Should dogs be vegetarian too??

But it is a good debate.

Iv just been looking into vegan diets for dogs & had no idea that dogs could live a healthy life with no meat. I found that the oldest living dog is 27yrs old (border collie) and has been a vegan all its life, eating lentils, rice etc.
I dont feed my dog canned food as i know that they put all the yukky bits into those, i have been feeding him a good quality dry food and also feed him rice, pasta, fruits & vegetables.
Iv been searching vegetarian/vegan foods for dogs and there are heaps of options!
I made him a chickpea & carrot mash last night to add to his dry food and he loved it!
As a vegetarian i definitly dont want to support killing of any animals so im looking forward to finding some good recipes for my pooch  
If you have any good ideas please let me know!

My sister feeds her German Shepherd dry dog food from Veganpet. She mixes it with frozen vegetables, canned beans, and a little bit of mock meat for taste.

http://veganpet.com.au/shop/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=1&zenid=272738074e7611f804301adb58445af0

Misty (the German Shepherd) has been fed vegan since my sister rescued her early last year and is very healthy.

I actually don't think dogs should be vegetarian. They are natural carnivores.

Sorry guys, I will have to agree with Kelsey on this, dogs are natural carnivores and we as humans shouldn't put our personal beliefs on to them to make ourselves feel like we're doing the right thing, by who, by them or by us, because of our eating choices?  Not to assume you are doing this of course, but perhaps others are.

Of course I don't doubt there will be the exceptions were dogs do remakably well on a vegetarian diet, but on a whole I think one should be careful in encouraging such a thing as it may not suit all dogs and lead to medical conditions down the track.  I do however think it's great that you add vegetables and grains to your dog's food as well as meat, there is definitely no reason why it should be solely meat of course.

And, lastly if you have encountered ignorant folk asking 'well if you're a vegetarian what do you feed your dog or cat?'  Just tell them the truth, as your pet does not have choice, we as humans do.  

I've found this an interesting argument to think about:

If you're living with a dog, and feeding it meat - how many chickens, horses, fish etc. are killed for that one dog to eat? Is it fair for dozens upon dozens of other animals to die for one dog to eat?

I think it's just an interesting way to think about this issue...

That's a good point. Drawing a blank on what to say next....

Very true, your point makes sense and I must admit I never looked at it at that angle.  

I think perhaps if one chooses to be the owner of an animal which is a carnivore and happens to be a strict vegetarian or vegan and doesn't agree with feeding their animal commercially bought pet food should perhaps seek finding alternative sustainable meat sources where the animals are slaughtered humanely of course.  One would think perhaps such a thing already exists, though of course nothing is guaranteed when it comes to companies and enterprises claiming humane slaughter and it would cost the consumer more money no doubt.

Or perhaps if you don't feel it's correct to feed your naturally carnivore pet meat perhaps one shouldn't own one to begin with, just a thought.  The same could be said about many animals that are kept in captivity, it is a difficult one no doubt though.

Yeah, it's a tricky one isn't it? The philosopher Peter Singer made a similar argument to the one you've just made, though he referred to cats who (I think) are obligate carnivores. And he's been listed as one of Australia's most influential public intellectuals ... so you're in pretty good company!