Dogs Can Be Vegan with Expert Guidance, While Cats Are Obligate Carnivores.
After eliminating meat for ethical, health, or environmental reasons, some people want their pets to adopt a plant-based diet as well. However, not all pets can thrive on such a diet. Pet owners should not transition their pets to a completely vegan diet without professional help, according to Lindsey Bullen, a veterinarian and animal nutrition expert based in North Carolina, USA.
A woman feeding a dog a carrot in the garden. (Photo: Iuliia Bondar).
Changing a pet’s diet without expert assistance can often harm their health. The animal proteins that dogs and cats typically consume contain amino acids in forms that are easily absorbed by their bodies—more so than what is generally found in plant proteins. Pets that do not receive sufficient protein may experience weight loss, muscle wasting, weakness, poor digestion, and even fluid accumulation in the chest or abdomen, according to the Cummings Veterinary Medical Center at Tufts University.
Cats require taurine, an amino acid found in animal proteins. If taurine is not appropriately supplemented in a plant-based diet, cats may suffer from neurological dysfunction, reproductive issues, and heart disease, Bullen noted.
Incorrect mineral balance can also have consequences. For example, an improper calcium-to-phosphorus ratio can increase the risk of fractures in dogs and cats, as well as hinder the growth of puppies or kittens.
“A vegan diet can be safely implemented for both dogs and cats. However, while a vegan diet can be safely applied to dogs, it is very challenging for cats“, Bullen stated. Cats are obligate carnivores, so many of their nutritional needs are tied to meat components. Therefore, cats require numerous supplements to create a complete and balanced vegan diet.
Bullen encourages people to actively participate in adjusting their pets’ nutrition but also warns against anthropomorphizing them. “Dogs and cats are very different from humans. Your goals for yourself are admirable, but we need to keep our pets happy and healthy”, Bullen remarked.
