The average person knows a fair amount about dogs. As one of the most common pets, dogs are a favorite topic on the Internet. When you think of dogs, you probably think of cute, cuddly pets. You probably also think that they are carnivores, which is mostly - but not 100 percent - true.
While the majority of a dog’s diet in the wild is meat and dogs are unable to process grains, dogs are actually omnivores. In the wild, a dog will eat the stomach contents of its prey, which is usually a vegetarian or an omnivore. This means that dogs will eat partially digested grains and plant matter, which their bodies can use for nutrients not found in meat.
Signs Dogs Shouldn't Live on a Meat-Free Diet
While it is completely possible for your dog to survive on a meat-free diet, there are a few reasons why you shouldn’t go that route. First, dogs are used to eating meat. That is what their bodies were designed to do, and most commercial dog foods contain meat proteins for that reason. In a commercial dog food, there will also be grains and probably fruits and vegetables. All these ingredients are included because they provide vital nutrients that your dog needs to stay healthy.
Removing meat from a dog’s diet makes it difficult for them to get enough protein. Dogs require more protein in their diet than humans, and without it, dogs can become very ill. The essential fatty acids in meat proteins are hard to replicate as well. Supplements are one way to provide your dog with those necessary nutrients, but supplements are never as good as the real deal. Fatty acids help your dog’s skin and coat health, and without them, it is likely that your dog will have itchy, flaky skin.
If you are considering removing meat from your dog’s diet, you will need to talk to your veterinarian to ensure that your pet’s nutritional needs are being met.
- Lack of focus
- Sweaty paws
Other signs that your dog isn't getting enough protein in their diet include:
- Disinterest in food and water
- Poor eye function
- Poor skin and coat condition
History of Dogs Eating Meat
Many people think that dogs were historically only carnivores, but that isn’t the full story. While eating meat in the wild, dogs would consume the stomachs of their prey and, in turn, consume plant matter like seeds, nuts, grains, fruits, and vegetables. However, dogs primarily ate meat. That is why they are erroneously called strict carnivores.
Taking meat out of a dog’s diet can have a number of effects on their health. Meat provides the proteins and fatty acids that dogs need to survive and finding alternatives can be very difficult. As the trends of vegetarian and vegan dog diets continue, it is important that as a pet owner you understand the nutritional requirements of your dog.
Since dogs used to hunt, a meatless diet is contrary to their nature. Even after they were domesticated, many dogs hunted or were given table scraps, which contained the undesirable bits of meat the people didn’t want to consume. For these reasons, it is hard to contemplate what a meatless diet looks like for a dog.
If you choose to try a meat-free diet for your dog, you should meet with a vet to discuss how to properly make the switch and ensure that they are getting all the vitamins and minerals they need in their diet.
Science Behind Dogs Eating Meat
Your dog’s body was made to live off of meat. In the wild, dogs hunted for prey because they needed the protein to stay healthy and active. Since most dogs no longer have to hunt for their food, they rely on you to give them the protein their bodies need. While those who are opting for vegetarian or vegan diets can find protein alternatives like chickpeas, quinoa, and eggs (for vegetarian diets), it can be challenging to find appropriate options.
Remember that your dog relies on you for food, and without protein, they will quickly become malnourished and weak. Don’t try a vegetarian or vegan diet without consulting your vet, and if you notice any side effects, bring your pet to see a veterinarian right away.
Feeding Your Dog a Healthy Diet
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