Wednesday, February 07, 2007

Vegetarian Pet Food

Today in class we briefly discussed vegetarian food for pets. I had never known such a thing existed so I decided to look more into the topic myself. The first thing I did was call my dad who is a veterinarian for dogs and cats. He confirmed that vegetarian food products do exist for dogs and cats but strongly recommended against them. He told me that dogs and cats are both historically carnivores. He seemed to be under the impression that feeding them vegetarian foods is somehow messing with their evolution. In order for vegetarian foods to be safe for dogs and cats, he said they must contain necessary compounds that normally come from meats. After doing more extensive research I found dogs and cats are both in the order carnivora which makes them historically carnivores. I also found an interesting website:

http://www.veggiepets.com/

This website offers everything from vegan and vegetarian foods for dogs and cats to biodegradable poop bags. The vegan and vegetarian foods all have additional supplements of compounds and elements that a dog or cat requires for survival. Should cats and dogs be given vegetarian foods? You be the judge.

3 comments:

Mrinal Shukla said...

I agree with your dad and that was the first thing that I thought of when I heard about vergetarian dog food. I looked at the website you presented and I saw many organic options. This issue relates to what we discussed earlier in that although organic options may be healthier, moderation is more important than alternative food options. In the case of cats and dogs, they seem to be constantly active, at least most of them, and they make their owners active as well. This takes care of the exercise part of their lives and this must balanced with a diet of moderate samples of different foods, which includes meat.

Kajal Patel said...

I know that dogs and cats sometimes eat grass and other plants; But the whole concept of vegetarian pet food still amazes me. Dogs and cats were fine centuries ago, whats changing this now. In the past food wasn't processed and was much more 'organic', people these days also do tend to spoil their pets, pampering them with so called treats and also pets aren't let out much (in cities etc). Either way, I'm waiting for the new 'dog diet pills' or the 'lion's a day multivitamin with added vitamin b12.'

Daphne said...

My cat Ramone eats grass when he is not feeling well to cause himself to vomit. I had other cats growing up who would also eat grass. I am not sure if their bodies can digest it. Terry--maybe you can ask you dad. :)