Turning your dog vegan is a controversial topic.
But as more humans contemplate plant-based lifestyles themselves, it becomes a relevant idea for dog parents.
Dr. Ilana Halperin, chief of service for Community Medicine at UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine in California, says since dogs are omnivores, it is possible for a vegan diet to contain all the vitamins, minerals, protein, carbohydrates and fats needed for a healthy diet.
“But in practice, meeting a dog’s protein, amino acid and macro and micronutrient needs is complex and can be difficult to do properly when meat is eliminated from the diet,” she says.