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Can Dogs Be Vegan?

Full disclosure -- I am a failed vegan. For several years, I was determined to not eat or use products made from animals. That is until COVID entered our world in 2020. During that unprecedented time, I decided to comfort myself the only way I knew how -- by munching on copious amounts of cheese. Now, four years later, I am just a vegetarian because I don’t have it in me to shake my habit of eating dairy. Vegans reading this – I am aware I am weak. 

Anyway, even when I was a strict vegan, I still fed my furry friend dog food made out of meat. From my past understanding, dogs can not live a healthy life by adhering to a strictly vegan diet. 

Photo by Marek Szturc on Unsplash

But what do experts have to say on the matter? 

According to the American Kennel Club, owners can put their furry friends on a vegan diet if they get a go-ahead from their veterinarians. This is because dogs aren’t actually carnivores, but rather omnivorous, just like humans. 

However, a vegan diet is not ideal for dogs, as it can potentially lack protein and vitamins, like B-12. If you decide to go the vegan route for your furry friend, you will need to stock up on veterinarian-recommended supplements.

Photo by Ewien van Bergeijk - Kwant on Unsplash

Pet MD also warns you to refrain from giving your furry friend homemade vegan meals, as your dog may end up having an unbalanced diet.