What Do Vegans Feed Their Pets?

This is a tough one that I struggle with every day; what do we feed our pets?

We have two cats who joined our family before we went vegan and they have been eating raw meat since they were kittens. Cats are “obligate carnivores”. What is an obligate carnivore you ask? By definition via Wikipedia “Obligate carnivores or “true” carnivores depend on the nutrients found only in animal flesh for their survival. While they may consume small amounts of plant material, they lack the physiology required for the efficient digestion of vegetable matter.” In other words in order to survive cats need meat!

My cats are fed twice a day and I would be lying if I said feeding them meat is an easy task because it is very difficult for me. I have often said that had we been pet free before becoming vegan, we would never have gotten any pets only because I have to feed my cats meat. I try not to think about where their food comes from but I would never consider feeding them a vegan diet.

Though I personally don’t know any vegan dogs apparently they can survive on  vegan food. Personally, I feel dogs are also obligate carnivores but I have read that due to years of breeding, they are omnivores and can successfully live on a vegetarian diet. Again, my personal feeling is if I had a dog, my dog would be eating a meat based diet.

Once our cats have passed on, we won’t fill the void with any other animals but we will do our best to help at local animals shelters.

I just want to clarify that this is my opinion and may not be shared by other vegans.

Susan Hollingshead

Susan is our resident vegan. She’s been a vegetarian for 20 years, and a vegan for 3. She has researched both lifestyles extensively and is constantly exploring new recipes, add her own twist. She is a long time Spud customer, and now our very own resident vegan blogger!