To feed a dog vegan
is relatively easy…
…if you deal with the nutritional needs of the dog. Dogs need a protein source, carbohydrates, vegetables, oil and a balanced dietary supplement for home-cooked food.
In ready-made food, whether dry or wet, various vitamins, minerals and trace elements are added by the factory. Vegan and conventional feed do not differ in this aspect. In home-cooked food, these nutrients have to be added themselves.
What should I put in the food?
Recommendation for feeding with V-Complete
Protein
Proteins are needed by dogs to maintain body substance and for the formation of new tissue. The proteins consist of a series of amino acids.
Amino Acids
The amino acids are divided into essential and non-essential amino acids. The essential ones have to be supplied by food, the non-essential ones can be synthesized by the dog itself.
Where does the protein come from?
Instead of meat, as in conventional feeding, we use pulses as valuable proteins in our pots. Any legume such as beans, lentils, peas and chickpeas can be used. I normally use dried foods, but they have to be cooked before being fed, as they are toxic in their raw, unsprouted state.
All kinds of lentils
Lentils can be prepared quickly, as they do not need to be soaked and cook in a short time (15-45 minutes, depending on the type of lentil). Red and yellow lentils cook quickly, brown lentils usually take longer to soften. Brown lentils can also be soaked beforehand, so they cook faster. Beans, peas and chickpeas should be soaked for about 12 hours and then cooked for about 1 – 1 1/2 hours.
Soaking dried legumes
I usually put the legumes in a bowl with enough water in the fridge overnight, then they can be cooked the next morning. Before feeding beans and (chick) peas they should be chopped, with lentils this is not necessary depending on the type, because they already fall apart into a puree during cooking. About 40% of the ration.
The amino acids converted or released in the liver are used by the organism for synthesis processes, mainly in the muscles, but also in organs, skin and hair.
Meyer/Zentek – Nutrition of the dog – 2016
Dietary fibres and vitamins
Many vegetables are rich in fibre. They also contain vitamins and minerals. And of course they taste very good. Depending on the type, the vegetables can be fed raw, steamed, cooked or fried. The best thing to do is to see how your dog tolerates it best. To get used to raw vegetables, ideally feed them in small quantities and then increase over time.
Vegetables
You can try a lot with vegetables. I always check what’s in season and vary very regularly. Eddie especially likes carrots, turnip cabbage and fennel. We have beetroot, different beets, red cabbage, savoy cabbage and pumpkin on the menu. About 30% of the ration.
Energy! But which one?
Dogs need energy for various processes in the body, such as maintaining body temperature, breathing, circulation, food intake, digestion and excretion, and physical activity. Carbohydrates and fat are the main sources.
Carbohydrates
For carbohydrates we add pasta, wholemeal rice, polenta, wholemeal couscous, potatoes and quinoa to the bowl. These can be prepared a few days in advance and kept in the fridge. I also like to add oatmeal to the food, which binds the moisture and allows to form dumplings, which the dog can eat very easily. The carbohydrate source should make up about 28% of the food.
Fat for energy upgrading
Fats and oils serve as energy sources in addition to carbohydrates. They contain essential fatty acids and are digested to a high percentage (>90%) (Meyer/Zentek – Nutrition of the dog – 2016). They do not bring any other nutrients with them. Vegetable oils usually contain many unsaturated fatty acids. Sunflower oil, safflower oil and maize germ oil mainly contain linoleic acid. Linseed oil and rapeseed oil contain ⍺ linolenic acid.
Oil provides flavor
Many vegetable oils are suitable for feeding, ideally cold-pressed ones. Oil also improves the taste of the food, as it enhances the aromas. We serve linseed oil and rapeseed oil, hemp oil, coconut oil and sesame oil. Evening primrose oil, sunflower oil, safflower oil, borage oil, wheat germ oil and maize germ oil are further options.
I like to fry vegetables in the oil (do not heat them above the smoke point) and add the other ingredients. About 2% of the ration.
Oil is particularly suitable for adding caloric value to the food. Especially with sporty or very slim dogs this is a very good possibility to supply more energy (up to 10g/kg KM/day).
Salt
In order to ensure smooth processes in the body, dogs also need sodium and chloride. These are important for example for the water supply in the body and to maintain the acid-base balance and neuromuscular stimulability. Dogs are relatively tolerant of high saline levels as long as sufficient water is available (Meyer/Zentek – Dog Nutrition – 2016). 125mg salt per kg body mass per day should be taken.
L‑Carnitine and Taurine
We also added L-Carnitine and Taurine. Papaya leaves bring protein-splitting enzymes. Mix V-Complete under the room-tempered, ready food or into a component of the food. One teaspoon corresponds to approx. 4g.
Here you find the feeding recommendation, with conversion table for the respective weight.
In order to provide all nutrients, it is important to feed a varied diet. Vary the different options of carbohydrates, proteins, vegetables and oil. This way the food also does not get boring.
Leni Lecker HundeVurst
I also like to make a dog sausage for Eddie, which I feed with the food. He likes that very much and it is also ideal to mix in. You can also take it with you when you’re out and about.
What dogs should not eat
Chocolate
Contains theobromine, which may be toxic to dogs. (Meyer/Zentek – Nutrition of the dog – 2016)
Grapes
Are toxic to dogs and can lead to severe kidney damage. (Meyer/Zentek – Diet of the dog – 2016)
Does not claim to be complete.
What kind of changes are there going to be?
Odor
The smell of dogs changes with home-cooked food and that not to your disadvantage.
In order to provide all nutrients, it is important to feed a varied diet. Vary the different options of carbohydrates, proteins, vegetables and oil. This way the food also does not get boring.