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.
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!
