Can pets follow a vegan diet? And a gluten-free diet? To clear all your doubts about alternative diets for pets, see what the experts have to say!
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Can dogs be vegan or vegetarian?
Cats cannot live on a meatless diet, as there are certain proteins, such as taurine, that they do not produce and must absorb through taurine-rich sources, such as beef, chicken, and fish.
Dogs, on the other hand, have more advantage when it comes to a vegan or vegetarian diet, as dogs have amylase genes, which means they can digest plant starch. This is because dogs are not carnivores, but omnivores, a common misconception about the species.
To change your dog’s diet, remember to have the supervision and guidance of trained nutritionists, as there are many essential nutrients that pets need to live a long and healthy life.
For example, proteins such as collagen, elastin, and keratin, which are obtained from animal products, are vital for healthy muscles and joints, but are almost impossible to obtain with a vegan diet alone.
Can dogs follow a gluten-free diet?
As more and more people give up gluten by choice, the trend is also dominating the pet food market.
However, despite many reports in the popular media that abstaining from gluten can improve your health and increase your energy levels, there is no evidence to suggest that a gluten-free diet has any benefit for people and pets who are not gluten intolerant.
Gluten-free or grain-free foods for dogs have gained popularity with claims that they are of higher quality, implying that grains are a cheap filler for commercially manufactured food. However, it’s important to remember that whole grains are rich in important nutrients and contain fiber that aids in digestion.
