../articles/veg pets
"...research shows there are thousands of cats and dogs consuming vegetables in their diets without any problems. In fact, these diets are well known for relieving arthritis, skin and fur problems and obesity in dogs."
HEALTH CONCERNS have led to a surge in pet-owners changing their pets' diets and swapping meat for vegetables and fruit, according to a 2008 study by UK insurance company LV=, who offers pet insurance along with the more traditional types of coverage.
Over one in three (40 per cent) pet owners now feed their pets up to three portions of fruit and veg a day and according to the new research by pet insurer LV=, there are now more than 145,000 cats and dogs in the UK on a vegetarian diet.
Pet foods really are the worst of the worst, full of diseased tissue and contaminated animal parts. Studies have shown that many human ailments caused by eating processed meat also affect animals.
One of the main reasons for the trend in vegetable heavy diets is the perceived health benefit, with four in ten (42 per cent) of pet owners who have increased the number of vegetables in their pet's diet saying they have done so to improve the health of their animal.
16% of pet owners said they simply follow Government nutritional advice for humans, such as eating five portions of vegetable and fruit a day, and apply it to their pet.
According to the LV= report, other reasons given include the cheaper cost of a vegetarian diet (12 per cent), because organic pet food is a waste of money (29 per cent) and because it's more ethical (4 per cent). Just one in four (24 per cent) of the UK's cats and dogs now exist on a meat-only diet.
The most popular vegetables to give to pets are carrots (19 per cent), potatoes (12 per cent) and peas (11 per cent).
As well as pets eating more vegetables, the LV= research shows that 13 per cent of the UK’s pets are given vitamin or vegetable supplements daily.
Health-conscious owners say they have noticed a range of improvements from their veggie-eating pets, from fewer health problems (27 per cent), glossier coats (21 per cent), and a better digestion (28 per cent), to loss of weight (13 per cent).
Emma Holyer, Spokesperson for LV=, said: "As this research shows there are thousands of cats and dogs consuming vegetables in their diets without any problems. In fact, these diets are well known for relieving arthritis, skin and fur problems and obesity in dogs."
Important Supplements
Making vegetarian food for dogs is easy because dogs, like people, are omnivorous and usually hearty eaters. Recipes for vegetarian and vegan dogs are available along with the Vegedog™ supplement from James Peden’s company, Harbingers of a New Age. It is important to follow directions carefully. If you make any changes in ingredients, make sure that you do not change the nutritional balance of the recipe. If a dog receives too little protein, calcium, or vitamin D, his or her health could be jeopardized.
Additionally, some dogs need two amino acids called L-carnitine and taurine, which are not generally added to commercial dog foods and can be insufficient in homemade dog food as well. A deficiency of these nutrients can cause dilated cardiomyopathy, a serious illness in which the heart becomes large and flabby and can no longer function. This illness generally strikes young or middle-aged dogs who are deficient in L-carnitine or taurine because of breed, size, individual genetic make-up, or diet. Supplemental L-carnitine and taurine can be bought at your local health-food store.
Cats are often more finicky than dogs, and their nutritional requirements are more complicated. Cats need a considerable amount of vitamin A, which they cannot biosynthesize from carotene, as dogs and humans do. Insufficient amounts may cause loss of hearing as well as problems with skin, bones, and intestinal and reproductive systems. Cats also need taurine. A feline lacking taurine can lose eyesight and could develop cardiomyopathy. Commercial pet-food companies often add taurine obtained from mollusks. James Peden found vegetarian sources of both taurine and vitamin A, plus arachidonic acid, another essential feline nutrient. He then developed veterinarian-approved supplements Vegecat™ and Vegekit™ to add to his recipes.
Dogs and cats who are eating only cooked or processed food also benefit from the addition of digestive enzymes to their food. These are obtainable through companion animal supply catalogs and health-food stores. Any raw vegetables in a dog’s diet should be grated or put through a food processor to enhance digestibility.
"Animals are just like humans in that they need a mixture of minerals and vitamins to keep them healthy, and cutting out whole food groups, like protein, can seriously damage their health. If you do want to include fruit and vegetables in your pet's diet try to avoid things like citrus fruits, berries and onions which could cause a stomach upset, and stick to the basics such as potatoes and carrots, mixed in with more traditional food to ensure your pet is getting a good balance."
Veggie pet food and veggie pet food recipies are available on the internet, and check the sources below for more information.
sources:
LV= (Liverpool Victoria Insurance)
