Is Meat Required? Dogs can thrive without meat, but only if they are fed a properly balanced vegetarian diet. As is true with people who prefer vegetarian diets, protein or vitamin deficiency can occur in dogs who eat strictly vegetarian diets if they are not properly supplemented.
What happens if a dog doesn't eat meat?
Remember that your dog relies on you for food, and without protein, they will quickly become malnourished and weak. Don't try a vegetarian or vegan diet without consulting your vet, and if you notice any side effects, bring your pet to see a veterinarian right away.
Can a dog survive on a vegan diet?
The short answer is that yes, technically speaking, dogs can survive and even do well on a vegan or vegetarian regimen, says Cummings Veterinary Medical Center at Tufts University.
Can a dog survive on only human food?
A dog's digestive system is different from a human's. Typical human food is much too rich and fatty for a dog to properly digest; eating it can lead to vomiting, diarrhea and even more severe conditions like pancreatitis. Many human foods also contain an unhealthy amount of sodium for dogs.
Do dogs need anything other than meat?
It is entirely acceptable to feed your dog a pure kibble diet. Or you can mix their diet up with some cooked or raw meat, fish, vegetables and rice. Many owners like to feed a raw meat diet to their dogs, and while this can suit some dogs very well, there are some important considerations you need to be aware of.
