Vegan Dog Food Recipe: Is It Possible To Have An Herbivore Dog?

Disclaimer: This recipe is from Azestfor

The rise of veganism has sparked interest in vegan diets for pets, particularly for dogs. Vegan dog food is a plant-based diet that excludes meat, dairy, and animal products. While some people may view this as a controversial practice, there are many benefits to feeding dogs a vegan diet.

One of the primary benefits of vegan dog food is improved health. A plant-based diet can help dogs maintain a healthy weight and reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. A well-balanced vegan diet provides dogs with essential nutrients such as protein, vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues, and plant-based sources such as legumes, soy, and quinoa can provide adequate amounts of protein.

Another benefit of vegan dog food is that it is more environmentally friendly than meat-based diets. Animal agriculture is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions and deforestation. By feeding dogs a plant-based diet, pet owners can reduce their carbon footprint and contribute to a more sustainable future.

Contrary to popular belief, dogs are not obligate carnivores and can thrive on a vegan diet if it is nutritionally balanced. Dogs are omnivores and can digest and absorb nutrients from a variety of plant-based sources. However, it is important to consult a veterinarian or a veterinary nutritionist before switching to a vegan diet to ensure that it meets all of the dog's nutritional needs.

When selecting a vegan dog food, it is important to read the label carefully and choose a brand that is certified by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). AAFCO sets nutritional standards for pet food and ensures that the food meets the dog's requirements for protein, fat, and other essential nutrients.

Some people may be concerned that a vegan diet may cause their dog to be deficient in certain nutrients. However, vegan dog food can be supplemented with vitamins and minerals to ensure that the dog is getting all of the nutrients it needs. Common supplements include vitamin B12, vitamin D, calcium, and omega-3 fatty acids.

It is also important to note that some dogs may have allergies or sensitivities to certain plant-based ingredients. For example, some dogs may be allergic to soy or gluten. It is important to monitor the dog's health and well-being when introducing a new diet and to consult with a veterinarian if there are any concerns.

All in all, going vegan can be a healthy and environmentally friendly option for pet owners who are interested in plant-based diets. However, it is important to consult a veterinarian or a veterinary nutritionist before switching to a vegan diet to ensure that it meets all of the dog's nutritional needs. With proper planning and attention to nutrition, dogs can thrive on a vegan diet.

Vegan Dog Food Recipe

Azestfor

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Prep Time 1 hour hr

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 2 hours hrs

Servings 3 cups

Calories 765 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 1 1/2 cups Tofu
• 1 cup Rice cooked
• 1 cup Black eyed peas* cooked
• 1 tsp Sunflower oil
• 4 tsps Azestfor Vitamins optional

Instructions

 

• Place dried peas in a pot, cover with water, and bring to a boil for 2-3 minutes. Remove pot from heat and allow to soak for 60 minutes.
• Drain soaking water, rinse peas, cover with fresh, cold water for boiling. Place pot back on the stove, cover and bring to a boil.
• Once boiling, reduce heat and simmer, tilting the lid slightly to allow steam to escape. Cook for up to an hour, or until tender. Set aside to cool.
• If you have an Instant Pot, you can cook your black-eyed peas in 30 minutes without doing a pre-soak, and save yourself a ton of time!
• Simply rinse 1 cup of black-eyed peas in water, pour them into your Instant Pot and cover with 3 fresh cups of water. Cover with lid and cook for 30 minutes on high pressure cook, with a 10-15 minute natural release.
• If your dog tends to be gassy naturally, you may want to soak your dried beans overnight in water, or for about an hour prior to the Instant Pot step to aid digestion and keep your house smelling fresh!
• While your black eye peas are soaking or boiling, place rice in a saucepan with double the amount of water. Bring to a boil.
• Then turn the heat all the way down and cover the pan tightly with a lid. Cook on the lowest heat possible for 10-15 minutes without uncovering the pan. Use a fork to fluff up the cooked rice. Set aside to cool. 
• Tofu does not need to be cooked. It actually can be eaten raw. While rice is cooking, drain tofu from its package, and chop into bite sized pieces.
• Sunflower oil is added as a source of linoleic acid to support a strong immune system and promote a healthy coat and skin. If you would like a substitute oil you can add Wheat germ, Walnut or Corn oil in the ratio of 1.2 per 1 teaspoon of sunflower oil.
• When the tofu, rice and black eyed peas are cool to touch, add Azestfor vitamin mix for homemade dog food to make your pet’s meal nutritionally balanced. Combine all ingredients and serve.

Notes

*While canned black-eyed peas will shorten the prep time on this recipe, we recommend using dried to avoid unnecessary preservatives like too much salt.

We suggest dividing the daily amount for this homemade dog food for allergies into two servings: one in the morning and one in the evening. Every dog’s nutritional requirements are a little bit different due to age & amount of exercise. If your dog is losing weight, increase food by 1/4 cup a day, if s/he is gaining weight, reduce accordingly.