The issue of feeding your companion animal is a personal decision. The Vegetarian Society fully appreciates that committed vegetarians can find themselves facing a difficult decision.
Vegetarian food for cats
Why consider a vegetarian diet for your cat?
Reasons for feeding your cat a vegetarian diet include the welfare issue of farmed animals being killed to feed our pets, as well as health, animal testing and the impact of meat on the environment.
Pet food manufacturers have the option to declare ingredients by category, for example, ‘meat and animal derivatives’, ‘oils and fats’, ‘cereals’ and ‘vegetable cereal extracts’. Parts of animals which are surplus to human consumption or are not normally consumed by people in the UK are classified as ‘animal by-products’.
Special issues
Cats are unable to produce taurine and arachidonic acid which are essential nutrients provided by meat. Deficiencies can cause blindness and death if untreated. However, taurine and arachidonic acid are both available in a synthetic form.
It is the owner’s responsibility to feed their pet a balanced diet suitable for its age, lifestyle and health status. We would recommend seeking advice from a vet before changing your cat’s diet. New foods need to be introduced gradually over a number of days and the animal’s health carefully monitored.
Vegetarian pet foods and availability
The Vegetarian Society accredits a number of vegetarian pet foods such as Benevo. Benevo Adult Cat Original and Benevo Due Cat and Dog Food.
The Veggie Pets website also offers a range of vegetarian cat food.
Vegetarian food for dogs
Why consider a vegetarian diet for your dog?
Reasons for feeding your dog a vegetarian diet include the welfare issue of farmed animals being killed to feed our pets, as well as health, animal testing and the impact of meat on the environment.
Pet food manufacturers have the option to declare ingredients by category e.g. ‘meat and animal derivatives’, ‘oils and fats’, ‘cereals’ and ‘vegetable cereal extracts’. Parts of animals which are surplus to human consumption or are not normally consumed by people in the UK are classified as ‘animal by-products’.
Special issues
Some human foods such as chocolate, onions, grapes and raisins can be poisonous to dogs. Potatoes can cause digestive upsets in some dogs. Over-consumption of sugar and sugary foods can encourage bad teeth, diabetes, digestive upsets and obesity.
It is the owner’s responsibility to feed their pet a balanced diet suitable for its age, lifestyle and health status. We would recommend seeking advice from a vet before changing your dog’s diet. New foods need to be introduced gradually over a number of days and the animal’s health carefully monitored.
Vegetarian pet foods and availability
The Vegetarian Society accredits a number of pet food brands such as Benevo and Yarrah.
The Veggie Pets website also has a range of vegetarian dog foods.