Veterinarian Speaks about Feeding Dogs a Vegan Diet

[ryankorczak]

Let me put an animal carcass down beside a plate of veggies and try to tell me dogs are "mainly omnivores". My Jack Russell caught and killed a rabbit in the forest yesterday, which I brought home for her to eat. Dogs anatomy and digestive systems are built to eat raw meat. I'm a vegan, and I have no problem ethically feeding my dogs meat. I go to the butcher shops and for next to nothing buy all the stuff that humans won't consume, that would normally be thrown out. No dog thrives on kibble.

[jjlinert]

Aren't milk and eggs okay for dogs?

[animegirl13pain]

I don't know why people think domesticated dogs are carnivores. They've adapted over the years to traveling with us and therefor have mostly eaten veggie diets anyway. If you look at the dog food you feed your dog i bet most of it contains veggies and the meat that you feed it is prob just a by-product (waste, as she mentioned in the video).

[jbkgjbkg]

My dog has survived on a veggie diet for a couple of days now, I simply mix up some pizza and he just loves it.

[Matthhewx]

this stuff is damn idiotic...

Certain people dont respect their animal companions enough to support their natural needs...

Dogs being omnivores... srsly... this is the biggest joke of the century!Try feeding a dog with only raw meat or only vegetables(no not with multivitamin powders and artificial amino acids etc)...Check the result...

everything about a dog or cat's body design says they were designed for a carnivorous, hunting lifestyle geared toward killing prey.Facts ppl and anathomy....

[Matthhewx]

@Matthhewx

Even for humans this vegan marketing is amazing stuff for me...You just dont reach any goal by doing this...As long as the majority of ppl do eat meat,the process continues...And the only thing you do is supporting a new industry that is based arround people being maniac vegans...You know...special foods,special supplements etc etc...And what do you see about them?:) They are more expensive...And many of them do still contain preservatives...Dont be fkin brainwashed droids...

[VeganBreak]

@Matthhewx My dog has been vegan for 4 years and is thriving. Every vet I've been to has agreed. Dogs can most definitely thrive on a vegan diet.

[thatbitchonskates]

@Matthhewx my dog and my cat are totally vegan and totally healthy. I don't have ethical problems in my mind asking myself how come I respect the life of my dog but not the life of cows and pigs - amazing animals in their own right. It is my belief that all domesticated animals and humans should be vegans.

[Matthhewx]

@thatbitchonskates good thing plants are not living beings... oh wait... they are!Stop with this brainwashng bullshit...All this vegan stuff is like a religion...nothing more nothing less....And if you believe in it strong enough you can enjoy the placebo effects of belief at least;)...Enjoy it but at least stop trying to spread the world how much better you think you are coz aou(or your pet) dont eat animals,coz plants do live and suffer aswell at the cost of our life!

[Matthhewx]

@thatbitchonskates Basically...if you are so serious about not wanting to hurt any living thing at the cost of your life, then you better just jump into a lioncage...no more plants or animals hurt by you animore+you provide aa nice meal for them=profit...

Now the serious part:Every singl living thing lives at the cost of something elses life...That's the rule of nature!And even if in this case the nature is tricked by a grotesque industry...it is a needed bad thing...

[rivier4]

great t-shirt

[tt247jer]

Try putting a cat on a vegan diet... they'll die in a couple weeks

[simonk512]

@tt247jer wow good input, its a good thing no body was talking about that in the video

[DanielEBurnette]

Why should you synthetically replace an essential amino acid (taurine) when you can give it to you dog through a natural food source? Being meat.

[tomcat528]

Just because you're a vegan doesn't mean its right to make your pet become one...

[ojideagu]

@tomcat528 It astounds me these idiots don't see the irony. They are forcing their beliefs on an animal. How would they feel if they were force fed meat?

[TheJuanf7601]

Open your dogs mouth and tell me what you see ???

[VeganMotorcyclePilot]

I will not own a pet that cannot be veg, I dont value one life over another, pigs are as smart yet are tortured in factory farms. I use Natures Recipe veg formula sold in Petsmart.

[JustWaIkAway]

I OWN 7 Pitbulls and I feed them beef, chicken, pork and sometimes fish. They love it!

Hey VeganBreak, you're killing yourself with your very own argument... "dogs are omnivores" Ok. Right. So I guess it's perfectly OK to feed them meat. (part of an omnivore diet) THANK YOU! WOOOOO FIRE UP THE GRILL!

[kimberlily1983]

@JustWaIkAway The point being made is not that dogs can't handle meat (except those allergic, etc.), but that dogs don't need meat. Her argument is perfectly valid; it's you who doesn't understand what she's saying.

A herbivore is an animal that sustains herself almost exclusively on plant matter (for ex, a rabbit), and a carnivore sustains herself almost exclusively on animal matter. Omnivores can sustain themselves on both o. These aren't rigid groups, and it doesn't mean that...

[kimberlily1983]

@kimberlily1983 *** meant to say, earlier, that omnivores can sustains themselves on both plant and/or animal matter. ***

[kimberlily1983]

@JustWaIkAway ... any old diet will satisfy the needs of an omnivore. For instance, in the case of humans, we could theoretically survive on an all-meat diet, though it wouldn't be very good for us. An all-plant diet, on the other hand, is optimal for us, indicating that we are omnivores that are closer to the herbivore end of the spectrum than the carnivore end. I'm not sure where dogs would fit, but they are also capable of vegan diets.

[kimberlily1983]

@JustWaIkAway Cats and other animals who are on the more carnivorous end of the spectrum, are more controversial. There are concerns about how to adequately construct a vegan diet for them. This doesn't mean it's necessarily impossible, but there are ethical considerations to take into account.

[greenwoodonearth]

@JustWaIkAway

That's correct.

I have a belgian shepard and we will change his diet next week to a vegetarian one. Just ethical issues. Nothing worth to think about my friend.

[JustWaIkAway]

@greenwoodonearth OK. So you think your "ethical views" are superior to God's or mother nature's... the ones that designed your dog a c-a-r-n-i-v-o-r-e.

[greenwoodonearth]

@JustWaIkAway

Domestic dogs are omnivores. That's for sure. i have a book to my side, where the digeting system is described. Also, my girlfriend studies this kind of stuff. We will take care. Actually we still buy food with flesh (Science Hill) , where there is about 30% flesh. The rest is veggie anyway.

Another very interesting point of view. If your sentence would be correct, we would have no more body-mind problem in science. You are a hero, my friend, you are a hero.

[JustWaIkAway]

@greenwoodonearth You're begining to annoy me. Please do not reply or I'll go to my back yard and shoot a DEER just for the heck of it. I'm not kidding. Thank you.

(fag...)

[greenwoodonearth]

@JustWaIkAway

Ok, I will not answer you! Please don't shoot a deer. I hope you feel better and that your believe in god supports you the way it does until today.



[k956upg]

Save a cow...eat a vegitarian.

Poor dog.

they have canine teeth for eating meat.

Keep it natural keep it original give it a cat to eat.

[starfaery]

@k956upg To your quote: How does this save a cow?

[fenriz218]

Are there no laws against animal cruelty in this place?

If these people feel the need for an animal companion, why don't they just get a cow, a goat or some rabbits? It almost seems like their sole intent is to make the lives of those, who follow their instincts and enjoy their food, miserable.

Having to talk to vegans is almost like talking to the taliban ... :(

[marcluc1988]

Some tinned pet foods contains 'meat' from euthanased animals.  Animals that are euthanased obviously have illnesses and diseases.

[LeftyLike]

Being able to survie on an omnivore diet does not make you an omnivore.

In that case, most animals on earth would be omnivores.

I'm not going to say "i'm right, you're wrong"..and i accept that i might be wrong.

But where is the evidence?

Yes, you have a vet saying its ok, but i also know that there are scientists who do not believe in evolution..so show me some facts..please?

[marcluc1988]

@LeftyLike The number of scientists who don't believe in evolution are extremely low. I think it's less than 5%, especially among biologists.

I agree, though, with your comment on being able to survive on an omnivorous diet doesn't make you an omnivore. I read an article about a lion (supposedly carnivore) who never ate animal products and would only eat vegan food.

[marcluc1988]

@LeftyLike The rescuers believed that she associated the smell of meat reminded her (the lion cub) of the smell of her mother's blood.

[JonnySpeeding]

if anybody is wondering about cats - I feed my cat Amicat which is vegan - has high quality ingredients and a good amount of non-meat Taurine. She is extremely healthy. My conclusion is that 95% of people actually understand little about pet food and made decisions based on what big manufacturers and their own assumptions are. Dogs, cats, ferrets... live long health lives on vegan food.

[andreschapero]

I love this channel.  Andres from Santiago, Chile.

[ContaMuir17a]

Really Very Difficult to hear. Too bad.

[metromusicamphibian]

Uhm, so it's OK to feed your dog vegans?!?

[DanielManahan]

Nice information, but was this recorded by an airport runway? can barely make out what is said.

[JUKIO01]

omg vegans are weird, freaks

[niLasnuts]

i think JustWalkaway has no live outside youtube.

[muppetspuppets]

Excellent video. Thanks

[DisturbedVEGAN]

My Pitbull "Bear" eats vegetarian dog food made by "AvoDerm" That i get at PetsMart, Pits are prone to heart disease so a Vegetarian diet is perfect for him, Now i can't really say which Dog Food he Prefers, But he does eat it just as easy as he did the other 'meat brand" dog food, I would recommended anyone switching there dogs diet check with there Vet first, before and after the new diet.

[VeganBreak]

actually, dogs are omnivores, like humans, and can be healthy and very happy on a vegan diet. If you ask the SPCA, I'm sure they will agree.

[bulliethepirate]

YEAH that s why they eat vegetables fruits when they are in the nature. I don't meat but this is totally insane.

[abbyful]

@VeganBreak Dogs are carnivores, not omnivores. They lack the enzymes to break down the cell-walls in plant matter (yet digest bones just fine). They have short digestive tracts of carnivores. They cannot move their jaws side-to-side, only up and down, etc. Everything about dogs physiologically says "carnivore", not "omnivore".

rawfed (dot) com (slash) myths (slash) omnivores (dot) html

[ojideagu]

@VeganBreak Omnivore is not Vegan or Vegetarian. The clue is in the name. It means a wide balanced

range of food, which includes meat. Humans and Dogs.

[JustWaIkAway]

"research before you start typing"

That's your only defense! You think it's so clever... How many times have you used it? Hahahaha so lame!

[JustWaIkAway]

OMNIVORES, so when wolves starve in the tundra they eat grass and berries... right, IDIOT!

[JustWaIkAway]

You should be reported to the ASPCA, dogs are carnivores!

flagged: ANIMAL ABUSE!

[baxterandcotton]

dogs are not carnivores, you moron.

[abbyful]

Actually, dogs ARE carnivores. Not omnivores and certainly not herbivores.

Dogs can digest bones, yet they CANNOT digest vegetable matter unless it is pureed. Their digestive systems simply cannot break down the cell walls of plant matter.

Feeding a dog a vegan diet makes as much sense as feeding a rabbit a steak.

If you want a vegetarian/vegan pet, get a rabbit and rehome your dogs/cats to someone who will take proper care of them (which includes feeding a species-appropriate diet).

[baxterandcotton]

dogs are not obligate carnivores. you are misinformed. dogs are omnivores which means they can survive on either plant OR animal matter.

Additionally, you are way out of line in stating that I don't take proper care of my dogs. I do dog rescue and provide a vegan diet to rescue dogs as well as my personal dogs. The rescue dogs always get a softer, shiner coat, better stools, and more energy on my home made VEGAN food. My veterinarian has never found health problems in them.

[abbyful]

What other "omnivore" cannot digest plant matter unless first pureed?!

Try this: feed your dog a handful of baby carrots, green beans, then watch it's poop for several days. What will you see? Undigested pieces of vegetable.

Even with pureed vegetables, the bioavailability of the nutrients is far lower than from animal sources.

You need to do more research and feed your dog a proper diet, or rehome your dog to someone who will.

rawfed(dot)com(slash)myths(sla­sh)omnivores(dot)html

[marcluc1988]

@baxterandcotton I have to agree. Dogs are not carnivores. They're omnivores. My dogs used to love my vegan food and sweets (candy). He died at the age of 13, which isn't bad for a dog.

[jbkgjbkg]

@baxterandcotton That depends, they are mostly carnivorus but will eat veggies too. I think they should eat what wolves eat in nature.

[simuliid]

Thanks so much for the great information. I am so glad that this information is becoming so much less controversial as we learn more.

Great presentation!!

[Chrisisms]

'dogs, like wolves and humans'

Dogs, Canis lupus familiaris are NOT like humans. Dogs are mutated scavengers, while humans are genetic frugivores (digesting fruit best like GREAT APES).

'One of the main reasons for their (and our) ability to survive in widely varied circumstances'

While feral humans and mutated/feral dogs do 'survive' out of ecological niche. Humans thrive eating biochemically compatible diets (fruit, sprouts, leafy greens).

Even cows can survive meat consumption...

[Chrisisms]

J Vet Intern Med. 2009 Jul-Aug;23(4):794-800. Soy protein isolate versus meat-based low-protein diet for dogs with congenital portosystemic shunts.

Studies suggested that protein source may play an important role, with vegetable and dairy protein having better effects on hepatic encephalopathy (HE) than meat..

The influence of the soy-based diet on plasma NH3 concentration and coagulation parameters suggests that such a diet decreases risk for HE and gives better support of liver function.

[xedgexpax]

I got a dog from the shelter a year and a half ago. They said she was very sick and needed a diet low in protein. They said she would most likely need to be on meds the rest of her life. I took her home and fed her vegetarian dog food ever since, and she is so much healthier!! She fell and hurt her hip on the stairs and made full recovery quick. She doesn't need meds and is in perfect health!!

[zoelock]

I love dogs!

[ILive4Hardcore]

omg

cujosdad, shut the fuck up

theres always one asshole like you that always has to try and bring everyone else down

shut up and keep your opinion to yourself

[garudasphinx]

What an idiot... Dogs are C-A-R-N-I-V-O-R-E-S, where did that bitch get her diploma ?! Mars ? Trying to turn a natural carnivore into a herbivore just isn't gonna happen, plus I'm pretty sure it counts as animal abuse.

[trashcarcass]

If you want to know where she got her diploma then click on her link. You are an ass. Why are you here? To insult things you don't understand? Did you even listen to/ watch the video before you started spewing your limited vocabulary on us? I mean, bitch is probably a big word for you (and I'm pretty sure you had to look up CARNIVORE and HERBIVORE).

I'm almost ashamed because you just made this too easy.

[afairee]

I am a veterinarian but dogs are meat eaters or they will start eating at the neighbors house...

[trashcarcass]

Wow! I think you are a liar, afairee (yes, I get it). AND I KNOW you are WRONG!

[JustWaIkAway]

you're right!

[raultalbot7]

I know you are but what am I?

[raultalbot7]

Now...now...don't get your pantties in a bunch. Like I said, "truth hurts".

[raultalbot7]

Hey I never had a stalker follow me around before....kinda creepy. Your boyfriend must be very understanding to not object.

[raultalbot7]

The truth hurts.....doesn't it cujo?

[raultalbot7]

What? It's bad enough dogs have to worry that the "PeTA death squad" may rescue them....now they have to worry about vegans?

[baxterandcotton]

My dogs started to hate their dog food, and we didn't like having animals die for their food anyway so we started feeding them home cooked vegan meals. They love it!!!They have always been healthy dogs, but I have noticed some improvements in the shine of our newest dog's fur.( She was a stray with a fairly rough coat.) They also have better stools...Sorry if that is too much info.......

[baxterandcotton]

Six months later...still feeding them vegan meals. They love it! Plus, I can just eat the same food as them if I don't feel like cooking for myself. Time saver...They really like pinto beans, carrots to crunch and chew on, pureed kale/greens. They are all healthy and happy.

It is the best decision I have ever made for their health.

We give our foster/rescue dogs vegan food, too. They all take to it easily because...it is yummy and new...after all, eating the same thing everyday sucks!

[abbyful]

Yes, eating the same thing every day does suck. So why not feed your dogs a species-appropriate diet such as raw prey-model? (Hint: Dogs aren't rabbits!)

[Supermarioshead]

@baxterandcotton Actually thats the kind of info I 'd like to know

[TheVeganHere]

My dog lived to 17 on a vegan diet. I fed her Evolution and much of what I ate as well.

Thanks for posting this wonderful interview!

[lyyanka]

tnx guys