How to switch to a vegan dog diet
It has become increasingly clear in recent years that veganism is no longer just a trend. In 2022, the lowest meat consumption since consumption measurements began in 1989 was recorded.
Structural change has also arrived in the pet food segment. More and more people are choosing to feed their dogs a vegetarian or vegan diet for ethical, ecological or health reasons.
You can also imagine feeding your dog a vegan diet - but aren't sure how to make the transition as easy as possible? In this blog post, we'll give you step-by-step instructions to guide you through the entire transition process.
Step 1: The Basics of Dog Nutrition
Isn't the dog a carnivore - like the wolf?
Over the millennia of domestication, a lot has happened in dogs' digestive tracts. Their diet has changed more and more from a purely meat-based diet to a mixed diet in which meat was supplemented with carbohydrates and vegetables. Over the years, the dog's digestive system has adapted and our four-legged friend has become an omnivore.
This is also shown by a study from 2013 that examined the genomes of dogs and wolves.
The result is as follows:
- The enzyme secretion during starch degradation is significantly increased in dogs
- In general, a higher enzyme activity is perceived
- Glucose absorption in the intestine is higher in dogs than in wolves
Simply put, this means that dogs have adapted to the human diet and can also get their energy from plant-based protein sources. This evolutionary process lays the foundation for dogs to better digest starchy foods and to be able to switch from a meat-rich diet to a plant-based diet.
Step 2: Talk to your veterinarian
Deciding on a new food is not an easy step: Most dogs need a long transition process. This is precisely why, if you are unsure, you should get enough information beforehand and seek advice from your vet. However, this is not only the case with vegan dog food, but generally applies to switching to a new meat-containing food. In any case, you should talk to your vet to discuss the individual situation of your four-legged friend.
If your trusted veterinary practice does not have anyone with training in nutritional physiology, you can also contact a dog nutritionist directly. You are also welcome to contact us. The Vutter! nutritionist can give you the best information about the different types of nutrition and give you further tips for switching.
Step 3: Choosing the right dog food
As with any change in food, you should take enough time to choose the right vegan dog food. If you are unsure, you can always ask the respective provider your questions.
We recommend clarifying the following questions in advance:
Complete foods are specifically foods that contain all the essential nutrients your dog needs for a balanced and happy life. They completely cover the dog's daily nutritional needs and can serve as the sole source of nutrition for your dog. This type of dog food is usually labeled as a complete food and does not require any additional nutritional supplements as long as they are fed according to the manufacturer's recommendations.
Supplements, on the other hand, are not a standalone source of nutrition and cannot meet all of a dog's nutritional needs on their own. They are designed to be added to regular dog food. These supplements can be specific vitamins, minerals or other nutrients that may not be sufficiently present in regular dog food. Supplements can be useful, for example, if a dog has certain health needs or follows a diet with specific requirements.
In short: A complete food is always easier to feed. Your dog receives all the nutrients it needs thanks to the vitamins and minerals it contains.
Dogs, like people, can suffer from allergies. Certain ingredients in dog food can cause allergic reactions such as itching, rashes, digestive problems or even breathing difficulties. Common allergens in dogs include certain grains (such as wheat or corn), beef, chicken, dairy products or artificial additives. Avoiding these allergens can prevent unpleasant symptoms.
Since many of these products are not included in vegetarian or vegan dog food, this type of diet is often recommended for dogs with allergies.
Artificial preservatives and colorings are often harmful to health and can cause allergies or digestive problems in some dogs. Make sure that the food is free of artificial additives. Read the ingredients list carefully and avoid products with unknown chemical additives.
A company's quality standards are directly reflected in the purity of its ingredients. High quality standards usually mean stricter controls and better manufacturing practices. Research the company's philosophy and production standards. Companies that focus on transparency and sustainability often also care about the quality of the feed for the benefit of animal health. Search online for customer reviews or testimonials about the product and find out about any recalls or complaints.
It is very important for your dog's health that the daily food has a balanced composition of nutrients. To prevent deficiencies in your four-legged friend, all essential nutrients must be included in the right quantities. Check the nutrient declaration on the packaging to ensure that the food contains all the necessary proteins, fats, vitamins and minerals. If you are unsure, a conversation with your veterinarian or a pet nutritionist can help you find the optimal composition of food for your dog.
Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins and play a central role in almost all biological processes in your dog's body. Your four-legged friend especially needs the amino acids taurine and L-carnitine. Make sure that the food contains these amino acids or supplement them if necessary.
Food and animal feed are given a seal or certificate after extensive testing and a positive result. Certifications give you additional assurance that the feed meets certain quality and safety standards. They are an indication that the product has been independently tested and found to be safe and nutritious.
The type of declaration on the label provides information about how transparently the ingredients of the food are listed. An individual declaration lists each ingredient separately, while a group declaration groups several similar ingredients together under one term. You should definitely prefer food with an individual declaration, as this offers more transparency about the ingredients contained. This way you can better understand which raw materials were used and how the quality can be assessed.
These questions will help you to find out whether your dog tolerates the food, but also whether the food is of high quality. Only if both apply, is the food suitable for your dog.
By the way: This of course applies to every food selection - even conventional food with meat (by-products) must convince with its quality, but must also not trigger allergies in your dog.
Step 4: Slow transition
Dogs have a sensitive digestive system that can react strongly to changes in diet. This is especially true if you have fed your four-legged friend the same food for a long period of time. Therefore, you should definitely avoid completely replacing your dog's familiar food from one day to the next. By making a gradual change, you reduce the risk of gastrointestinal problems and ensure that your dog absorbs the new food well. A slow adjustment allows your dog's intestinal flora to gradually get used to the new food components. In addition, by gradually introducing vegan meals, you can observe how your dog reacts and, if necessary, intervene early enough and consult your vet.
A change in food should never be implemented 100% overnight. We recommend that you and your four-legged friend follow at least the following guidelines when you start feeding Vutter!
Day 1+2: 75% previous feed and 25% Vutter!
Day 3+4: 50% previous feed and 50% Vutter!
Day 5+6: 25% previous feed and 75% Vutter!
From day 7 you can give your furry friend 100% Vutter!
Step 5: Regular observation
Finally, one thing is particularly important: every dog is different and it can take some time until you find the perfect diet for your four-legged friend. Be patient and be prepared to make adjustments if necessary. If you notice that your dog is not tolerating the change to the new food, you should initially go back to his previous food. Talk to your vet and approach the change a little more slowly in the future.
Everything important at a glance
Changing your dog's diet can be a challenge in any case - whether vegan or not doesn't matter. But with the right preparation and care, it's not that difficult: get thorough information, choose high-quality products, monitor your dog's health and be flexible. With these steps, you will create the basis for a happy and fulfilling dog life.
