Why consider a vegetarian diet for your dog?

There are numerous reasons for feeding your companion animal on a vegetarian diet. As well as the welfare issue of farmed animals being killed to feed our pets, factors such as health, animal testing and the impact of meat on the environment need also to be considered.

Pet Food Manufacturers have the option to declare ingredients by category, e.g. ‘meat and animal derivatives’, ‘oils and fats’ ‘cereals’ ‘vegetable cereal extracts’. Where materials of animal origin are used, parts of animals which are either deemed surplus to human consumption or are not normally consumed by people in the UK are used, these are classified as ‘animal by-products’.  

Special Issues

Some human foods, such as chocolate, onions, grapes/raisins can be poisonous to dogs. Potatoes can cause digestive upsets in some dogs. Over-consumption of sugar and sugary foods can encourage bad teeth, diabetes, digestive upsets and obesity. Again, we would always suggest speaking with your Vet for further information.

Vegetarian Pet Foods / Availability

The Vegetarian Society currently approves a number of pet food brands, such as Benevo and Yarrah. Further details about these products can be found on their websites (www.benevo.com / www.yarrah.com). For more information about feeding your dog a vegetarian diet visit the VeggiePets.com website (www.veggiepets.com)

Further Information - Any questions regarding this information sheet please contact info@vegsoc.org | Last updated July 2010

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