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Vegetarian Dog Food: Seven Reasons to Convert

Dogs > Diet and Nutrition > Vegetarian Dog Food: Seven Reasons to Convert

Vegetarian dog food can provide your dog with a wide range of nutrients from vegetables, fruits, grains and nuts. However, despite the current popularity of vegetarian dog diets, most veterinarians insist that meat should form a part of your dog's balanced diet. That doesn't mean that vegetables, fruits and grains aren't good for your dog. Here are some of the reasons why vegetables, fruits and grains should form a part of your dog's balanced diet.

Dogs Need Protein

In nature, dogs are carnivorous scavengers. This means that, while dogs can survive on vegetarian dog food, that food would need to include a high level of protein from easily digestible sources such as eggs and milk. Meat protein is of the highest quality, and is the easiest for your dog to digest.

Dogs Need Vitamins and Minerals

Protein alone doesn't make up a healthy dog diet. Here are some of the reasons why your dog needs fruits, vegetables and grains in his diet:

Complex carbohydrates give your dog energy
Dietary fiber maintains intestinal health
Vitamin A keeps your dog's eyes and skin healthy
Vitamin D keeps his bones and teeth strong
Vitamin E keeps his reproductive and intestinal systems healthy
Vitamin K is good for his blood
B vitamins support almost all areas of your dog's health

Sources of Vitamins and Minerals

Here are some good sources of vitamins and minerals:

Vegetables, especially carrots and green plants
Fruits, though citrus should be avoided as it is toxic to dogs
Some nuts (but not walnuts or macadamia nuts, which are toxic to dogs)
Grains including brown rice and corn

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