Feeding dogs a meatless diet is controversial, but some pet owners believe it is best for their pup. Before making any changes to your dog's diet, especially one as extreme as this, be sure to discuss it with your veterinarian. If your vet gives you the okay, this homemade vegan dog food recipe may be a healthy option for your Fido.
Vegetarian and vegan diets are not typically recommended for dogs unless they have a health condition that requires a low protein diet or they have severe food allergies and stomach sensitivities. Typically these diets are fed by pet owners who choose to eat a vegan or vegetarian diet themselves.
It can be done, but it needs to be done very carefully with the help of an expert trained in canine nutrition.
If not done properly, feeding a vegan diet could result in protein deficiency, an amino acid imbalance and/or a vitamin and mineral deficiency. That's why it is so important to work with a trained professional to create a healthy balance of vegan recipes for your dog. You'll be able to offer him a variety of meals, while still meeting his nutritional requirements.
MORE RECIPES HERE: Homemade Dog Food & Treats Recipes
Homemade Vegan Dog Food Recipe
This recipe is based on the nutritional needs of a 20-pound adult dog of an appropriate weight with no health concerns. The serving size is about 2/3 cup.
Ingredients
- 6 cups water
- 1/2 cup whole-grain rice
- 1/2 cup quinoa (black or white)
- 1 cup lentils
- 3 medium sweet potatoes (cubed)
- 3 cups natural, organic peanut butter
- 1.5 cups apple cider vinegar
Directions
In a medium-sized pot, boil the water. Add the lentils, quinoa, rice and sweet potatoes. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot and simmer the mixture for about 40 minutes. You'll know when it's done because the ingredients will be tender.
Be sure to stir this homemade vegan dog food recipe occasionally or the ingredients may stick to the bottom of the pot. This will also help you to keep an eye on the mixture so it doesn't overcook.
Once the ingredients are tender, add the peanut butter and vinegar.Stir completely until everything is mixed together completely. Once the homemade vegan dog food recipe cools, you can serve it to your pet immediately.
As I mention in my video guide above, you can store this dog food in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 5-7 days. If you'd like to prepare this homemade vegan dog food recipe in bulk to save for a day that you don't have time to cook, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months.
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