Plant-based dog food is a trend that is slowly starting to emerge in the industry as pet parents are looking for more ways to be sustainable and reduce their carbon footprint. As this trend explodes in popularity, pet parents have become much more interested in learning more about plant-based options. After all, dogs need to get certain amounts of nutrients like protein, fat, water, vitamins, minerals, and carbohydrates, and consumers want to be sure that these needs are addressed in recipes. from plants.
Freshpet recognizes that it is important for pet parents to evaluate products to find the food that best suits the needs of their furry friends. Here’s a brief overview of plant-based dog foods as well as some of their commonly-referenced benefits.
Can dogs survive on completely plant-based dog food?
One of the biggest questions pet parents have regarding plant-based dog foods is whether their dogs can get their nutritional needs from them. This is an important question because we naturally want to provide our dogs with the best products to help them live long, happy, and healthy lives.
Many pet parents have the misconception that dogs are carnivores, which means they need meat as the foundation of their diet to get the nutrients they need. Experts have found that this is not the case, and that dogs are actually omnivores that can get their nutrients from fruits and vegetables. This means that dogs can survive on plant-based dog foods, but there are a few important things to keep in mind when evaluating plant-based products that do not include animal protein in the industry. their consciousness.
What is The Catcher?
While dogs can get the nutrients they need from plant-based dog foods, finding the perfect balance can be difficult with a strict vegan diet. Dogs require a certain amount of vitamins and minerals, which can vary depending on their breed, size, and age. These requirements can make it difficult for them to get adequate amounts of each on a vegan diet. For this reason, experts advise against feeding dogs strictly vegan products without consulting a trusted veterinarian for dietary advice first.
What is the difference between Vegan and Vegetarian Dog Recipes?
When comparing vegetarian and vegan dog food options, it is important to be aware of the key differences between these products. A completely vegan dog food consisting of plant-based proteins, fruits and vegetables that is formulated to meet your dog’s nutritional needs, but this balance can be difficult to achieve without the use of animal protein. materials, vitamins and minerals in combination with other products.
Vegetarian pet foods are different from vegan products because they often include eggs as a source of animal protein along with fruits and vegetables. This small difference can make a big difference in helping dogs get the recommended amount of vitamins and minerals while working towards making the pet food industry sustainable and inclusive. than. Freshpet recently forayed into the vegetarian dog food arena with our Spring & Sprout line, which is 100% meat-free, uses cage-free eggs and includes high-protein plant-based proteins for a complete regimen A complete and balanced plant-based diet.
Are there any benefits to plant-based dog foods?
As plant-based dog food options become more and more popular, pet professionals and parents have conducted a lot of research to assess the niche market. Naturally, a common question among pet parents is whether there are benefits to feeding their dog plant-based foods. Here are some of the most commonly cited potential benefits to a plant-based diet for dogs.
Promoting sustainability in the pet food space
Sustainability has become a popular topic of conversation over the past few years, and for good reason – it’s important to protect our planet for future generations. Many people self-register for a plant-based diet because they realize the meat industry can have a negative impact on the environment. Plant-based dog food products stand out as an effective way to reduce our dependence on meat production, meaning huge amounts of water and energy can be saved while reduce waste production.
Offers potential solutions to allergies
Believe it or not, the most common food allergen for dogs is protein. Dogs that are fed foods that are high in protein to which they are allergic can experience a variety of symptoms including itchy skin, vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, and coma. Foods that include a blend of plant-based proteins may be a good choice for dogs with allergies to common animal protein sources and may reduce their allergy-related symptoms in time.
Contribute to healthy weight management
Dogs who have difficulty digesting food, due to allergies or other causes, can often have problems that cause them to become overweight. One benefit of plant-based products is that plant-based diets are typically lean and contain easily digestible ingredients. This quality can help dogs maintain a healthy weight while also making them less likely to feel weighed down and lethargic.
Includes anti-inflammatory ingredients, strengthens the immune system
Plant-based dog foods often contain fruits and vegetables with anti-inflammatory properties, which can help cure some inflammatory problems such as joint pain and arthritis commonly seen in older dogs as they age. This is because many fruits and vegetables contain antioxidants that help protect your dog’s tissues from damage, reducing the inflammatory response that can affect their mobility. An added bonus is that antioxidant-packed foods that are common ingredients in plant-based products can also boost their immune systems, providing a little protection from a range of conditions and diseases.
Are you considering plant-based dog food for your furry friend?
Pet parents considering a plant-based diet for their dogs can rest assured that there is a wide variety of products that are formulated to fit their nutritional needs. As is the case with any other significant change to a dog’s diet, pet parents will want to do the necessary research to ensure that their choice is the best fit for their friends. their feathers. This assessment should always include a visit to a trusted veterinarian, who can be a great resource to learn more about their nutritional needs and whether a plant-based diet is appropriate. may or may not be compatible with them.
