Jasi wrote:
Hi, I'm new. By way of introduction, I'm Jasi, and I have a five year
old Chinese Shar-Pei named Musi. She's generally healthy except for
some seasonal allergies (not food related).

Hello Jasi,

How do you know they aren't food related? Do you know if they are
related to pesticides you may use on the dog or around the house or
yard? Are they perhaps related to vaccines? What are you putting in her
belly?


I'm curious whether anyone has any experience with feeding a dog a
completely vegetarian diet. I've been veg for years for religious
reasons. And while I don't believe in pushing my religious beliefs on
others - dogs included - I also don't like having meat products in my
home.

Then why do you have a dog? You realize they are carnivores right? Why
not look into getting a pet that is naturally a vegetarian too? It's
never too late to look into that.

More importantly, some of my guests (the all important Mother In
Law) are so appalled by the idea of meat that they are uncomfortable
visiting me. I've stopped feeding bones and animal based treats, which
was easy enough,

Your dog really needs meat to be truly healthy. It's what their bodies
where built for; teeth made for ripping meat from bones and crunching
small bones, a short digestive system (which is totally not compatible
with vegetarianism), extra strong stomach acid to handle rancid meat.

If you think about it, many animals that do live on grass and such have
several stomachs because it needs a lot more processing than meat does.


but I'm not sure whether feeding a totally vegetarian
diet is OK health-wise.

I know dogs that live on it. Of course, I know people who live on
McDonald's food too.


Thoughts? Experiences? Flames?

You are a vegetarian because you feel it is right for you. Do the same
for your dog and feed a species appropriate diet. Can you see it from
the dog's point of view?

I don't feed kibble or any commercially made food. I feed raw meat,
bones and organ meats. I have a pup that just turned a year old who has
never eaten kibble or canned food and he's so very healthy and vibrant!
I've even turned around a horrible case of mange and most of the reason
is because I fed her a raw diet. Now she is growing her hair back!



-Jasi