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- Help! I believe (after a great deal of research) that dogs are carnivores
Help! I believe (after a great deal of research) that dogs are carnivores
Started
by Nakumi
on January 14, 2013
Based soley on their antaomy (teeth, digestive tract, etc.), I have acquiesced that dogs are carnivores. My Rottie has been on a raw Prey-model diet for 15 months. I do not vaccinate him and I do my best to give him everything natural. I love animals and am having a conflict about what to fed him. He currently eats pigs, chkn, cows, rabbits, and occasionally turkey. If I could get his meat from a enviornmentally sound and humane mom and pop farm, I definitely would in a heartbeat. As it is, I do the best I can, and that has meant buying from Asian markets. If anyone can guide me to a more humane and ecofriendly diet ( still honoring his natural propensity as a domesticated carnivore), I'd love to learn about it. While I am honoring my body by following The Kind Diet, I still want to honor his body by feeding him what nature intended. If he is meant to eat veggies (which his digestive system doesn't seem to support biologically), please help guide me to proven research. I want to do what's best for him, but I also care about the animals he is eating, as well as our impact on the planet.
One thing I will not do is feed him kibble.
Thank you kindly for your help! :-)
Hi Nakumi,
Check out Aunt Jeni's Homemade. They are THE best raw food: http://www.auntjeni.com
Unfortunately, their online store is down, but if you call and order via phone, their staff is SUPER friendly.
As far as research, I've read conflicting arguments. We actually tried the vegetarian diet for our dog, Nala, but she refused it for several days and over months of numerous attempts. However, I do know a fellow dog walker who has a vegetarian dog and he seems extremely healthy. She suggested that I read: Dr. Pitcairn's New Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats. Nonetheless, I still have a great deal of research to do in regards to the topic of whether a dog should go vegetarian or vegan. Alicia does say it's possible!
I'll keep you posted in regards to any research on this that I come across...
Cheers!
Lindsay, thank you very much for taking the time to respond. I appreciate the information and will defenitely check out that website. Have a great day!
It is CRAZY that this is being talked about right now on this site because I am struggling with the exact same thing. I am definitely going to switch my two dogs to something better than the run of the mill kibble. The ingredient list is so terrible (they are getting rendered by-products that were judged to be unfit for human consumption...I don't think that sounds very healthy). I have also found so much conflicting information that it makes the decision as to what is best to feed them confusing. I agree with you Nakumi that dogs are carnivores, so now, what is the best, least cruel meat to feed them? Is it really necessary or can they get protein from other sources like us? Can they go vegetarian/vegan and just have supplements and be healthier? I am planning on talking to my vet and also a dog nutritionist in my town to see what they think. We are all good doggy parents for thinking about this. :) Best of luck to you in your search and if you find out any reliable resources/useful info, please post an update for us! Have a great weekend!
Another note...the food Alicia feeds her dogs is Dr. Harvey's Miracle Dog Food and you can add meat to this food when you prepare it for your dog (just google it and check out their website for more info). I talked with a vet tech and she said she has done this type of meal for her dogs for years. She said one of them lived to be 21 years old and healthy until he died! Just another thought... :)
I have been using www.v-dog.com and both my dogs choose it over any other dog food.
I have spent a lot of time this morning researching Dr. Harvey and will also try his 2 dog foods using vegan protein and oils.
Well, I met with a dog nutritionist this week and spoke with my vet this morning about switching dog foods for my two older greyhounds. He said that as long as there are quality ingredients and the right amount of protein for your dog, you should be good to go. I am still looking into what I will do. He said that since my dogs are older greyhounds, the protein percentage should be in the low twenties. There are just so many choices. V-dog and Dr. Harvey are front runners right now though. If anyone has success, please let me know what you tried.
Beth, I am interested in seeing if your pooches like Dr. Harvey, so please keep us updated. :)
i personally believe dogs are omnivores, not carnivores, capable of eating plants or meat. just like we are. my dog used to eat carrot bits that we dropped on the floor by mistake, but he really ate everything.. anyway, whether it is healthier to have a vegan dog I do not know
After much deliberation, I have decided to try a holistic dog food that does contain meat. I just feel very nervous starting my dogs on a vegan diet. I would love it if they were plant-based, but of course, I ultimately want what is best for their nutrition. I ended up purchasing a brand called Earthborn. I can give updates if anyone wants to know how it goes. They (my two dogs, Chloe and Arrow) are excited about it because it is tasty lol.
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