Vegan & Grain-Free Dog Food Might Be Deadly?

Caitlin's video
• What We Ate in a Day (...
DCM (dilated cardiomyopathy) & BEG (boutique, exotic, grain-free) Diets
www.fda.gov/me...
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Vegetarian versus Meat-Based Diets for Companion Animals
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[@UnnaturalVegan]

Also, Halo’s response is infuriating. They make no mention of the legume/potato link to DCM, no mention that their food is mostly peas. They only talk about taurine deficiency and say they supplement it. And that they use high quality non-gmo ingredients, as if there is any link between genetic modification and DCM. So fuck that brand. halopets.com/products/halo-holistic-garden-vegan-recipe-dogs-0

[@KoiraStar]

There was some ad I saw (maybe from Halo? I don't remember the brand) that they were advertising specifically a heart-friendly diet saying no worries about DCM, etc- and the food had potatoes...

[@clevi7963]

Unnatural Vegan could you add an info card on the other video that links to this video?

[@aprilshuyler4283]

Supplementing with taurine hasn't been shown to help. 😞

[@arianagandu]

Why would they need to if this hasn’t been proven?

[@jackfruth3738]

Could you do a video on this (almost positively fake) charity that has popped up ALL over youtube!! Its called “Lets End Hardship Today”, from a quick google it: doesnt appear on charity navigator, uses stolen news footage from the wrong country(s), appears to have just been created in florida from a name change of a different “charity” that didnt seem to be doing anything, and is now about 50% of all the ads i see on youtube now!

[@sonofhell98]

I feel like if someone is uncomfortable with having to feed pets with a non vegetarian diet, they shouldnt get a pet that requires one. There are plenty of pets that are herbivors that can be adopted

[@Phenrex]

Personally, though I didn't want to have to feed my cat a meat based diet, I took him in and that's my responsibility. However, to be fair, I had literally taken him off the streets (I didn't want a cat outside, presumably killing small animals and my neighbor had abandoned it outside. I got permission, they claimed they couldn't afford to pay for flea treatment and food for the cat anymore.) I think that it's weird for people to say it's better not to take in a cat or something because they require meat, the cat will exist whether you adopt it or not. It will have to eat meat whether you adopt it or not (unless it is killed). Then again, I would never own a snake because you'd have to kill hundreds of rodents to maintain a snakes life.... Stuffs complex

[@Persephonemybff]

@@Phenrex the difference in feeding a snake meat or a cat is that it's still animal shaped. Feeding live animals to snakes is cruel and can be dangerous for the snake and is therefore absolutely not recommended. However snakes are very capable of living in the wild. Cats and dogs are not made for that and therefore adopting them is saving them. Taking a snake out of the wild or breeding them is unnecessary and in my opinion not exactly morally the best....

[@MH-dm4qc]

Artistic Apricot you should’ve left that cat outside if you will not feed it a nutritional diet. You do not deserve that cat or dog if you’ll force them an unnatural vegan diet. Get a hamster or something

[@tylersmith425]

@@Phenrex Honestly the domestication of cats has caused hundreds of animals to go extinct and you taking one in perpetuates that.

[@Phenrex]

@@tylersmith425 Um, no it doesn't. I do not let my cat outside, I do not let him interact with prey animals. The only thing he eats is cheap cat food (which is made by the left over meat from the process of butchering animals, animals are not killed for the sake of making the food.) He will not be able to breed and I don't recommend people take in cats if they don't want to recognize that they do eat animals. If anything, I prevented him from perpetuating the mass destruction of native animals by taking him from being OUTSIDE to being purely inside. He no longer poses any threat to outdoor creatures and he doesn't even seek being outside.

[@lee7510]

As a vegan with two cats - you feed the pet the food they need to be healthy and survive. We choose to be vegan, they cannot consent to that. I had my cats before I went vegan and will continue to feed them the food they need to be healthy until they pass naturally. I will then not get a pet that requires a meat based diet again.

[@cyberpunklain]

exactly! i absolutely hate that shes doing this to her pets :(

[@annnee6818]

@Thora Friganza The death per second isn't the problem so much as the life of torture but I personally happen to agree that animals should eat the food they're made to eat, not principally against vegan animal foods but I'd want it to be FDA approved or some shit just to be sure.

[@granttrain3553]

Aye cats are obligate carnivores. Dogs can and will eat anything! But that is often not good for their health. (My dog loves sheep poop...dogs are gross) But yeah, a vegan dog food is easy to ballance. I make my own.

[@cyberpunklain]

Grant Train bro you make your dogs vegan wtf-

[@watcher190]

Good thing dogs aren't carnivores like your cats, a completely different animal

[@Bianca-kr5qz]

i think your point about getting a rabbit or other herbivore pet is the really the best option for vegans that are uncomfortable feeding meat to their pets.

[@sibz8132]

Make your life easier get a gold fish no fur or droppings to clean up after

[@naomi-art-stuff]

@@sibz8132 dont underestimate the difficulty of caring for fish. they die soo easily

[@ImNotCallingYouALiar]

Adam Sabboora Goldfish are omnivores lol

[@ambar_5990]

Not for everyone but rats are such good pets and easily vegan

[@TiaraFerguson]

@@ambar_5990 and so cheap to feed I just gave my girls a little bit of what I was eating and bits of veggie scraps. They lived forever and were very rewarding pets.

[@Moniplonisimone]

Bunnies Arent really great pets for Kids. Bunnies Are prey animals and do not tolerate quick movement, lound, sudden sounds or being picked up. They are very different from having cats or dogs and Are really misunderstood animals. I have had both cats and free roam bunnies and The bunnies Are more work, than cats.

[@valid_sound_and_furious8413]

Kiss your fuckin' baseboards goodbye, amirite 😆

[@skelet0r23]

That heavily depends on the breed, personality of the individual bunny and how the bunny is treated growing up. They are time consuming but so are almost all pets and is to be expected

[@ItsAsparageese]

Also, they bite, and they bite HARD. Grew up with 29 domestic breed bunnies colonized in my suburban backyard (silly story there lol) and I was bitten many times. They also murder the crap out of each other for the hell of it when they live in groups.

[@valid_sound_and_furious8413]

@@ItsAsparageese Probably why you want to have one or two and not 29.... You can't properly socialize 30 rabbits. My house bunny has never bitten me. (Well, alright, I got a "give me attention" nip on the toe one time.) What you had were not pet bunnies, they were feral rabbits.

[@Moniplonisimone]

@@ItsAsparageese mine never bite and if you Bond Them correctly, they dont murder each other. They are territorial animals and you have to introduce a New bunny in a neutral space, where neither of The bunnies has ever been. Bunnies Arent aggressive if you keep in mind that They are territorial and prey animals.

[@solarbear3621]

Honestly, if you're uncomfortable with feeding animals to your pet who actually needs it, (like a cat or a snake, for example) you should not own those type of animals. You are not providing them with the care they deserve. It's borderline cruelty, and you should stick to herbivores.

[@beautyforashes2230]

Agreed, and it's not "borderline" cruelty, it's cruelty, period, and animal abuse of the worst kind. My cat would slowly and miserably die without a meat diet and adequate taurine, and I'm horrified there are people who think they can push their dietary agenda on a helpless animal.

[@lisak574]

Yes

[@henkhenk4396]

@@beautyforashes2230 Why do you care what people do with their property?

[@dominiquenotyourbusiness5836]

I'm not vegan but definitely interested in it and lurking about vegan content. If I were to go vegan it's not because the "eating animals is wrong" arguments but because of "meat industry has a gigantic carbon footprint and I don't want to contribute to that". Hence if I had an animal (I don't) I would also prefer to be able to feed it avoiding meat and meat derived products. But yeah in general I think getting a herbivore is a good idea

[@harrietrredfern]

@@dominiquenotyourbusiness5836 then adopt a herbivore and stay away from omnivores and carnivores 👌

[@christina7454]

I personally cannot imagine living without cats, but if you do decide to get a goat we NEED goat content 😭❤

[@Ashaliyeva]

Christina I’m the same with kitties, I love them so much; not one point in my life have I been without one (or 2 or 3, lol.)

[@LexaNightcore]

RELEASE THE GOAT

[@dutchik5107]

@@Ashaliyeva i've been without owning a cat for exactly 3 weeks. In that time we still had a dog. When that dog died we got one again within 3 months

[@StaringCompetition]

Christina goats are great weed eaters

[@christina7454]

@@StaringCompetition I know. My aunt has a few 😍

[@thehonestvet7633]

A vet here! The main reason I don’t recommend grain free is that it holds no nutritional benefit. The link to DCM is weak because it is just correlation. The other issue with vegan diets is omega fatty acid absorption. Dogs don’t have the enzymes to convert plant based omegas to usable dha/epa. They really do need marine based omega 3 sources. There are algae sources that are good but flax seed is not adequate. If pet owners here want to know the big secret: keep your pet lean and take good care of their teeth!!!! Those are the things you can truly control and will reduce inflammation throughout the life of your pet! It won’t matter what fancy food you feed if your pet has periodontal disease they are sick and in pain daily. Let’s do as Hermione says and sort out our priorities 💗

[@sunflower-u6u]

The Honest Vet I love seeing professionals chime in on discussions like this. Thank you!

[@NannaLaurie]

I wanna adopt a doggo and the first thing I've bought for them is a toothbrush :)

[@izl1104]

enjoyed reading your comment! ♥

[@rainbowpanic5632]

What are your thoughts on raw food diets for dogs? Where they have a mixture of meat and vegetables. I am researching before getting a dog and interested in your opinion.

[@k.d.h.2063]

okay lol one of my dog is allergic to almost everything. She can't eat any kind of product from fish because she can't breath if she does. I tried every kind of dog food what I found and these were premium and super premium hypoallergen dog foods. Her feets were red, her eyes were red, her ears were red,her belly was red and her coat wasn't in the best condition too...and all these because she is allergic to fish oil, to all those antibiotics that's in those dog foods, to animal protein (!) yes her organs can't do anything with animal protein. I switched to vegan dog food. She always loved carrots, broccolies, blueberries, watermelon, etc. And now she is healtier and happier than ever. She is full of energy and I'm so happy to see her in this way. There are some dog in the world like my baby. 🤷🏻‍♀️ And lol I also have a bunny and a cat. They are all in perfect health.

[@onebraincellleft2563]

If you want a vegan pet, adopt a bunny! They are natural vegans and they can be house trained to be like a dog. In fact they’re happier free roam

[@user-vd2jk7dl3p]

Bunnies are the best!

[@aleksandrasivolob]

Also birds. But only if you are really ready for a bird. Rescue preferred.

[@beautywearsboots6458]

If you like bunnies, check out mr bigglesworth on Instagram. He is a beautiful rescue housebun in Australia who has a rare genetic condition and he's the most precious little creature!

[@valid_sound_and_furious8413]

Hear, hear, to your point about free range buns. We had a caged bunny when I was a kid and he was grumpy as heeelllll. As an adult I have a mostly free-range bunny (she has a large pen where she stays when I'm at work, and has the run of my apartment whenever I'm home to supervise). The difference is night and day. Shocking that an animal with freedom and stimulation would be friendlier than one that spends twenty hours a day in a box, right? It breaks my heart that we treated our first bunny that way, and it breaks my heart to see that being such a normal way to keep bunnies to this day. You wouldn't keep a Chihuahua in a kennel all the time. Why do we think it's ok for rabbits?

[@valid_sound_and_furious8413]

@Rick Vis Absolutely. But be prepared for epic amounts of poop, lol. They are also much less soft than smaller bunnies in my experience. Their fur has a guard-hair kind of feel to it, similar to a short-haired dog.

[@LadyxSky]

For cats it's A LOT more than preventing UTIs, they can go blind and suffer terribly if they don't have meat in their diet. It's abuse.

[@usamarafieck1715]

Uti?

[@milessharman8518]

Yeah and that's why I would never have a cat or dog. I would adopt a bunny though

[@Sdndhndjdjdjdjdj]

Usama rafieck UTI stands for urinary tract infection

[@tzermonkey]

@@milessharman8518 Many animals rights activists advocate not "owning" any animals or pets. It's seen as an example of exploitation to "own" another creature. Besides we deny them of their own free will. Ya monster.

[@AnnikaWithAk]

@@milessharman8518 I became Vegan 4 years after I adopted and rescued my cats from the shelter. They're my family and I'd never give them away. But I also don't put my animals down to my own choice of diet.

[@Conformist138]

Veganism (or other restrictive diet, really) is a choice humans can make because humans can articulate any issues they have with a health care provider. Please dont get a pet and force your food ideology on them (your cat is not vegan and your dog has no need to be "gluten free"). If your pet's diet matters to you that much, get a pet that already eats foods you're comfortable with.

[@sourgummiez]

Conformist138 dogs have evolved along side humans for the last 5,000 years or so and their eating habits are vast. That’s what I’ve heard from several vets over the years

[@lucywallis8259]

@@sourgummiez true but tbf if you aren't an expert on animal diets or able to get them checked regularly I wouldn't risk it I mean I did research into veganism for a year before changing my diet and I'm still learning I'm happy to learn as I go as long as I'm healthy and I get checked up but I risk that to my animal they can't really agree on going vegan and I have had a hard time knowing when my dog is ill so I would be in fear 24 7 for my animal

[@Conformist138]

@@sourgummiez true, but lots of diets are deficient for humans, too. Like a human eating a vegan diet without B12 or consuming nothing but carbs. Just because we wont die from it doesnt make it nutritionally sound. If you pass a lacking diet on to a pet, the dog or cat can't tell anyone if they're feeling off and they can't decide if it's actually wrong for them after all. When responsible for another creature, we have to take them into account first and foremost and put our personal ideas aside.

[@christina7454]

Omg yes!! Cats are so good at hiding any kind of discomfort (even open wounds or cracked bones). To think my cat would experience symptoms with certain foods and hide that (I know how painful food intolerances and ibs are)

[@UpsideDown853]

I just want to say that "Gluten" is a tricky problem. It is a highly debated topic even in the human world. My advice would be to steer away from gluten (wheat) but other grains are fine. Not saying it is bad and will kill your dog, just that it does appear to have a tendency to set off the immunesystem. Seeing how dogs rarely vocalise discomfort or pain, it seems wise to stay away from unknowns. I do give my dog wheat on occasion.

[@ellentaylor-king5680]

Don't get a animal if your not going to feed them a healthy diet

[@MartianBlues11]

Exactly! If you’re not comfortable feeding a cat/dog food that contains meat, then don’t get a cat/dog. Just get an herbivorous animal ffs. Gerbils, guinea pigs, rabbits, etc are soft and cuddly, and there’s no moral conflict with having to feed them meat. I’m really tired of seeing these selfish vegans who get dogs but don’t feed them a safe, healthy diet. It’s really irritating.

[@agees924]

MartianBlues Agree but I wouldn’t say they are selfish, just very misinformed and think that every single breed of animal can be vegan.

[@aviendha1154]

Yeah I agree. You can feed a dog a low meat diet, they are omnivores, but you shouldn't feed them vegan unless their vet recommends it. Feeding a cat vegan is straight up murder. They actually shouldn't eat anything that isnt meat, their digestive track is only designed for meat, and fun fact, they can't even taste sugar, a clear sign that they shouldn't eat fruits, grains or vegetables.

[@MartianBlues11]

A.S Bernard I definitely see what you’re saying. I just think it’s a little selfish because these people get dogs just because they want a dog, and they don’t consider the fact that the pet could suffer from the owner’s decision. But you’re right, I do think that they really are just misguided.

[@georgieroberts8697]

MartianBlues you can healthily feed a dog a plant-based diet though.

[@charliechambliss5920]

If someone adopts a shelter animal, I don’t have a problem with feeding them a meat-based and/or raw meat diets. These animals would have either been euthanized or fed meat anyways. I focus on buying eco-friendly and vegan ‘gear’ for my shelter pet while feeding her a meat-based diet and supporting dog food brands that are progressive in trying to combat their carbon footprint.

[@slm613]

what brand of food do you feed ?

[@mechanicalblurr331]

Raw meat diets aren't good for cats and dogs and increase the pet owner's risk of disease

[@rainbowpanic5632]

@@mechanicalblurr331 If you handle the food right and buy the meet from sources that minimize things such as salmonella, you'll be fine. Most dogs already walk around with some percentage of salmonella in them already. Not only that but you can get salmonella almost anywhere already, not just from eggs and meat in your kitchen.

[@taraa4281]

I always say if you don’t want to feed your pet meat get a herbivore! I’m not sure if I wanna be buying dog food so I have bunnies!

[@agees924]

Many dog foods use meat that is going to be discarded anyways. The leftover bits parts are sold from butchers and meat plants.

[@aviendha1154]

Nice, rabbits are such lovely pets. And can actually be almost free to keep if they can safely graze on your lawn. My rabbits only eat pellets if the middle of summer when the lawn dies. Plus they're like a compost for your vegies. Rabbit poop makes amazing fertilizer!

[@taraa4281]

@@aviendha1154 I use their litter and poop as fertilizer too!

[@MartianBlues11]

Aviendha I’ve always been wanted a rabbit but never had adequate space for one. My sister has guinea pigs and absolutely adores them! Herbivores are great little critters to have 😊

[@tzermonkey]

Maybe your all monsters for "owning" or enslaving these fellow animals. Did you know that wild jack rabbits are scavengers & will eat carion. You are imposing your will on those poor animals. Set them free.

[@sourgummiez]

Most people become vegan AFTER they already have dogs and cats. Much more than folks who are vegans considering adopting a pet.

[@dutchik5107]

But that thats your choice. You should still obviosly take care of your pet regardless

[@fen4613]

...yeah, but if it’s the other way around the vegan choices are forced upon pets and dont come from the love for pets. It’s still an issue.

[@sourgummiez]

Uhhhh i never said anything about how people are caring for their pets, I was just saying most people already have pets when they become vegan, and then they adjust their pets diet.

[@ItsAsparageese]

This is a really arbitrary and unsupportable conjecture

[@msaijay1153]

I became vegetarian after getting my last dog. I never changed her food. I did buy her special food because she couldn't have corn, I got her a brand from Costco with lamb in it.

[@mirimiriela480]

Quick note--any of the foods that say "veterinary diet" are by prescription only. You must have a prescription from a veterinarian to purchase them. That includes the vegan Purina food and the vegan Royal Canin food. They are specifically for dogs that have significant allergies to other forms of protein, and it's unlikely that a veterinarian would prescribe that food for any reason other than medical necessity. Edit: With regards to whether the food actually has been tested to meet requirements (and isn't simply formulated to meet them)--it's my understanding that veterinary diet foods, prescription foods, are actually tested to verify that they meet the requirements that they claim to meet, whereas your average pet food has not been tested. This is, at least in part, what makes them so expensive.

[@anastasia7170]

The bit about prescription is def not true for Europe. Also most pet foods are tested (fed to dogs/cats that are then killed and their intestines looked at) as it's a requirment for pet foods in many countries.

[@slovenkaLOL]

@@anastasia7170 I am not sure about the testing regarding heavily commercial brands, you can get in grocery stores etc. like Whiskas or Pedigree. The veterinary brands like Royal Canin definitely do a more extensive testing and what is more important, make their informatino more accessable. About prescription food - its true you can mostly get it from the internets in Europe. You shouldnt be able to, but you are. Which can be both good an bad.

[@wschippr1]

Terezia Patschova I am Canadian and I can walk into my vets office and buy any of their dog food I want, prescription brands and all. They might have a couple that you can’t get (I am not entirely sure) but most of those formulas are perfectly safe for a healthy dog as well as for dogs that have conditions that the formula is designed for.

[@toericabaker]

My dog was prescribed soy-protein food and has been technically vegan for almost 8 years. We don't feed her table scraps because of her allergies. She's totally healthy. Exceptions to the rule exist.

[@augusth7975]

I really hope cultured meat becomes the new norm for pet food. It’s the only tangible solution.

[@jenathent4840]

In vitro meat would be revolutionary ! The guilt of feeding my dogs would be eliminated. I became vegan after getting my pets

[@winniemoline8930]

Jenathen T don’t feel guilty about feeding your dogs their normal veterinarian recommended diet :) be comfortable in knowing you’re properly caring for them

[@antoniag6622]

Jenathen T you are only in control of your own body, don t push it on kids, parents, pets etc

[@jenathent4840]

Winnie Moline I’m not horribly guilt ridden but there is still a bit of me that feels a bit bad you know but in vitro meat would be amazing to reduce animal suffering

[@antoniag6622]

Pretty Little Moo Cow I wasn’t being agressive as you are right now. Are you also feeling guilty if you are at a table with non vegans? Maybe your parents and grandparents? I own a dog and there is not a better thing for her as chicken breast and meat in general. I also give her carrots and other veggies, but hell, she keeps barking and jumping in my lap if she smells meat anywhere.

[@SSStofu008]

@@antoniag6622but push it on animals???

[@punkybrewstar83]

Problem with animals is that they cannot tell you what is wrong or how they feel. I love animals way too much to take that risk with their health.

[@zxyatiywariii8]

Same. And you have such an adorable dog! ♥️ Greetings from ours to yours 🐕❤️🐕

[@AnimalEmancipation]

You realise they get sick on unvegan food too plus is causes suffering to other animals in general. I love animals so much I have to buy meat is just silly talk. Nutritionally complete vegan cat and dog food is around for decades

[@melissacondon]

I really think lab grown meat will be an excellent solution for carnivorous animals!

[@alexwansss]

UV's outtros are like me trying to leave the house and remembering all the things I might have forgotten.

[@princesseville6889]

She is like "brexiting" every video- saying shes done but continuing for ever xD

[@alexwansss]

@@princesseville6889 OMG your analogy is so apt! She always Brexits!

[@followtheforce]

As a vet tech I really hate vegan diets unless recommended by a vet ... so irresponsible for your pet. If you want an herbivore pet than get one opposed to forcing it on to an animal who isn’t.

[@wildroses4944]

I switched my dog to a grain-free diet after she had countless skin issues. Any idea why grains cause so many skin issues in dogs? (While the food I feed her is grain-free it is not a vegan formula)

[@HurricanexLiberty]

@@wildroses4944 Like us, some animals can be allergic to certain proteins, either animals or vegetals.

[@dogfishrulez]

@@wildroses4944 Did the main protein source change? A lot of people think it's the grains in the diet that was causing the issue when it's actually the protein (usually chicken). That being said, dogs can be allergic to vegetable proteins but do fine on diets that are not technically grain-free but only contain the plant starches.

[@charlesswedenburg9449]

Not irresponsible at all,Dogs have been proven to thrive on vegan diets

[@rbaker1990]

Excuse my ignorance - when comparing ingredients of the various brands, why is soy not counted as a legume, but instead as a grain? Thanks!

[@UpsideDown853]

Thanks! Same question. And Soy is definitely a legume...

[@platedlizard]

I think soy is very different (ie on a different branch of the family tree) from peas and chickpeas, is my guess, so it has different enzymes due how distantly related it is from the other legumes.

[@harleykelevra515]

Cats are obligate carnivore’s and dogs omnivores and feeding them otherwise is cruel. Period

[@redheadedstepchild9814]

Dogs are carnivores. Not true carnivores like cats but still carnivores.

[@sitathisfeet5797]

@@redheadedstepchild9814 YES

[@toericabaker]

Hey just letting you know my dog was prescribed soy-protein food and has been technically vegan for almost 8 years. We don't feed her table scraps because of her allergies. She's totally healthy. Exceptions to the rule exist.

[@rn2787]

My stance remains the same. I go by veterinarians recommendations. Every animal is unique and you have to do whatever is best for that animal. When you get a pet you are making a promise to do the best you can for them and this includes doing whatever it takes to make them as healthy as possible.

[@rn2787]

My vets has never mentioned a brand unless they had a medical problem that requires special food. If your vet is pushing something like that than you need a better vet.

[@toericabaker]

My dog was prescribed soy-protein food and has been technically vegan for almost 8 years. We don't feed her table scraps because of her allergies. She's totally healthy. Exceptions to the rule exist.

[@14EHannah]

There are so many herbivores as pets. If you're uncomfortable feeding meat to a pet then don't get a dog, cat most reptiles or fish. Get a rabbit, guinea pig,hamster,rat,mouse, birds, or if you have room a horse.

[@MartianBlues11]

Yep! My sister has like 6 guinea pigs, and she’s happy never having to buy meat for a pet. It works out for everyone.

[@14EHannah]

@Happy Me they are omnivorous but they can be kept healthy on a vegetarian diet.

[@hannahbuck4184]

@Happy Me I have a hamster that's vegan and he is very healthy! Most commercial hamster foods are vegan!! :)

[@jesuisunepommedeterre4662]

My birds eat animal products lol

[@elbabellisario7651]

HannahPanda 97 hamsters, rats and mice are omnivores. i feed my hamster dried mealworms, and if i wasn’t vegan i probably would feed him meat aswell

[@EQ3282]

We fed our dogs (Boston Terriers) grain free food from Orijen for years and never had an issue. One of our BTs had passed unexpectedly, but it was an idiopathic seizure/Neuro condition that came out of nowhere (Boston's are prone to seizures though). The other is doing quite well at 11 years old. That said, we talked to our vet when this all came to light. They suggested switching to grained food, just to be safe. But they weren't convinced the "BEG" brands were to blame. They even said that the way the industry works, they wouldn't rule out a red herring placed by the larger dog food brands (or grain suppliers) to reclaim market share (thus the 'odd' list of "Don't Buy" brands from many smaller companies). Government oversight for pet products is light, at best, so our vet was a bit skeptical that a few cases of DCM would create this type of reaction. That said, our vets told us the grain free fad wasn't based on science or research, but was the result of the same human diet fad. The sad part is that there just isn't enough money in pet health to really get to the bottom of this. So in the end, no one really knows.

[@allysathomas4582]

People should just feed their pets a vet recommended diet lmao, it's not that hard

[@sourgummiez]

Many vets recommend plant based. And the proof is in the improvements in health for their doggie clients

[@ilovemana143]

@@sourgummiez my vet says the same thing for small dogs. For large dogs, they can eat meat but small dogs shouldn't eat too much meat. They have different digestive system my vet says.

[@TheKujo1671]

@Mrs. Roper I work in the veterinary field and none of us are rich and making money off pets being sick. Everyone in the field, including the veterinarians are drastically underpaid compared to what we do and the education costs required.

[@emmmmmmmm4086]

I have a lot of respect for vets, but not a lot of respect for the big-name pet food brands that are pouring funding into veterinary nutrition classes and giving vet students free kibble. I would also be a lot more comfortable if vets were required to take more than 1 or 2 nutrition classes (if that). I love my vet, but I made sure to choose a vet that specialized in nutrition, in a clinic that isn’t sponsored by Royal Canin

[@sourgummiez]

TheKujo1671 big pharma benefits from animals just like humans and a lot of vets speak out about this. It doesn’t make vets and everyone “beneath” them rich

[@ciappy27]

Cats do not suffer from UTI they siffer from chronic renal failure which manifests in uti and eventually kindey failure. There is a reason why its illegal in certain countires to feed dogs and cats vegetarian. You're preventing one type of animal cruelty to another

[@Phenrex]

Part of me just wishes that there was an approved vegan cat food on the market that wasn't like 80$ for a 10 lb bag lol. You think there would be a market for it (what with at least 375 million vegetarians let alone vegans, with that number probably being higher as it's a statistic from 2014).

[@Chelsea-yx2hs]

Artistic Apricot but cat‘s shouldn’t actually eat vegan/vegetarian, as they are carnivores and can‘t get the nutrients they need from plants, etc. If you fed a cat a vegan diet you would slowly but surely kill it!

[@essiekat8532]

Yeah, cats don't do anything with plants, their bodies are not good at getting nutrients out of them, they just poop out most of the vegetables they eat. I read somewhere that if you get cheap market food that has lots of vegetables in it, the cat just has to eat more of it to get enough meat, and then it poops a lot more. Those are super bad for a cat's health anyways, containing wheat and sugar and other crap cats don't need and that are plain harmful to them. I get my cat wet food that has only meat and some added vitamins and such in it, nothing else. Dry food always has some rice and corn in it, but I always make sure to get grain-free and sugar-free. Cat's diet is literally the opposite of a vegan, you need to make sure it gets as little vegan stuff as possible and only animal-based stuff.

[@Phenrex]

@@essiekat8532 What? I'm not saying to feed one a vegan diet now, nutritionally if they make a cat food that is entirely the same except it's sourced from plants the plants aren't going to magically cause it to die. The reason most people think it's problematic is because cats specifically need Taurine, and some cat plant based foods have that but they aren't approved/tested well enough yet for me to feel comfortable feeding them to my cat. However, just as we develop vegan meats that taste and resemble their animal based counter parts, we also can develop technologies that allow for foods which are closer and closer to nutritionally identical versions of animal based foods that are instead based from plants.

[@kohi48]

@@Phenrex Aka processed foods. We all know that the farther we get from a foods natural state, the worse it is for our bodies. Fake meat that tastes exactly like real meat with all the same vitamins and minerals, will still never be equal to meat. We cant solely survive off of a multivitamin that contains every essential nutrient and vitamin. We need the whole food attached to those nutrients.

[@clarabrandaog]

swayze: anyways thanks for watching also swayze: nope nevermind

[@definitelynotashark1799]

I'm sorry, but this is such an infuriating topic to me. We're close to vegan and we feed our dog a PMR (raw meat) diet. Why? Because it's species appropriate. While dogs aren't obligate carnivores like cats are, their nutrient requirements (which we know, because that's what the nutrient mix added to kibble is based on!) are best met through meat. The meat is basically what's left of domestic meat production. Nobody raises animals just to create dog food. Yeah, dogs can survive on vegan/vegetarian dog food if it follows regulations in terms of necessary nutrients and stuff. BUT. I'm not getting a dog just to essentially feed them Soylent Green. If I didn't want to feed my pet meat, I'd get a fucking hamster. But I wouldn't feed a pet kibble type foods either way, no matter if it's a dog, a cat, a parrot, a bunny or indeed a hamster. Imagine living exclusively off meal replacement shakes and dry ass crackers yourself. Doesn't sound so appealing, huh? If a dog actually has a generalized protein allergy (= allergjes to anything not hydralized) and that's what keeps them alive, fine. But apart from that.. Nah.

[@JennRighter]

Many people are also able to make partnerships with butchers where they can collect the meat products that would be literally thrown in the trash on a schedule. This is beneficial to everyone and it does not contribute to animals as a commodity. Of course, this takes effort and more than anything, a LOT of research, and no one should start a diet for their pet without intense and thorough knowledge of nutrient and caloric needs. I do believe this is the most responsible way of being vegan and having pets. But I've also seen the way people feed their beloved children and it's often abhorrent, so it's really important to emphasize that this method requires a significant amount of research and effort.

[@cfrost87]

While feeding dogs and cats food with meat causes harm, feeding them foods that inappropriate for their species could cause harm and suffering to them. Cats are carnivores, so diet has to be considered carefully.

[@IzzyHendrix]

i'm a big fan of Caitlin. she's definitely improved her diet a lot in the past couple years. she used to be pretty heavily oil-free and 80:10:10, but her diet is much more balanced lately. her and her boyfriend take their dogs on long walks/hikes very regularly so i could understand feeding them a bit more food than what's recommended (& they're obviously healthy weights, so i honestly wouldn't be concerned about that aspect). from what i can tell, they give them about the normal amount of wild earth, in addition to the homemade stuff. i think it'd be better to do the homemade stuff in the middle of the day and wild earth at normal meal times, not in combination, so it isn't at risk of inhibiting absorption. im glad they arent doing only the homemade food though, the way a lot of people do.

[@DearSparklesTV]

it's great to see her diet has improved a lot

[@emmmmmmmm4086]

Cats 👏 Need 👏 Meat 👏 They thrive on a high moisture, high protein diet. Small Batch and Answers are both amazing brands, super transparent about where all of their ingredients come from. They’re also great if you are vegan/vegetarian and concerned about the welfare of the animals being used to make the food

[@michellecappel2916]

Some nuance of the dcm thing: the fda study only looked at around 350 cases. All of these cases were sent in by consumers, in other words, the owners of these dogs had to pay for the expensive (300$ plus) tests to figure out if their dogs had dcm in the first place. Diagnosing DCM is an expensive endeavor. Most of the brands on the list are more expensive diets, like zignature and orijin, where the price of one bag of food could easily get up to 80$ a bag (because they are much higher in meat and meat is expensive) So people who have more money to spend on their dogs in the first place were able to afford the tests for dcm. I work in dog food retail and have met several dogs diagnosed with dcm, these dogs usually have underlying conditions which is what got them on an expensive food in the first place. You are not going to see a link between Grocery store brands and dcm because honestly no one who is buying cheep dog food is gonna spend 300 dollars to diagnose the specific heart disease their dog had sometimes even after there dog already passed away. Not saying that there is no connection there, but this is super, super, super inconclusive. Some people spend years finding a dog food that works for their dog and one that doesn’t make them break out or get sick. Some people have super picky dogs that will literally only eat certain brands of food. It is sad that this list the fda released scared thousands of people off brands of food that they and their dog loved. Now they have to start hunting for a dog food that works all over again. Also, again, I work in the dog food business and I disagree that grain free food has no benefits. As of where the science is today; dogs do best on meat. Allergies are SUPER common in dogs and often go undiagnosed the entire life of the dog. Most dogs don’t digest grains well, and they don’t have the enzymes to break down carbs the same way we do. There is so much misinformation in the pet food industry, it is depressing. Can’t wait for lab grown meat for pet food purposes.

[@ilessthan3cats]

Michelle Cappel This is the first comment I’ve seen that I’ve agreed with. I’m in the pet food industry and the corruption behind the FDA’s list is stunning, but not surprising considering the vets they are working with. Disappointed that my girl Swayze didn’t look into any of that.

[@chloro8306]

Meat-free diets are better for dogs with allergies, that's the main reason vets formulate veg dog foods.

[@MissMarth]

I do wish those in pet food retail and those in the veterinary field would get on the same page. We always steer pet parents away from grain-free "boutique" diets because why risk it if the pet doesn't need a specific diet. If the pet does have allergies or sensitivities we recommend the brands she mentioned in the video, normally purina or royal canin hydrolyzed. We also have a huge list of dog foods and their ingredients so when we allergy test them we can find a diet that works. Just throwing it out there, we're in this together, hopefully we can come to an agreement on what's best for our clients and patients.

[@InTheNameOfLife1]

Michelle Cappel I’m a vet tech and have a few issues with what you are saying. I have taken and seen, first hand, rads of dogs under 5 with DCM. You do not need to go to a cardiology specialist to diagnose this. It is clear as day upon thoracic radiographs. So the correlation you’re making with only high end, expensive brands is not the case. This is happening more and more in the field. I would rather people take an abundance of caution and respectfully wait for the research (that IS underway) to conclude rather than risk the boutique, fad diets.

[@ItsAsparageese]

YES! I CANNOT APPLAUD THIS ENOUGH! It's great to see points about self-selecting data populations (I swear, people don't think like marketers nearly enough, it really helps add some logic and appropriate doubt to any data about anything human-related) although I agree with the above replier that this doesn't mean there's a true correlation with expensive foods, it just means the data isn't solidly objective with well-controlled variables accounted for so it's weak data. I agree also about how grain free dog foods do offer benefit to a substantial portion of dogs. I worked for a vet and grew up with a severely disabled family member who was very responsive to nutritional therapies and it drives me batshit to see people so grossly misunderstand how these things work. (Referring to other commenters not to UV)

[@georgieroberts8697]

I wrote my dissertation on plant-based nutrition in domestic canines:) yes DCM has been related to diets rich in legumes and low in protein which is why homecooking can be quite dangerous when being performed by someone without the knowledge. But, the main link made had been grain free. Diets high in legumes are usually because they’re replacing grain, grains are high in taurine, lack of grains = lack of taurine, as opposed to legumes being the causative agent. Also, when fully homecooking soy should not be the main source of protein and only constitute ~25% (off the top of my head, maybe it was 25-50?!). Dogs predisposed, larger breed dogs, dogs fed grain free and dogs fed organic food require taurine and carnitine supplements (they can’t be added to organic food as they’re not yet classed as organic substances). Also, both taurine and carnitine have to be supplemented, because even though they’re both made from methionine, supplementing one does not have a sparing effect on the other! Her homemade food sounds pretty good to me! I’d take a look at a study by Axellson et al. 2013 about the digestion of starch in dogs compared to wolves. I study bioveterinary science, and in veterinary school, there’s barely any research into nutrition let alone plant-based nutrition! Some vets don’t even know that plant-based pet foods are available. p.s I have no idea if any of what I said is covered in the video / relevant to the video as I’m going to watch it with my breakfast tomorrow but just some immediate thoughts! OK EDIT: I started watching🤣 and as someone who’s done a lot of research into this topic, there’s a lot of studies done into the aetiology of DCM. There’s no official studies I’ve found in my entire research for my dissertation, I never found any documentation of peas and pea protein causing DCM. As much as I love unnatural vegan, I’m going to skip this video just as I don’t think she’s clued enough to talk about it. Seems a bit too personal opinion as opposed to factual❤️ oh and Yora and Green Petfood both make dog foods using insect protein:)

[@sophierochette5782]

Georgie Roberts hi! Is your dissertation available online? I would love to read it.

[@georgieroberts8697]

Sophie Rochette it will be available in the next month or so!! I’ll try to remember to comment on here. x

[@K.Kitbex]

@@georgieroberts8697 Please do. I'd love to read it too 🙂

[@cyberdaria]

Thank you for this insight! I feed my pup vegan halo, rice, and a meaty gravy to has probiotics for digestion since she has a sensitive tummy. Glad to know I don't have to be overly concerned ❤️

[@punkybrewstar83]

@Rachel Ny Insect protein isn't vegan... I am vegan personally, but I have always thought that if I had to eat something, I would breed and eat mealworms. I feed live ones to animals regularly through my work anyway. However, it is a living organism... it isn't vegan. Feeding dogs insect protein could be fantastic and is a lot more sustainable I would have thought. However, that is not a vegan diet, or the problem diet that is questionable. Dogs are at least omnivores, so it is a lot more likely to be fine than with cats. But totally, why not meet everyone half way, and have dog food made with insect powder? Awesome. Wish we had it here for our bird rescue.

[@snowy9941]

The most dumb idea ever is to feed my dog vegan because enviromental reasons with PURINA products.. Really?! Supporting Nestlé for enviromental reasons is pathetic... by the way not a critic against you ... love your vids and I loved that you mentioned to support smaller businesses. But just the imagination that some vegans out there support Nestlé... oh gosh

[@cyrodilicbrandy]

Ercan Korkmaz One of the biggest insults is when Nestlé try to market their products towards vegans. Here in the UK, they released vegan cereal and dairy-free latte and cappuccino sachets. It’s almost as if they have no idea.

[@skelet0r23]

@@cyrodilicbrandy ironically gourmet garden (owned by nestle) provides the vegan burger patties for McDonald's in Germany lol

[@ilselindberg6557]

The Purina vegetarian brand was only available in India, most vegetarian/vegans over there are doing it for religious reasons more than environmental reason. Not to say the don't care, but it might not be the first thing on their mind.

[@toericabaker]

There is no ethical consumption under capitalism. Don't pearl clutch at other ppls choices.

[@snowy9941]

@@toericabaker youre absolutely right ...it wasnt my intention

[@elvingearmasterirma7241]

Cats are dedicated carnivores as well. They need meat and their pills are specifically designed for them. They cant live off of dog food either. They can eat all they want, but they will have deficiencies and will die. In short. YOUR CAT WILL DIE ON A VEGAN DIET. DON'T DO IT. Dogs are omnivores. They can eat grain and get nutrients from that, due to domestication. But unless the dog is allergic to meat, it is suggested to give them meat to boost their health. Give em that taurine.

[@valid_sound_and_furious8413]

Here to shout out bunnies as pets! Do your research before you adopt -- keeping one happy and healthy is a housecat-level commitment, but if you're prepared, they're lovely babies to have around. And they're the third most abandoned pet after dogs and cats, so there are almost certainly bunnies near you in need of adoption!

[@sora1498]

vegan diets are not what your pet needs especially when your pet is a natural carnivore

[@olivia4394]

DPR WE GANG GANG dogs are not “natural carnivores”, dogs aren’t even “natural” to begin with. They are products of thousands of years of human breeding experiments.

[@jenathent4840]

DPR WE GANG GANG dogs are not carnivores they are omnivores and are capable of thriving on vegetarian / vegan foods just don’t be lazy and do research

[@MsMoonDragoon]

@@jenathent4840 No, no they're not. they "survive" but they do not THRIVE on meatless diets.

[@RestingBitchface7]

Vegan Squared those wild dogs in Africa that hunt prey in packs would beg to disagree.

[@RestingBitchface7]

Blood Doll truth.

[@anonchick4789]

The only videos of UV that get this aggravated comment section are the ones she does on pets

[@CarsonBeckettFan]

There actually is a brand that makes dog food from insect protein! It's called Green petfood Insectdog.

[@owcopies123]

I've heard it's great for dogs with several allergies. My dogs got treats with ginger and insect protein and they loved those (not allergic though :) )

[@toericabaker]

Awesome! I hope this becomes mainstream.

[@samara3172]

Also Yora pet food, for people in the UK. I just found out today

[@nori6050]

There is actually insect dog food, at least in Germany. I saw it in the local store

[@megsmoney9342]

I’ve been vegan for 4 years and have taken in two dogs during the past 2 years. They eat Hill’s Science Diet, the kind with meat. I’ve not seriously considered making them vegan, but I have tried giving them plant-based treats and the occasional raw veggie, and they just won’t eat them. I’ve come to accept that other animals eat animals, and that I, as a human being, can make the conscious decision not to do that. I wouldn’t force an animal to do it in the same way I wouldn’t force another human to do it, as I’ve learned that just being a good example is more effective.

[@rdfm1549]

I’m extremely grossed out by ppl feeding their pets improper diets just because they themselves want to be vegan your pet does not have a human gut - for someone that’s making life choices to be kind to animals you sure seem keen to hurt your own pet 😠 Anecdotal “evidence” is not actually evidence

[@sourgummiez]

RIP SNIFF THE CAT!!!! 💞💞💞💞

[@rachelneumann6683]

I have two bunnies and it was the best decision I ever made. They're a lot of work, but they're vegan and they don't smell! They're also hilarious little idiots with huge personalities, and because they're prey animals it feels really special when you gain their trust. There's also a lot that need rescuing because unfortunately they're seen as disposable (probably especially around now as it's after Easter)

[@EmeraldHW]

I’m so glad I unfollowed Caitlin. Her food/recipes are so freaking dry and repetitive, and now this. She’s putting ideology over the well-being of her dogs.

[@drunkenatheist]

I still follow her, and while I do appreciate her food photography and video setups, her recipes are the same basic formula. I get it, she loves oatmeal, smoothies, granola, pasta, four sigmatic, thrive market, and buddha bowls. But I'm way more interested in youtubers like The Viet Vegan, who really takes time to put together a good mix of recipes and techniques. Caitlyn's channel seems to be in a major major rut, and I hope she starts branching out soon.

[@melissabereading]

ThisIsViridus yea I unsubbed also because I was so blah. Most of her meals don’t look appealing to me anymore. Perhaps because it’s the same over & over again 🤷🏽‍♀️

[@louie.lenard5795]

My dog has been vegan since I got her (she is a rescue) mostly because she has tons of allergies as well as an extremely sensitive digestive system due to parasites she had as a street puppy. She gets a German brand of kibble (bc Im from Berlin) that is certified to deliver all necessary nutrients, I’m sure in Germany regulations are different though... I also cook extra veggies and stuff like rice on top of that plus healthy sources of fat like flax or hemp oil. She got bloodwork done regularly in the first year and every few months now and it has always come up perfectly and she’s doing amazing... might be different for other breeds etc or if u have a picky dog but she has been eating like this for over 6 years and has had no problems at all.

[@hannemart9210]

Same with mine! He's a thriving greyhound and it was the only diet to help him with his skin issues and fill out his coat after his physically neglectful first weeks of birth then I found him. I tried raw meat diet, feeding wild game, home cooked meals, all kinds of dry and canned food and Wild Earth vegan brand has been great for him!

[@sourgummiez]

Same with mine. My coonhound and lab are THRIVING. My lab has turned back into a puppy again. My vet says he has many plant based dogs come in for years now and he’s seen some have really drastic health improvements after several visits ❤️

[@K.Kitbex]

Same. Our brands are Yarrah Organic and Green VeggieDog. I also make oat and coconut biscuits for him, plus fruits (like apples and cucumber) and veggies.

[@michaeladimick8795]

Same with my dog! She got a prescription for a plant based diet because her kidneys were failing, but thanks to this change in diet she’s doing so much better.

[@charlesswedenburg9449]

That's awesome, you're just confirming the fact that Dogs can thrive on a vegan diet

[@madison3514]

As a vet assistant and kennel tech I literally cannot. Some dogs are allergic to chicken, beef, etc and have to switch the protein but it’s essential to their diet. Fun fact: dogs are allergic to proteins, not grain. The grain free industry is bullshit. I’ve heard so many people say “my dog is allergic to grain that’s why it’s on grain free.” It’s not. That’s BS that the boutique food companies have fed you. I’m glad vet techs brought up DCM. The vets I worked for even travelled from NC to have a big conference in Florida discussing this. The best dog food? Dry, brown food. No colors. Just plain dog food. Purina One is a good choice like you mentioned. You can get science diet/royal canine if you want to go all out for them but it’s been proven for decades that traditional dog food brands are the safest. I saw a comment I completely agree with. If you’re uncomfortable purchasing food with meat then that’s understandable. Just don’t get a carnivore/omnivore pet.

[@Uneclipsed]

Okay, but the reason we have so many grain-free foods is because they were being recommended by vets to alleviate skin allergies. Also, what does the color brown have to do with feeding a good diet? Dry kibble is not the healthiest dog food, and as a vet tech, you should know that. Kibble has only been massed produced since the 50's and started to be heavily marketed in the 60's. Before that it was raw food and table scraps, unless you want to count Spratt's Dog Cakes and depression era canned dog food. After all, they existed for decades and were toted as the best food for dogs. They weren't just trying to make a buck at all.

[@madison3514]

DaysInBlue reputable vets did not recommend grain free for skin allergies. Dogs are not allergic to grains. They are allergic to proteins. Only a very small percentage of dogs have food allergies in the first place. Most of the time allergies are caused by environmental factors. Colors are additives that convince people they are feeding their dog “vegetables or fruits” when all it is is food coloring. It can actually make a dogs poop look pretty gross. Plain brown food is the best.

[@madison3514]

chlorhex source: my vet tech textbook, the AVMA, and every vet I’ve ever worked for. I’m sure you could google it. It’s biology. A VERY SMALL percentage of dogs and cats actually have food allergies. Many times a dog or cat is having skin problems because of environmental factors, not the food they are eating.

[@scottishgirl1100]

If you are not willing to feed your dog or cat a omnivore diet you shouldn’t be owning a dog.

[@lucysour]

There is cricket dog food! There is a Canadian brand called Wilder Harrier that has an actual kibble, but I've seen quite a few brands w/ insect based treats. (My dog loves them. :)) I do give my pup Wild Earth, and he loves it, but he also gets a chicken/rice powder mixed in w/ the kibble most evenings. I definitely look forward to lab-grown meat for him in the future, and I will discuss DCM with my vet.

[@kv7310]

I would love to feed my dogs and cat vegan, but unfortunately i dont because i am concerned about their health. :(

[@elvingearmasterirma7241]

... But why? Why feed a dedicated carnivore (cats), and an omnivore who still gravitates toward meat (dogs) vegan?

[@louie.lenard5795]

ElvinGearMaster Irma but who says they gravitate towards meat? Like u said, dogs are omnivores and they’ll wat bread just as happily as they’ll eat a piece of sausage. Maybe it us3d to be true but after being domesticated for this long, I don’t think it can be said for all dogs anymore... not my dog at least anyways :D no offense, just some thoughts

[@MartianBlues11]

Whatsthedoctors. name I’ll slightly disagree with you because what a dog gravitates towards doesn’t mean it’s safe for the dog to eat. Dogs are known to have very little discernment when it comes to eating. They regularly eat things that can kill them if they are allowed access (like chocolate, grapes, rotten food, etc.) Also, dogs typically can’t eat uncooked, unprocessed plant matter either. They aren’t obligate carnivores, so you’re technically right, though.

[@agees924]

Dogs are like bottom feeders, they will really go for anything. My little poodle isn’t vegan but she loves fruits and veggies more than anything. Especially carrots and watermelon. Can’t imagine her hunting anything in nature though haha.

[@alyssayoung6674]

do not feed your cat vegan. full stop.

[@KoiraStar]

Ultimately, we don't have enough data to even prove correlation, let alone causation. Vet cardiologists are expensive, and so it is reasonable to assume most people who bring their dogs to a cardiologist would be feeding a more expensive food. Most of the expensive foods are grain free. This could easily skew the stats that we have so far. That said, unless your dog has a specific medical reason they need to be on a food that includes legumes/potatoes, it makes sense to switch to a grain-inclusive, legume and potato free food. That is what I've done. It is out of an abundance of caution, but makes sense. I stick to the same brands I fed before, just switched formulas.

[@InTheNameOfLife1]

Hi there. I’m a CVT and I work in an ER. I just want to point out that you do NOT need to go to a cardiologist to diagnose DCM. We see it fairly often simply upon thoracic X-rays taken for other reasons. It is also, unfortunately, diagnosed often after sudden death of the animal. All GP veterinarians have the ability to diagnose heart-related issues. You typically move towards a cardiologist for treatment and surgeries. It is not reasonable to assume it is only expensive brands that are causing this. Please remain on the side of caution until the studies (that are being done actively) are published. Research takes time. From my perspective and ALL vets that I work under, grain-free/legume diets are dangerous for the average dog. Your comment on the dog having a specific need, guided by a veterinarian, is correct!

[@samara3172]

i switched too :/ i don't want to take the risk

[@Aceofwolves]

If you want a vegan pet get a rabbit. Do not force your dog or cat whom are CARNIVORES to follow your vegan diet. They will NEVER be healthy with that. Also dogs are NOT supposed to eat all vegetarian diets....EVER. They can eat grains in SMALL amounts but NEVER a fully vegetarian diet.

[@averyvyvyanavanti5547]

Ok lowkey you’re like my vegan mom 😂🤣 🌱

[@StickItOutTillTheEnd]

This hit home. I lost my dog to DCM last year. I didn't feed him vegan food, but I did feed him grain-free at the recommendation of my vet, at first, due to ear infections. I now only feed my dogs foods that are approved by WSAVA guidelines (ProPlan and Royal Canin are two of them, so thank you for including the veggie versions of those in your video). So heartbreaking. I'll never know if it's my fault or not, or if it was a genetic disposition.

[@pri.sci.lla.]

I’ve had bunnies all my life but when I foster kittens I do feed them meat. I am vegan but I’m also a pre veterinary animal science major so I understand the nutrition needs of different species.

[@rh9475]

i can’t understand why people would feed their cats veg diets - they literally hunt animals themselves. unless it’s for actual health reasons i don’t see any reason why.

[@InTheNameOfLife1]

rh Hi! Vet tech here. There would be zero health benefits to feeding a cat a vegan diet. It leads to glaucoma, blindness, and multiple organ failure beginning with the kidneys. Cats cannot properly digest the majority of plant groups. So just want to clear up that this would never be the case in a “health reason” sort of way.

[@ellentaylor-king5680]

V-Dog sounds like one of the buddies if you remember those films

[@TheHalloweenLady]

I agree so much with everything u said in but just one thing hit me. Small brands can be better. Obv depends but the major companies are proven to lie since like in other cases the big corporations are focused on money not quality. So i just wouldn't cross off all small brands and choose big ones just because there big.

[@qtunicorn2123]

Rabbits can be litter trained

[@Sarah-np6qj]

My dogs have been vegan for 11 years now and both are happy, healthy, and energetic. Aged 13 and 16 :). They get a mix of fresh fruits and veggies and dog food. We don't avoid grains, although they do eat some legumes too. Just throwing it out there, I've known many healthy vegan dogs, and one of the longest lived dogs in the world was vegetarian and I believe ate lentils too? Also is the DCM actually linked to bean consumption or just a reduction in grain consumption? B/c most of the people out there feeding their dogs grain free diets are just massively increasing the amount of meat they eat...

[@ashleyjohnston9282]

My dogs love their vegan food oddly enough! I decided to switch them because one of them developed a severe case of AHDS almost died eating raw meat.

[@madilyons8665]

Can confirm on the cat size-to-meow theory: i have two cats from the same litter, the bigger girl cat chirps and beeps and has this sweet little meow, and her smaller brother just cries and yells, and walks around talking/grumbling to himself all day.

[@evab.6240]

You're looking younger in every video!

[@Zzzmmmsss1]

Would neverr feed my huskey vegan diet

[@emma-leighjade]

My dog is on a raw diet and eats meat sourced from local hunters and we get the gross things he needs in his diet like organs feet etc from local butchers who would be otherwise throwing these items away. He also loves his veg and gets plenty of roughage and some fruit. I have been vegan for 8 years and have 3 rabbits for my little vegan animals and I just didn’t feel right making my dog vegan so I try and source as responsibly as I can while also letting my dog have as natural a diet to his species as I can. We can only do our best, some things are a necessary evil! Thank you for bringing light to this topic!

[@ErikaWolf93]

You're very smart for doing that. Hardly any light was brought into this video though because she needs to do wayyyyyyy more research before making a video about it... In fact, this video is very misleading in a lot of ways.

[@organicallyhannah]

I had a husky & tried to feed him a vegan dog food and he wouldn’t stop vomiting/having diarrhea. I waited a week and ended up just sending it back.

[@knuffelmuff7682]

Did you send back the dog or the food...?

[@UnicoYoutube]

knuffelmuff Why would you send a dog..?

[@knuffelmuff7682]

@@UnicoKZbin If you got it from a shelter or whatever and all it does is vomiting and having diarrhea, people might be inclined to send the dog back. It happens a lot if the animal doesn't turn out as expected

[@yorick2284]

My dog is eating insect-based kibble. I see it as a kind of a compromise, because I don’t feel comfortable putting him on vegetarian diet, and he has poultry allergies.

[@gabikroeker8]

raw meat diets for the win! 🙌🏼

[@Moniplonisimone]

Back when i had a cat, i had made agreements with a few hunters in my area. I told Them that i only wanted leftovers that they would otherwise throw out and that they shouldnt Hunt specifically for me. I would always go there and make sure that it was really just leftovers.

[@rae2622]

I'm vegan and I buy animal products for my dog and cats. My dog can't stomach any other food that isn't the grain free meat-based food he has. If his GI problems act up, it's plain chicken and rice because he can't stomach sweet potatoes and pumpkin. While I don't like preparing chicken for him, I feel it's a necessity to make him get better (as directed by the vet). Pets can't consent to veganism and there are animals like cats and northern breed dogs that NEED meat in their diet.

[@SEAHawaii]

I appreciate the segment you added at the end further discussing that there are many issues to consider with choosing the right diet for your dog. I won’t go into the detailed backstories for each of my three dogs, but basically their diets vary from 75 to 100% vegan depending on their individual needs. As a vegan and a veterinarian, I have carefully tried to balance the health and ethical pros and cons for each of my dogs. They are all extremely healthy (healthier since going mostly vegan many years ago) and they really enjoy their food. Everyone needs to make informed decisions and have a veterinarian monitor their pets’ health while doing their very best to reduce animal suffering and environmental impact. 🐶

[@user-xv1kp6qf7h]

So my dog has been grain free for the last idk 2-3 yrs when she suddenly developed a heart murmur. I worried I had caused this start of heart failure in my sweet best friend min pin 😭😭 well we went to the cardiologist and while her heart valve is leaking causing the murmur he did not feel it was related to to her food at all, it’s common in small dogs. He did strongly feel that these “boutique” expensive brand grain feee dog foods were not the best thing for our pets, that there years of science and reliability of the much more affordable Purina type foods where dogs have lived long healthy lives on. Apparently grain free is just a trend that goes along with our gluten free human trend 🙄 we all just want to do the best thing for our pets and it’s not as easy as it may seem with the garbage info on the internet.. but for now I’m not feeding grain free anymore. I have starting cooking my own food for my pup that I mix into her kibble. Beef, pork and tons of veggies. My dog has chicken allergy . Sorry vegans

[@AryaTargaryen]

We love you, Sniff

[@tikirowboat]

Lab grown meat would be a good answer to the ethics problem and making sure your beloved pet gets proper nutrition.

[@sprightlysyndicate]

I am so in Love with my guinea pigs. They are such great little vegetarian buddies.

[@narutogoldylocks]

I’m vegan but I wouldn’t feed my future cat or dog a vegan diet. They’re not human and they do not have the human digestive system. Humans can live healthily off a herbivore diet. Neither cats nor dogs are herbivores. As much as it makes me sad to contribute to factory farming, I’m not going to risk the health & life of my pet. I don’t eat animals because I made that choice. My pet cannot make that choice, and it could cost her/him their life.

[@mylindalou2426]

Working in the veterinary field I can say I’ve seen several cats die from vegan diets and dogs get very ill . It’s sad 😞

[@toericabaker]

Hey just letting you know my dog was prescribed soy-protein food and has been technically vegan for almost 8 years. We don't feed her table scraps because of her allergies. She's totally healthy. Exceptions to the rule exist.

[@amyw6156]

I feed my dog raw meat/vegetables because he digests it better than canned ect. He is omnivorous and enjoys raw veggies, ect along with raw eggs and meat. Biologically he is omnivorous. Grains make my dog sick. Just don’t force your own dietary beliefs onto another living being who can’t consent.

[@lilithnox5955]

Loving animals means also understanding and taking care of their needs. And exactly that, DON’t have one if you cannot deal with what comes with.

[@victoriamahoney2995]

My cat is diabetic Bc he was on a dry food diet with 50 % carbs for 8 years. I learned that felines need a diet with less than 10% carbs and more causes issues with the pancreas. Those protein and fat sources need to be animal based protein. Now my cat eats only canned food with less than 10% carbs and we are struggling keeping him regulated. Feed your pets what they biologically need, not what makes you feel good

[@bekacooper2365]

the issue with hydrolyzed protein dog foods is that you need a veterinarian prescription. my dog has allergies to animal proteins (his body signals an allergic reaction to all of them) and he has to be on a vegan diet. hydrolyzed protein molecules are formulated differently and smaller than animal proteins to not trigger that reaction. so people who want their dogs to be on a vegan diet can't just get the hydrolyzed stuff without a prescription.

[@kaitlinbenz255]

I used to work at a natural pet store that sold hydrolyzed dog food on the shelves for anyone to buy. This was as recent as six months ago, fyi.

[@InTheNameOfLife1]

There are non-prescription hydrolyzed protein diets on the market!

[@louib716]

I didnt eat meat for six years. My cat did. You can quit this shit whenever you want, but your pet cannot. At least have the decency to talk to your vet before you even attempt feeding animals non meat foods. Dont gamble their health if you give a shit about them at all.

[@carly5380]

Could you possibly do a video on how you find your research, interpret studies due to how dense they are, and how you deal with contradictory studies? I’m always surprised by the stuff I miss researching when I watch your videos, this one in particular. Hope your quarantine is going smoothly!

[@Agetroh]

My vet recommended my dog to eat a soy based (chicken flavored) dog food because for some unknown reason her fur falls out.... she needs steroids and antibiotics everyday or she swells up and can’t move

[@foxybiroxy]

Do a video on the meat shortages!!

[@toericabaker]

Hey just letting you know my dog was prescribed soy-protein food and has been technically vegan for almost 8 years. She's fine.

[@emmybuns6964]

THANK YOU for bringing this up - I'm a vet tech, and while I don't believe we've had any diet-related DCM cases in my practice, we're continuing to hear about them. Part of the problem with pinpointing the causes & correlations of this disease are that many people don't want to pursue further testing when their dog is showing heart failure symptoms - many will elect to monitor or minimally medicate, and these conditions generally can't be definitively diagnosed without imaging at a cardiologist. So the overall numbers occurring are likely far higher. It's also incredibly difficult to counteract the marketing tactics of large, popular companies, especially with the rumor going around of vets getting "kickbacks" from Purina/Hills/Royal Canin, or that vets have less nutrition education than the BEG companies. Thanks for shouting out the RC & Purina vegetarian diets (and I believe Hills does too) - they are available prescription-only, but they are companies that have put a TON of science into their formulations. Overall, I don't think there's any problem with feeding a vegan/vegetarian diet to a dog, but ONLY if it's one truly backed by science! Grain-free diets are the big thing to avoid, but watching legume content is a close second.

[@beanythompson1460]

Cats are obligate carnivores please do not feed your cats vegan it is not good for them I am a vet technician I'm not a vet or a nutritional specialist but from what I've learned it is not ideal for dogs it is safer and can be healthy but it is still tricky and if you plan to do this please talk to a specialist and not just a vet many vets dont know much about nutrition

[@귤귤-y1x]

We can survive and be healthy easily while being vegan however, I foster and rescue cats and they literally cannot live without meat.... So i feed them high quality food from a good company because they need and deserve that... I don't need it. its simple for me, don't abuse animals as much as possible... not feeding them meat is abuse and me eating meat is abuse so i guess its a matter of choice sadly

[@odette8292]

It's so simple why do people not get it Grain free dog and cat food = good Because cats and dogs have a hard time digesting grain and a lot of them are allergic even but people don't realize it's not that hard Vegan dog and cat food = bad 🤦

[@sourgummiez]

Making homemade dog food, and adding the proper amount of vitamins (just like they add to all dog food), IS BALANCED. Why don’t you discuss this?? :(

[@bubbletea1985]

Honestly I'm just not sure about feeding vegan diets to animals that aren't naturally vegan... It's so easy to get wrong, plus you can always adopt an animal that's a natural herbivore. I love reptiles, but I would never adopt an animal that needs to be live-fed for enrichment purposes, because I know I couldn't fulfil their needs effectively due to moral reasons

[@nicksilverstein1193]

Please do more Daria reacts to Quinn....I mean...."Reacting to when I ate Raw" videos! :)

[@Sara88890]

Lol so you know pets need meat to survive even if it's technically cruel to other animals but humans are somehow different

[@embergqvist7900]

I will put my cat on what my vet recommends. And in the future dogs. They come first, my ideals second. My cat eats Royal Canin's kibble for sterilized male cats

[@AnnikaWithAk]

Your Vet also wants to earn money and they often sell recommended food in their branches. Dry food is a no go for cats because they are likely to develop (above mentioned in many comments) uti issues, especially male cats. Cats are not designed to drink huge amount of water which they have to if they only get dry food. Cats are carnivores. I rescued my cats from the shelter 8.5 years ago and became Vegan almost 5 years ago. Of course I don't like to feed them meat (Feringa wet food) , but I'd find it more cruel to put my own diet choice down on my cats who don't have a choice. Royal Canin is a brand which belongs to Hills or Purina as far as I know and they do animal testings. Also check the ingredients of that kibble stuff. Would you eat that yourself and do you think it sounds good? Pls think about the food which you give your cat and do some research. Not every Vet knows it best.

[@embergqvist7900]

I don't only feed my cat kibble, he also get wet food for hydration, but since this kibble is his main food i did not mention this. Secondly i don't buy this food ini my vets office i buy it seperatly so they don't make money of me. And i go to a trusted vet chain in my country that has never tried to make money of me. I buy this specific food for the urinary support it gives him. I have read whats in it, and honestly i would not since i DO NOT EAT MEAT. I have done my own reasearch but at the end of the day i am not a proffesional and therefore use the food my vet tells me to use since my cat has had urinary problems. This specific food is for urinary problems and his health comes first. I don't know why you mentioned this but i'm also vegan and rescued my cat as well.

[@sibz8132]

Canin is owned by Purina. But I want to say both royal canin and hills are vet recommended brands all over the uk for a reason. Their products isn't a 1 fit's all they're offer specialist products from things like prescriptions to cat breeds which when it goes to animals it's kinda important that if your furball develops any problems it can be treated with their food. Now are both brands cruelty free? No they do conduct animal tests. That's something for the individual pet owner to think about but personally I'll still use their (Hills) brand my cat is happy and healthy and on a well balanced diet with some natural meat/fish treats (I also don't buy from the vet unless it's a short term prescription). I listened to my vet and it looks like they were right... big shocker

[@ladydee4692]

If you want to feed your pet vegan food then get a naturally herbivorous animal. Like a tortoise or a hamster. Don’t put your non vegan pets in danger

[@IsThatEtchas]

Have you seen La Leche League's "Safe Sleep 7" and their guidelines on "safe bedsharing"? I know you did a video on breastfeeding and why formula is just as good. I thought maybe this was a topic that might interest you because it's really harmful misinformation and I'm seeing it constantly in all my mom groups.

[@ltllu]

Wilder and Harrier has a cricket based food!! I’ve been giving my guy their treats for awhile now and he loves them!