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.
A dream veterinary practice?
Is dreaming about the kindest, most sustainable and most ethical veterinary work environment asking too much?
Vegan Dog Food Makes The Front Page!!
We are so thrilled to see some acknowledgement and publicity of feeding a plant-based dog food diet in such a positive light!
Inspired by David Attenborough and dear Mr Green
When Mr Green walked into my consulting room today with his adored Oliver, I couldn’t help but class him as one of my great inspirations with his genuine concern
“If abattoirs had glass walls, everyone would be a vegetarian” – Paul McCartney
Sir Paul Mc Cartney is definitely a vegan and we commend him for it
Chris Packham is our Veganuary Ambassador
We are thrilled as a family to have Chris try our protein pack and Umami Recipe on his Poodles Sid and Nancy!
Esther the Wonder Pig
This is a picture of a sixteen year old girl that is under more pressure than any of us can likely even fathom, enjoying a quiet day with a pig she loves, with cupcakes and a smile on their faces
An Emotional Day
As a vet, I experienced an emotional rollercoaster of a day and for the first time in my 25 years as a vet; I crumbled into a crying mess
Shouldn’t we all eat what we feed our chickens?
When it comes to sustainability in our food choices to ensure a future for both ourselves and the animals around us, the proof is out there that a plant-based diet is the healthiest
Get rid of the dog!
The contestants had no idea that the family dog, fed two predominantly animal meat-based meals a day, was contributing to more carbon emissions that either the car or the human family meals!
A message of hope
It’s a reminder for us all that giant leaps often start with small steps
Is it harmful to your pet’s heart to feed a grain free diet?
Yes it most certainly is as a grain free diet lacks the essential nutrients to support a healthy heart muscle
Game Changers Changing Dog Food
FINALLY WE HAVE SCIENCE TO PROVE THAT EATING WHAT WE FEED THESE ANIMALS IS FAR HEALTHIER FOR US THAN FEEDING OFF THEIR MUSCLE!!
