As so many studies have already shown, dogs can easily digest starch (i.e. the plant-based carbohydrate storage unit). They even produce the enzyme in their mouths to begin the digestive process – we are quite sure that many of you have seen the long strings of saliva hanging from your dog’s mouth when they smell something irresistible?
The rest of the starches can then be processed in your dog’s small intestine. Calculations have revealed that they can digest about 99 % of plant-based starch if provided to them in a suitable form.
It is so important to blend or carefully mash any homemade food that is fed to your dog to ensure that all valuable nutrients can be absorbed adequately.
A fascinating study proved how mutations in key genes occurred allowing increased starch digestion in dogs relative to wolves. These results indicate that early ancestors of modern dogs could thrive on a diet rich in starch which was a crucial step in the early domestication of dogs (interesting reading if you required further proof that dogs digest starches).
So please don’t worry about feeding your dog a purely plant-based. As always, the key is a balance of nutrients and taste to keep your dogs healthy and happy!
How do I get my dog’s plant-based diet fully balanced?
This is one of our biggest concerns as pet owners that we are not getting the balance just right for the health of our pet
I am just so worried about what other people think
When we choose to change our dogs onto a vegan diet, worrying about what other people think is a huge concern to us
Am I being a cruel owner depriving my dog of eating meat?
You are being a compassionate owner by feeding your dog a plant-based diet
Is it safe to feed my dog a vegan dog food diet?
Will my dog’s poo change on a plant-based diet?
The change will be for the better as plant-based food may mean that your dog poos more but it also means that…..
What are the dangers of feeding meat to our pets?
Meat contains dioxins, artificial hormones and TMAO dangerous to not only our pets but to us too
But shouldn’t dogs eat meat?
No dogs do not need eat to eat meat from another animal, they need protein and they can get an ever better protein source from plants
Do I need to cook tofu to feed to my dog?
It can be fed raw or cooked and will be very tasty to your dog in either form as they will smell the high protein content in the tofu
Our Vegan Vet attends Petcare Convention in London
I spoke to other large retailers from Europe and beyond as well as the CEO of Pets at Home and figures that were mentioned were in the billions of pounds, not even in the millions, it blew my mind and frightened me
A vegan junk food addict
What would I binge on at times when I so badly needed that chocolate, or cheesy snack, or fat-laden pastry?
Co-op Incredible Burgers
Co-op Incredible Burgers are delicious….but they contain palm oil so are they sustainable?
I couldn’t resist buying a Bambone!
Surely just reducing consumer spending on our pet’s food and accessories would have a huge impact on the UK’s overall consumer spend!
