It's also understanding that we as humans can live on a vegan diet, while dogs physically cannot. And that's ok! They are not systemically hurting other animals and can't control what their bodies need
Yeah, that’s a good way to look at it. Anyone that says a veterinarian would recommend a vegan diet for dogs, I give a side-eye to, because veterinarians (much like doctors) aren’t taught much about nutrition in school. I have yet to read a veterinary nutritionist give a thumbs up to a vegan diet. That’s why while there are reports of dogs doing good on plant-based diets, I haven’t seen many long-term studies on it.
i'm vegan and feed my dogs a raw diet. i've managed to get over the hypocrisy of it and think about how as a vegan my job is to provide animals with the best care possible, which in some cases means going against what i truly believe in
It’s good to hear from a fellow vegan who also feeds raw. And yeah, that’s the conclusion I came to: Forest didn’t ask to a) be born and b) be a breed that is notorious for having skin/dietary issues (and hip issues, by the by). So I have to do what I can for him to help ease that. And River comes along for the ride, because she’s my other dog.
Can you try to source your meats from ethical sources? It might help relieve a little of your anxiety re: contributing to a pretty terrible industry. See if there are local farms or butcher that would sell you rabbits or organ meat etc
I definitely want to do this! I need to ask around and see who to go to. One of the benefits of living in the country is that I am around all these animals so I can see how they’re raised. Not that it provides too much comfort; they die so young. :(
I'm of the opinion that our obligation to keep our pets and ourselves healthy trumps our moral obligation to our ideals. I second the idea of trying to source ethical meat--maybe talk to the farmers in your area and see how they treat their animals.
Very true. I’ve come a long way from my initial thoughts that if you should do it no matter what (which you may remember), to understanding that some people just can’t do it.
Again, if you are able, and won’t drop dead/starve if you do, I’d highly recommend becoming a vegan. It’s good for the environment —in that cows produce major amounts methane that affects climate change, and forests are being burned down to raise cattle. And it’s good for people around the world, as much of the food grown is for cattle, and they also drink a TON of water. And that’s not even counting the other animals raised, each who have tons of issues. (Chicken poop polluting rivers; pigs being vessels for every friggin’ disease and virus, omg.)
Anyway, thanks to everyone who commented. :)
