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).

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

Thoughts? Experiences? Flames?

-Jasi

There are several large (and smaller) pet food companies that make a
vegetarian dog food.

Would I feed it? Probably not. Its not to say that the food is, or isn't
good. I just don't have the confidence that there has been enough of a large
group being fed that food, for long enough that I'd be happy feeding it.

That being said, certainly people do feed it, and I've not heard any
negative reports based on it. I assume some research has gone in to its
preparation.


Dale

"Jasi" wrote in message
...
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).

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

Thoughts? Experiences? Flames?

-Jasi

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

chardonnay9 wrote:
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 used to live in an area where seasonal allergies were not a problem
for people or pets. My dog did not have allergy problems at that time.
When I moved to an area where seasonal allergies ARE an issue, my dog
developed said allergies. There was no change in food. I do not use
pesticides on my yard. There has been no change in flea meds (I assume
that's what you mean by pesticides on the dog?). There have been no new
vaccines. The allergies manifested after a change in location to a
place were seasonal allergies are severe for both animals and people.
My vet agrees with this assessment. So does the veterinary
dermatologist. An antihistamine is helping.


snip rude bits



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.

For the record, I'm not intending to feed my dog raw grass, but rather a
commercially prepared vegetarian dog diet. If there are specific
nutritional needs that cannot be met with said diet, I'd be interested
in learning more about them.


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

Are you aware of any health problems related to feeding dogs a
commercial vegetarian diet? I'm aware of many health problems related
to "living on McDonald's food". Are you saying that the two are
comparable? Can you give examples?


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 can, and I try to. This is why I have not bothered with veg food for
the dog for so many years. However, I have reached a point in my life
where having meat in the house is becoming a problem for the other
PEOPLE who live here. I'm trying to find a workable solution. And no,
giving up my beloved pet is not an option, thanks.

I'm happy that a home-cooked diet is working well for your dog. I don't
think that's a viable option for me, however.

Thanks for your input.

-Jasi

Dale Atkin wrote:
There are several large (and smaller) pet food companies that make a
vegetarian dog food.

Would I feed it? Probably not. Its not to say that the food is, or isn't
good. I just don't have the confidence that there has been enough of a
large group being fed that food, for long enough that I'd be happy
feeding it.

That being said, certainly people do feed it, and I've not heard any
negative reports based on it. I assume some research has gone in to its
preparation.


Thanks Dale. I'm also unsure how well tested this food might be. I
guess I'm hoping to find some data (or even some anecdotes) that will
help me make the right decision.

-Jasi

"Jasi" wrote in message
...
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).

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

Thoughts? Experiences? Flames?

-Jasi

The easy answer is, "No, dogs are not vegetarians." Which they aren't. But
I know a couple of dogs who were fed a vegetarian kibble and seem to do OK.
One of them is dead now (my sister's boxer), but the other one I know of
that's still living has terrible teeth, but he's a Shih Tzu, so he may have
bad teeth anyway. But he seems to be doing alright.

I have to wonder how your guests know what kind of food you're feeding your
dog? Do you announce it as they come in? "Welcome to our vegan house (for
religious reasons) but, by the way, the dog eats chicken in his kibble, so
don't let him lick you, or you're damned." How does this come up in
conversation? What business is it of anyone what you feed your dog?

Dogs don't have religion. They are animals. So are you, but I won't get
into that. A dog doesn't care what you think your chosen invisible ghost
has to say about what people eat. Why any god would give a rat's ass about
what anyone eats I can't imagine, but then again, there's the whole "not
getting into it" thing again. Dogs care even less. All they want is to be
fed, loved and housed, almost always in that order. Feed your dog a good,
high quality kibble, and tell the nosy M-I-L it's kosher, or veggie, or
hallowed or whatever you need to. It's none of her damn business, but if it
keeps peace in the family, whatever. All kibble looks the same, if it's
high quality.

Dogs aren't vegetarians.
--
Phyrie
Kiba the Cav's Pics:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/phyrie/...758930/detail/

In article ,
Jasi wrote:
I can, and I try to. This is why I have not bothered with veg food for
the dog for so many years. However, I have reached a point in my life
where having meat in the house is becoming a problem for the other
PEOPLE who live here. I'm trying to find a workable solution.

I knew someone who put his dog on a home-concocted
vegetarian diet (i.e. not a commercial one) and the dog lost
its eyesight. Peter (like chard) wasn't paying attention to
the nutritional content of the food. So, I tend to be wary.

That said, I do not have first-hand experience with
commercial vegetarian diets. I do have first-hand
experience with keeping dairy and meats separate, though.
Can you compromise with your housemates by finding a way to
keep the kibble stored separately in a sealed container?
--
Melinda Shore - Software longa, hardware brevis -

Prouder than ever to be a member of the reality-based community

Melinda Shore wrote:
In article ,
Jasi wrote:

I knew someone who put his dog on a home-concocted
vegetarian diet (i.e. not a commercial one) and the dog lost
its eyesight.

Anecdotal and missing a lot of details.

Peter (like chard) wasn't paying attention to
the nutritional content of the food. So, I tend to be wary.

Please stop lying. My dogs get the best diet possible.

Jasi wrote:
Dale Atkin wrote:
There are several large (and smaller) pet food companies that make a
vegetarian dog food.

Would I feed it? Probably not. Its not to say that the food is, or isn't
good. I just don't have the confidence that there has been enough of a
large group being fed that food, for long enough that I'd be happy
feeding it.

That being said, certainly people do feed it, and I've not heard any
negative reports based on it. I assume some research has gone in to its
preparation.


Thanks Dale. I'm also unsure how well tested this food might be. I
guess I'm hoping to find some data (or even some anecdotes) that will
help me make the right decision.

-Jasi

Actually no commercial dog food is tested really well. All you have to
do to get a new food on the market is do a 6 month study with 8 dogs and
have 6 or more not get seriously ill from it. AAFCO certifies the food
as being "complete and balanced" when no true certification is available.

Never assume anything.

chardonnay
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.

Are you claiming that monogastrics can't be vegetarian and healthy? That's a
pretty bold statement if you are. (I'm assuming you realize humans are
monogastrics).

Dale