Veganism has been around for some time but it is just recently that we started to look into the benefits of vegan dog food. Unlike cats or other pets, dogs are omnivores, meaning that they can thrive on a vegetable-based diet. This prompted many dog owners to switch their dog’s diet to a vegan or vegetarian one and, while the benefits were quick to show, it was not enough to convince some pet owners. If you want to switch your dog’s diet to a vegan one or if you want to try one focused on animal protein such as Taste of the Wild, then this article is here to present you both options and help you make an informed decision.
Is Vegan Dog Food Safe for My Dog?
Let’s address this rumour once and for all: vegan dog food is safe for your dog. As stated before, dogs are omnivores. Their bodies and internal organs are designed to survive and thrive on a plant-based diet.
There are a number of nutrients that dogs must consume in order to meet all of their nutritional needs and these include:
- Plant proteins such as lentils, peas and soy
- Essential amino acids such as taurine and l-carnitine
- Vitamins and minerals, including but not limited to B12 and D
If your pet’s diet includes these nutrients, regardless of it being plant-based or meat-based, then your dog has access to all of the required nutrients needed for a healthy and fulfilling life.
Should I Try a Vegan Diet for My Dog?
Many dogs that are facing allergies and are sensitive to various ingredients thrive on vegan dog food because they don’t include the many allergens meat-based foods often do. The decision is ultimately up to you and your dog, but regardless of what choice you end up making, here are some particularities of a plant-based diet:
- Veganism is an ethical alternative to factory farming and other animal welfare practices
- Veganism is an environmentally cautious option that does not impact the environment in the negative ways carnivore diets do
- Dog owners who made the switch to vegan dog food reported improvements in their pet’s digestion
- It is a great option for dogs who suffer from various allergies, especially to chicken or beef
What is Taste of the Wild Dog Food?
Unlike plant-based options, Taste of the Wild dog food focuses, as its name suggests, on the use of protein in their formulas. All of their products contain a large amount of meat protein from various sources and, while they do use vegetables and fruits for their probiotic properties, their formulas are mostly reliant on the use of various forms of meat proteins.
Here are some of the particularities of the brand:
- The main sources of protein incorporated in their formulas include venison, bison, salmon, duck and turkey.
- They offer grain-free options, which might appeal to some dogs who face various allergies
- They don’t use artificial preservatives, colours or fillers
- They are rich in omega fatty acids which prompt coat and skin health
- They include probiotics for gut support
Taste of the Wild philosophy focuses on the idea that dogs should eat more like their ancestors, the wolves, which is why their brand focuses heavily on the use of animal protein, particularly novel ones. As mentioned earlier, they use venison, bison, turkey and other types of meats that are not typically found in conventional dog food.
Choosing Between Taste of the Wild and Vegan Dog Food
There’s no “one size fits all” when it comes to dog diets and, in determining whether you should invest in a plant-based diet or in a meat-based diet, you should ask yourself the following questions:
- What is my priority? As stated earlier, both of these options are suitable for dogs and dog owners reported benefits from using both of these options so, the first question in determining if you should choose one or the other is what is your priority? Do you want to feed your dog food that would mimic what the ancestors of your dog would have been able to eat back in the day, or do you want to feed your dog something that aligns with your ethical concerns? If the answer is the former, then Taste of the Wild is the obvious choice. It was made to mimic the wild diet wolves would eat and it focuses on animal protein. If the answer is the latter, then you should try a vegan diet for your dog. If you’re worried about the impact of animal agriculture on our world and if you want to try a cruelty-free lifestyle, then the vegan option can be the right move.
- What does your dog need? While both options are scientifically proven to be healthy for dogs, it doesn’t mean that your dog has no choice or no preference in what regards the food it is eating. If you’re unsure how to choose between the two, you can try feeding your dog both options and document the way they respond to it. Here is what to document: How happy is the dog eating this food? Are their stools regular and firm? Is their coat shiny? Do they maintain a healthy weight level? What about their energy level? Some dogs might thrive on a vegan diet, while other dogs might simply not develop a taste for it and, either way, it is important you get them the food they enjoy.
Conclusion
There are many aspects to take into account before making a switch between a meat-based diet and a plant-based diet and vice-versa. Always consult with a vet before making any major and long-term changes in your dog’s diet and always keep an open mind that your dog might or might not like a certain option. There are many dogs that are very adaptable to vegan dog food and there are dogs who want nothing but an animal-based bowl from Taste of the Wild and, ultimately, you must get them what they want.
