toward a World Without Exploitation (by Verona re-Bow and Jonathan Dune) is a book that provides answers and gives directions to easily purchase or prepare a healthy meal. It also covers canine nutrition, ethics, exercise, and healthcare.

Book:  Vegetarian Cats & Dogs
Vegetarian Cats & Dogs (by James Peden) - this book is the Third Edition of Dogs & Cats Go Vegetarian. It includes information on the ongoing Vegepet story, the commercial pet food industry, and case histories that help your pet’s transition to a vegetarian diet.

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