Feeding pets is part of the obligations of dog and cat owners, and ensuring a healthy, balanced diet is fully part of that responsibility. To do this, some owners choose a vegetarian diet, or even a vegan diet, for these animals. But does it fit their needs?
Vegan food is better for dogs, the study found
With more and more people adopting plant-based foods for health, ecological or ethical reasons, it is not surprising to know that some individuals have also decided to apply this lifestyle to their pets. . But before imposing a vegetarian diet on cats and dogs, it is important to know if such a diet is healthy for these animals. First of all, it should be understood that dogs and cats are omnivorous animals. This means that their body can absorb foods that come from animals and vegetables.
Good protein intake is usually necessary, and it is usually from animal foods. This is why many owners wonder if dogs and cats are suitable for a vegetarian diet. According to a new study by researchers at the University of Winchester, UK, the answer is yes. According to the results of the study published in the journal PLOS Usaplant -based food is even better for the health of our pets, or at least dogs.
” We have found that the healthiest and least dangerous food for dogs is a nutritionally sound vegan diet. “, actually stated Andrew Knightlead author of the study, at news in the euro. By surveying the owners of more than 2,500 dogs, the researchers found that dogs on a regular meat-based diet were less healthy than dogs on a raw meat or meat-based diet. vegan food. To make this assessment of the health of these animals, the scientists considered various factors, such as the frequency of unusual veterinary visits, the use of medications and the common health problems reported by the tags. -iya.
A concern that remains in the gray area
If the results of this study are thus in favor of adopting a vegetarian diet for dogs, it is not the opinion of all professionals. In fact, many veterinarians believe that a vegetarian or vegan diet is not recommended for the benefit of cats and dogs. Some veterinarians are less categorical on this topic, and consider a vegetarian diet as a possibility for some animals, and under certain conditions.
The main condition is to specifically accompany a professional during the transfer of animal feed, to regularly check whether the dog or cat is maintaining good health on its new diet. Asking experts is also necessary to find out a variety of important information, such as the sources of protein in a vegetarian diet, or the fruits and vegetables that are prohibited for cats and dogs. In conclusion, to say that a vegetarian diet is safe for dogs and cats is unclear. However, it is not prohibited, as long as you are very careful and seek the help of a professional.