Vegan diets for your furry soulmates are definitely controversial.
Dogs and cats are carnivores. Dogs are facultative carnivores and can digest plant material and do without meat in their diet. However, there is concern that this type of diet does not make them thrive.
Cats are obligate carnivores. Their diet contains more than 70% meat and they cannot digest plant material.
The teeth of dogs and cats are made to crush and grind meat and hold prey. Their intestines are also short. They have a smaller capacity in relation to body size since, unlike herbivores.
A big concern with vegan pet diets is that the proteins from cereal grains or soy contain fewer essential amino acids like omega 3 fatty acids or taurine. These nutrients are necessary for your furry soulmates to maintain good heart, eye and liver function.
Where do you fall in the debate for vegan vs. non-vegan? I would love to know.