Can dogs be vegetarian (split from thread "Feeding cichlids and other fish meat")

[CaptainBarnicles]

b12 IS found in some plant-based foods.

Seaweed and mushrooms....and vegan favourite, yeast!

 

[connorlindeman]

I never said it wasn't, but compared to meat, eggs and dairy it is not found in high levels and thus would likely still require some kind of supplementation. Read the study I linked.

Im pretty sure that you edited your response.

You added "unless fortified" in quotes

 

[Rocky998]

What i meant was that animals are not called to abstain from unclean foods.

Exactly, so why deprive them of what they naturally need and eat?

 

[Valkyrie_Lips]

Im pretty sure that you edited your response.

You added "unless fortified" in quotes

I did edit my response 17 minutes ago.

 

[connorlindeman]

Exactly, so why deprive them of what they naturally need and eat?

we are not specifically talking about about foods deemed unclean in lev 11

 

[connorlindeman]

I did edit my response 17 minutes ago.

Exactly. Its best to make a new post when adding something like. People don't go back and look at edits made. It will save you from getting misquoted.

 

[Rocky998]

we are not specifically talking about about foods deemed unclean in lev 11

Well then what are you talking about lol

 

[connorlindeman]

Well then what are you talking about lol

What are you talking about.

 

[connorlindeman]

Do you know what Lev 11 is about?

 

[Valkyrie_Lips]

Are you talking about Leviticus? Because if you are that's embarrassing. Religion has no place in a discussion about biologically appropriate diets for dogs (or people for that matter).

 

[AdoraBelle Dearheart]

Could you repost your two logical arguments because I don't see any.

Go back to my previous two posts before you made that one, quote them, and respond. Otherwise you're just skipping points you don't want to face in a debate, and being rude in response to boot.

No. I think its best they don't eat meat now.

Based on what? Their biology has not changed. Only your opinions.

Do you believe that its impossible for a dog to have a vegetarian diet?

Have I ever said that? In fact I said that they can survive on (supplimented) vegetarian foods. But the point in contention is whether it's fair or right to do that to an primarily carnivorous omnivore. Whether they can THRIVE on that, and what the purpose behind it is.

So far the purpose is to keep yourself happy, and has nothing to do with the dog's health or needs.

Thats an incorrect statement.

In addition, can someone fill me in on which religion places importance on "clean" and "unclean" foods, since that seems to be informing the debate without being declared as a factor.

 

[connorlindeman]

Are you talking about Leviticus? Because if you are that's embarrassing. Religion has no place in a discussion about biologically appropriate diets for dogs (or people for that matter).

@Rocky998 brought it up. Not me. I was addressing his concerns.

 

[connorlindeman]

In addition, can someone fill me in on which religion places importance on "clean" and "unclean" foods, since that seems to be informing the debate without being declared as a factor.

Ask @Rocky998

 

[TwoTankAmin]

As always, there is science on this. Click on View Full Text at the end of the abstract below to see the full paper.

Knight, A. and Leitsberger, M., 2016. Vegetarian versus meat-based diets for companion animals. Animals, 6(9), p.57.

Simple Summary​

Many owners of companion animals are interested in vegetarian diets for their animals, as concerns increase about the consequences of animal farming, for health, animal welfare, and the environment. However, are vegetarian diets for cats and dogs nutritionally balanced and healthy? This article comprehensively reviews the evidence published to date from four studies that have examined the nutritional adequacy of vegetarian diets for cats and dogs. To obtain additional information, we surveyed 12 pet food companies detailed in the most recent study. We also examined the nutritional soundness of meat-based companion-animal diets, and reviewed the evidence concerning the health status of vegetarian, carnivorous and omnivorous companion animals. Both cats and dogs may thrive on vegetarian diets, but these must be nutritionally complete and reasonably balanced. Owners should also regularly monitor urinary acidity, and should correct urinary alkalinisation through appropriate dietary additives, if necessary.

Abstract​

Companion animal owners are increasingly concerned about the links between degenerative health conditions, farm animal welfare problems, environmental degradation, fertilizers and herbicides, climate change, and causative factors; such as animal farming and the consumption of animal products. Accordingly, many owners are increasingly interested in vegetarian diets for themselves and their companion animals. However, are vegetarian canine and feline diets nutritious and safe? Four studies assessing the nutritional soundness of these diets were reviewed, and manufacturer responses to the most recent studies are provided. Additional reviewed studies examined the nutritional soundness of commercial meat-based diets and the health status of cats and dogs maintained on vegetarian and meat-based diets. Problems with all of these dietary choices have been documented, including nutritional inadequacies and health problems. However, a significant and growing body of population studies and case reports have indicated that cats and dogs maintained on vegetarian diets may be healthy—including those exercising at the highest levels—and, indeed, may experience a range of health benefits. Such diets must be nutritionally complete and reasonably balanced, however, and owners should regularly monitor urinary acidity and should correct urinary alkalinisation through appropriate dietary additives, if necessary. View Full-Text

Brown, W.Y., 2009. Nutritional and ethical issues regarding vegetarianism in the domestic dog. Recent Adv. Anim. Nutr. Aust, 17, pp.137-143.

Abstract:

Many dog owners wish to feed their dogs a vegetarian diet for the same ethical reason that they themselves are vegetarian. To meet this demand, there are an increasing number of vegetarian diets and recipes available for dogs. However, proof for their claims of nutritional adequacy is often lacking. There is little doubt that a dog's nutritional requirements can be met from a diet that does not contain meat; however, the difference between the amino acid profiles of plant and animal proteins must be considered. It has been shown that exercising dogs may develop anaemia when fed unbalanced plantprotein diets but will remain in good health if the meatfree diet is correctly balanced. Many plant ingredients contain high levels of non-starch polysaccharides and other anti-nutritive factors, which may reduce the availability of some nutrients. A diet devoid of animal ingredients is also likely to be of low palatability to dogs. All diets should be correctly formulated to meet nutrient requirements based on chemical analysis and predicted or measured apparent digestibility, should be sufficiently palatable to ensure adequate dietary intake and should maintain good health when consumed. If a vegetarian diet meets all of these criteria, then it is a suitable diet for the dog, irrespective of the owner's motivation for feeding a vegetarian diet.

Full study here

 

[AdoraBelle Dearheart]

Actually, he only mentioned a certain being. You were the first to mention unclean foods.

@Rocky998 brought it up. Not me. I was addressing his concerns.

Yes i feed them anubias daily
I have:
Neons
Cherry barbs
corys
red eyes
clown killis
cichlids

Yes, I do feed them flakes, bug bites, and brine shrimp. Animals are not called to avoid unclean foods.