Disclaimer: This recipe is from Deb of A Vital Yopp
As more people adopt vegan or plant-based diets, it's not surprising that they may also want to feed their furry friends the same way. However, making vegan dog food at home requires a little more effort and research than simply buying commercial dog food. Here are some things to keep in mind if you want to make your own DIY vegan dog food.
First and foremost, it's essential to consult with a veterinarian before changing your dog's diet. Dogs have specific nutritional requirements that must be met, and a veterinarian can help you determine whether a vegan diet is appropriate for your dog and provide guidance on how to balance their meals correctly.
Once you've received the green light from your vet, you'll need to make sure your DIY vegan dog food includes all the nutrients your dog needs. Like humans, dogs need a balanced diet that provides protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals. Protein is especially important for dogs, and it can be challenging to provide enough protein on a vegan diet. Good sources of plant-based protein include lentils, beans, tofu, tempeh, quinoa and seitan.
Carbohydrates are also essential for dogs, and you can provide them through sources like sweet potatoes, brown rice, oats and barley. Fats are necessary for your dog's overall health and wellbeing, and you can include them through plant-based sources such as coconut oil, flaxseed oil and chia seeds.
When creating a vegan dog food recipe, it's essential to make sure you're providing all the necessary vitamins and minerals. Dogs require certain vitamins, such as vitamins A, B, D and E, as well as minerals like calcium, phosphorus and zinc. These can be found in vegan sources like leafy greens, carrots, pumpkin and nutritional yeast.
Another essential aspect of DIY vegan dog food is ensuring that your dog is getting enough calories. Dogs require a certain amount of calories per day based on their weight, age and activity level, so it's essential to work with your vet to determine how many calories your dog needs and adjust their diet accordingly.
Vegan dog food can be a healthy and nutritious option for your furry friend, but it requires careful planning and consultation with a veterinarian. By following a balanced recipe and ensuring your dog is getting all the necessary nutrients, you can provide your pet with a vegan diet that meets their specific nutritional needs.
Finally, it's important to note that some dogs may not tolerate a vegan diet well. If your dog experiences any digestive issues or other health problems after switching to a vegan diet, you may need to adjust their meals or switch back to a traditional diet.
Here's an example of a simple vegan dog food recipe:
DIY Vegan Dog Food
Ingredients
- 2 cups Brown rice cooked
- 2 cups Quinoa cooked
- 1 can Chickpeas, lentils or black beans drained and rinsed
- 2 cups Greens (spinach, beet greens, radish greens, etc.) chopped
- 1/2 cup Nutritional yeast
- 1/2 cup Unsalted natural nut butter
- 1 can Pumpkin
- 1/4 cup Flax seed
- 1/2 cup Green peas
- 1 cup Corn
- 1 cup Squash cooked
- 1 cup Edamame
- 1 cup Dried cranberries or "craisins"
- 1 cup Apple sauce unsweetened
- 1/2 cup Roasted nuts your choice but not macadamia
- Bag of frozen, healthy leftover bits whatever you might have
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a large pot and heat slowly. Cook until the mixture becomes a tasty stew and veggies have cooked down.
- Let cool, then freeze in 3-4 cup servings for variety. Every time you make this it will probably be a little different, depending on what leftovers are in your freezer. (Dogs get bored eating the same thing, too!)
- I put a cup or so on her 4 cups of vegan crunchies. (She turned out to be a large and beautiful being!) That way I know she is getting all the basics in the way of vitamin/mineral additives from the certified kibble and enjoying the benefits of a variety of healthy vegan "toppings".
