Even though our canine pals are classified as carnivorous, they are omnivorous. Your dog’s nutritional requirements can be met adequately with a plant-based meal. And that is because they can synthesize most of the nutrients from plant-based meals with proper supplementation.
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An excellent example of a dog that thrived on a vegan diet was a Border Collie known as Bramble. Bramble’s vegan meal of lentils and rice, among other organic veggies, contributed to a lifespan of about 27 years. So here are 5 things that you must add to your dog’s vegan meal to make it a balanced diet.
5 Things to Add to Your Dog’s Vegan Diet
- Wheat-Meat
Your canine pal’s protein requirement is higher than yours, so you should make sure that about 50% of his meal is made up of high-protein plant sources like lentils, soybeans, chickpeas, and pintos. One of the best sources of protein is wheat-meat, also known as Seitan. Wheat-meat is a unique high-protein vegan meat that is made using gluten-free flour.
- Beta-Carotene & Enzymes
Our furry pals convert beta-carotene to vitamin A which is mandatory for them; therefore, their food must contain carrots or sweet potatoes. Some vegetables like yams, pumpkins, and squash are ideal for enzymes, fiber, minerals, and vitamins. However, there are numerous supplements in the market, like Prozyme and Green Mush, which contain all the needed enzymes.
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- Taurine
All vegan dog specialists and food companies advise adding taurine to all vegan diets. And that is because dogs cannot synthesize this amino acid themselves. So make sure you add a Taurine supplement to your dog’s food.
- L-Carnitine
Another amino acid that dogs can’t synthesize is L-carnitine. This amino acid can only be found in animal flesh; therefore, make sure you add this supplement in your dog’s food. This amino acid is included in several commercial vegan meals.
- Oil
Our canine pals require a certain amount of oil in their meals to help maintain their lustrous coats. 1-2 tablespoons of hemp seed oil, flaxseed oil, or tahini can transform your dog’s coat within a few days. The food oil can get them to eat anything.
Final Thoughts
Dogs can get a considerable percentage of their nutritional needs from plant-based meals. However, some crucial amino acids can only be found in animal flesh. Therefore, you should be ready to add numerous supplements to their meals to create a balanced vegan diet.
About the Author
Cynthia Garcia: Cynthia is the editor and content creator at Pet Fashion Week. She’s a passionate pet rescue supporter and in her free time, she’s always looking for ways to help the community.
