Is a Vegetarian Food Good for my Dog or Cat?

Vegetarian Pet Foods

Dogs and cats are classified as carnivores, but many dogs can thrive on a vegetarian diet. There are several vegetarian and even vegan pet foods available which are supplemented with nutrients unavailable in plants. (We recommend that you search the Internet for vegetarian dog food information.)

Your dog might do very well with one of these diets, or even with a balanced homemade vegetarian diet. However, you should watch your dog carefully for problems such as a dull coat, dandruff, low energy, diarrhea, or other symptoms. It can take months or even years for a deficiency to develop.

Cats have very specific metabolic requirements for several nutrients found only in animal products, such as taurine, pre-formed Vitamin A (they cannot convert the plant precursor, beta-carotene), and arachadonic acid. They may not be able to adequately digest some plant-based proteins. There is at least one product marketed as a feline supplement for vegetarian diets, but these nutrients are chemically synthesized or highly purified, and may lack the enzymes and co-factors needed for optimal absorption and function. The long-term implications of these supplements are unknown. Therefore, the Animal Protection Institute (API) does not recommend that cats be fed a strictly vegetarian diet and neither do we.

We recommend Life's Abundance Health Food for Cats.  More information can be found at http://www.bestfurryfriend.com

What's Really in Pet Food?
(The following text is taken directly from an article
by the Animal Protection Institute.)

Plump whole chickens, choice cuts of beef, fresh grains, and all the wholesome nutrition your dog or cat will ever need.

These are the images pet food manufacturers promulgate through the media and advertising. This is what the $11 billion per year U.S. pet food industry wants consumers to believe they are buying when they purchase their products.

This report explores the differences between what consumers think they are buying and what they are actually getting. It focuses in very general terms on the most visible name brands -- the pet food labels that are mass-distributed to supermarkets and discount stores -- but there are many highly respected brands that may be guilty of the same offenses. Read the Entire Article

Important! Listen to Dr. Jane Bicks presentation of, "Do You Really Know What's in Your Pet's Food".  Click Here Now

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