Do Dogs Need Meat or Can They Thrive on Plant-Based?

Dogs can thrive on a plant-based diet, but it's crucial to provide the right nutrients.

Some plant-based dog foods are formulated to meet a dog's nutritional needs, and dogs on these diets can live healthy lives.

Dogs on a plant-based diet may require supplements to ensure they get enough vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids.

In fact, one study found that dogs on a plant-based diet had lower levels of certain nutrients, but their overall health was still good.

On a similar theme: What Nutrients Do Dogs Need in Homemade Dog Food

Dogs need meat, and it's not just about providing them with a source of protein. In fact, a totally raw diet consisting of only meat has been shown to have a significant impact on a dog's overall health.

Both Bowie and Wiley, who have been eating a raw diet for a month, are visibly leaner and have more energy throughout the day. This suggests that a diet rich in meat can help dogs maintain a healthy weight and have plenty of energy to play and live their lives.

The quality of their coats has also improved dramatically, going from excellent to totally flawless. This is a clear indication that a diet rich in meat is good for a dog's skin and coat health.

One of the most interesting changes noticed with Bowie and Wiley is the complete elimination of skin problems. Wiley, in particular, had a history of hot spots and skin issues, but after switching to a raw diet, his skin is now fully furred and not itchy at all.

Dogs also need a diet that is easy on their digestive system, and a raw diet consisting of meat appears to be just that. Both Bowie and Wiley now have healthy, firm poops with 100 percent reliability, which is a significant improvement from their previous sporadic loose stools.

A raw meat diet can be a great choice for dogs, and there are several types to consider. Commercially prepared raw diets are a convenient option, providing a balanced mix of nutrients in a single product.

Feeding a raw diet can be as simple as thawing a frozen patty and putting it in your dog's bowl. You can also choose a freeze-dried raw food that just needs rehydrating in water or broth.

To create a balanced homemade diet, you'll need to add variety to your dog's meals. This includes bones, organ meats, essential fatty acids, and whole foods to supply vitamins and minerals.

A raw meat diet can be as easy to prepare as shopping for yourself. You don't need a degree in canine nutrition to get things right, and there are many resources available to help you create a balanced diet.

Dogs are built to eat raw meat, and it's easy for them to digest. A raw-meat based diet can provide all the nutrients your dog needs to thrive.

Feeding a raw meat diet can be more affordable than you think, especially if you prepare your dog's food yourself. You can save money by buying cheaper cuts of meat, bones, and organs from local sources like abattoirs, butchers, or farms.

One pound of chicken wings, thighs, and drumsticks can cost around $2.50, and a week's worth of chicken livers or assorted organs is about $2. However, the cost of extras like cod liver oil, hemp oil, alfalfa powder, and kelp powder can add up, with a total cost of $103.41 for a three-month supply.

To make a raw diet more affordable, consider buying in bulk and shopping at local stores. You can also get creative with meal planning and use veggies from your own meals. In fact, the cost of veggies is essentially negligible when using just a few tablespoons per day.

Here's a breakdown of the estimated daily cost of a raw diet:

This total is comparable to the cost of commercial raw alternatives and even lower than the cost of kibble, especially when factoring in the benefits of a healthier diet and reduced vet visits.

Dogs on a raw food diet can experience significant improvements in their overall health.

Both Bowie and Wiley, who switched to a raw diet, have become visibly leaner and have more energy throughout the day.

Their coats have become totally flawless, with a noticeable improvement from already excellent.

Wiley's skin problems have completely disappeared, with his hot-spot area fully furred and not itchy.

Their stool quality has also improved, with healthy, firm poops now a 100 percent reliable occurrence.

The raw diet has also reduced the amount of poop produced by both dogs.

Dogs on a raw diet seem to love it, with a noticeable enthusiasm for the food compared to kibble.

Before switching to raw food, both dogs had a lackluster attitude towards their meals, often looking uninterested.

Their owners are thrilled with the results and have noticed a significant improvement in their dogs' overall well-being.

Dogs have been a part of human families for thousands of years, with evidence of dog domestication dating back to around 15,000 years ago.

Their ancestors were likely wolves that were attracted to human camps and scavenged for food scraps, which is why many modern dogs still have a strong instinct to chase and eat small prey.

Dogs have evolved to thrive on a variety of diets, including plant-based and omnivorous options, and can be found in many different parts of the world, from urban cities to rural farms.

Some breeds, such as the Inuit dog, were specifically bred to thrive on a diet of mostly fish and meat, while others, like the Basenji, were fed a diet that consisted mainly of fruits and vegetables.

Dogs have a unique digestive system that allows them to extract nutrients from a wide range of food sources, including plant-based proteins.

Preparing and choosing a meat-based diet for your dog can seem daunting, but it's actually quite straightforward. Preparing cooked dog food eliminates the risk of bacterial contamination from raw meat and allows for personalized dietary choices.

You can choose to buy pre-made frozen raw diets or freeze-dried raw foods that just need rehydrating in water or broth. These options make it easy to provide your dog with a balanced and nutritious diet without having to spend hours in the kitchen. Even preparing DIY raw meals is no more time-consuming than shopping for yourself.

Feeding a raw diet doesn't have to be expensive. You can save money by buying cheaper cuts of meat, bones, and organs, and even consider shopping at local abattoirs or farms. Your dog doesn't need filet mignon to have a healthy diet, and he'll thrive on a variety of whole foods.

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A plant-based diet for dogs is a great option to consider, especially if you're looking to save money on dog food. The author of the book Natural Nutrition for Dogs and Cats, Kymythy Schultze, explains that dogs can thrive on a plant-based diet, but it's essential to do your research.

Dogs have a short digestive tract and an acidic stomach, making them largely impervious to bacteria in raw foods, like E. coli and salmonella. This means that a well-planned plant-based diet can be safe and healthy for dogs.

Commercial dog foods have been around for about 100 years, but dogs have been eating scraps and refuse for thousands of years. This suggests that dogs can adapt to a variety of diets, including plant-based ones.

The author notes that they were initially hesitant to switch to a raw food diet, but after reading Schultze's book, they realized that creating a complete diet at home was a more cost-effective option.

Cooking your dog's food at home can be a game-changer for their health and well-being.

Preparing cooked dog food eliminates the risk of bacterial contamination from raw meat, which can be a serious health concern for dogs.

By cooking your dog's food, you can extend its shelf life, making it easier to store and prepare meals in advance.

Cooking allows you to make personalized dietary choices tailored to your dog's specific nutritional needs, which is especially important for dogs with food sensitivities or allergies.

Cooking your dog's food can also improve digestibility, leading to fewer stomach issues and a happier, healthier dog.

Easing the transition from commercial kibble to homemade dog food is also a significant benefit of cooking, as it allows your dog to adjust to new ingredients and flavors gradually.

Choosing the right diet for your dog can be overwhelming, but it's worth considering the facts. Most commercial kibble contains between 25% and 45% carbohydrates, which dogs don't need.

Commercial kibble can also include aflatoxins, toxic substances produced by fungus that can cause a range of health issues. This is a concerning fact that should make you think twice about your dog's food.

Kibble often contains plant-based protein that's not beneficial for your dog, and added synthetic vitamins and minerals that your dog's body doesn't absorb well. This can be detrimental to your dog's long-term health.

On the other hand, raw feeding can provide your dog with everything they need to be healthy. Fresh, whole foods can support a healthy digestive and immune system, as well as healthy teeth, skin, and coat.

Here are some key differences between commercial kibble and raw feeding:

By choosing raw feeding, you can give your dog the best chance at a healthy life. It's not just about the food, it's about providing your dog with the nutrients they need to thrive.

I've always been a dog owner, and my five-year-old mutt Wiley has been a sensitive soul from the start. He developed a sore next to his mouth, which I initially thought was ringworm, and I paid $500 for tests and treatments.

Wiley's skin problems started after we switched him to Taste of the Wild, a grain-free kibble. He had occasional hot spots at the base of his tail, which I attributed to flea bites.

Reading online forums, I saw that other dog owners had reported skin problems with Taste of the Wild too. This made me question the food's ingredients.

We eventually switched Wiley to Acana Regionals, the most expensive grain-free kibble available, and his skin problems cleared up. But he and his brother didn't like the new food, so we had to mix in boiled chicken to get them to eat it.

I realized I was done trusting commercial dog food, and I wanted to try a raw diet for my dogs. I knew I needed to learn more about it, so I started looking for solutions.