Plant-based diets tend to be much higher in fibre and healthy gut bacteria than conventional processed dog meat-based dog food, so when switching your dog over to a wholesome plant-based diet, this is what we advise:
Changes are best made gradually, eg by feeding a 90% old/new plant-based mixture for a few days, then 80%/20%, until gradually over a matter of 2 – 4 weeks, your dog is used to their new food. Some dogs may take even longer.
Gradual changes allow the appropriate changes of digestive enzymes and intestinal microbiome (all those healthy gut bacteria). Transitioning slowly minimises all the changes you may expect such as abdominal discomfort, wind and diarrhoea. We do have to confess that our little Ruff went plant-based from 1 day to the next and he was fine! The other theory is that dogs are natural scavengers and they have gut bacteria and enzymes that will adapt, so it is up to you the owner how you choose to transition.
Not all dogs take to plant-based straight away – especially the fussier dogs who are not very food driven. They may be more challenging to transition, but if everything is made as positive as possible, from the sounds you make when feeding them, to pointing to their bowls or feeding the dry biscuits as treats or rewards, you will get there.
Do not be tempted to heat up the homemade food to make it more palatable, as the vital ‘icing’ or ‘topping’ made with the supplements we recommend must not be heated to protect the valuable nutrients. We do feel however that with the ingredients in our homemade foods, your dog should find their new plant-based diet very tasty and you should not have to warm it up! Our JUST BE KIND supplement contains essential pre and probiotics to support your dog’s microbiome gut health.
Moopy and his anal glands!
Anal gland problems are very common and can be very distressing if not treated correctly
Wolves in zoos are fed dog food
Wolves are not picky eaters nor are they pure carnivores as the meat-based dog food companies want us to believe
Do we need to worry about DCM with a legume rich diet?
DCM or dilated cardiomyopathy is one of the biggest concerns to most owners feeding their dogs a 100% plant-based diet
Bruno and Ruby are thrilled that we now sell 10kg Solo Vegetal!
We are so excited to announce that we now stock big shiny 10kg Solo Vegetal bags!
Facing our fears
I feel compelled to write this very personal post to you as I feel in such a safe space with you all! Through veganism and a mutual love of our pets, I have 'met' and continue to meet and bond with you - the most wonderful warm and caring community that one could...
Cancer and plant-based dogs
We asked the top vet oncologist in the country for her opinion on whether a vegan diet could protect our dogs from cancer
We feature on BBC Live!
The more we feature and spread our message, the greater the impact we will have with promoting the healthiest and certainly the kindest way to feed our pets today and in the future!
Raw dog food ‘may be fuelling spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria’
Researchers found that all of the raw dog food samples contained antibiotic-resistant Enterococci, including bacteria resistant to the last-resort antibiotic linezolid
We feature in the August Issue of Vegan Life
She has written the article with such an in-depth understanding of the importance of dogs going plant-based – all just so positive for the future!
The Vit D3 and Vegan Dog Food Debate
Which dog foods in the UK can be classed as fully vegan?
Mother nature is crying out….and we are listening!
“I don’t think we are going to become extinct. We are very clever and very resourceful”
How much oil should you feed your dog?
Something that so many owners who transition to plant-based notice with their dogs – how soft the fur becomes!
