The vegetarian diet for dogs is quite controversial in the veterinary field. While some dogs may need to be on a vegetarian diet due to health concerns or allergies, these cases are very few. Typically, pet owners trying to learn how to make homemade vegetarian dog food do so for ethical reasons.
The concern with this diet is that it does not provide 100% of the nutrition that a canine needs on its own. That's why it is vital to your dog's health to consult your veterinarian or a certified canine nutritionist before switching your pet to a vegetarian diet.
They will recommend additional supplements to add to your pet's vegetarian diet that will make up for the lacking nutrients. When done correctly, a vegetarian diet can be a very healthy way to feed your canine companion.
How To Make Homemade Vegetarian Dog Food
If you've already cleared this diet with your veterinarian, learning how to make homemade vegetarian dog food can be done properly with a little guidance and research. Keep in mind that this recipe is not 100% nutritionally balanced, so you'll need to add the required supplements before feeding it your pooch.
INGREDIENTS
- 1 cup black beans (cooked)
- 1 cup quinoa (cooked)
- 1/4 cup spinach (chopped)
- 1/4 cup butternut squash (chopped)
- 1/4 cup apple (chopped)
- 1/4 cup pear (chopped)
- 1/4 cup zucchini (chopped)
- 3/4 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tbsp. low-fat cream cheese
INSTRUCTIONS
The only ingredients that need to be prepared before mixing this recipe together are the black beans and quinoa. I used canned beans that are already cooked, but you could certainly boil fresh beans if you prefer.
Cook the quinoa according to the instructions on the packaging. Mix all of the ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Once the quinoa and beans have cooled, you can serve it to your pet.
Nutrition
Serving Size: 1/2 cup Calories: 98 Sugar: 1.8 g
Sodium: 14 mg Fat: 1.4 g Carbohydrates: 16.4 g
Fiber: 2.8 g Protein: 4.9 g Cholesterol: 2 mg
How much to feed: I recommend feeding about 1/2 cup of food for every 20 pounds of body weight. This recommendation is for 2 servings per day. This is just a guideline. Lazier pets and senior dogs may not need as many. It is extremely important to consult your veterinarian about the best serving size for your dog.
How to store: You can store the leftover vegetarian homemade dog food in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days or freeze them and they’ll keep for up to 3 months. Keep in mind that this recipe includes no preservatives, so it won't last nearly as long as commercial dog food.
For More Information
We publish many homemade dog food and treats recipes every month. For more recipes, pet food cooking tips and advice, see our “Recipes” section. If you're new to home cooked dog food subject, I recommend you read more about “How Much To Feed” to understand serving sizes, “What Supplements To Use” to create well-balanced meals, and “How To Store” for tips on simple and easy homemade dog food storing in a fridge or a freezer.
