Dogs (like their human counterparts!) are omnivores. This means that their digestive systems are adapted to eat BOTH meat and plant material…not either one exclusively. If a dog does not have a specific condition requiring it to eat a strictly vegetarian diet, they will reach optimal health by eating a mixed diet.

Not all dog foods are created equally. As always, I recommend a high-quality natural diet that does not use chicken meal (or other rendered meats), synthetic chemicals or preservatives as these additives may be associated with adverse reactions. Read the label to make sure there are only ingredients you would choose for yourself.

Hope that helps.
Dr. Donna Spector

Are there any risks to feeding strong, young, healthy, active dogs vegetarian dog food?

Peanut butter, bacon grease and sausage should not be on your dog’s menu! These foods are very fatty and add excessive calories that your dog does not need. These are the kind of treats that often cause stomach upset and can even lead to more serious medical problems such as pancreatitis. If you want to give healthy treats–use vegetables and lean meats. If your dog loves peanut butter, try our Healthsome vegetarian peanut n’ pumpkin dog treats for a nutritious snack without all the calories!! Check out my article on “Healthy Snacking for your Dog” at http://www.halopets.com/pet-education/pet-articles/healthy_snacking_for_your_dog.html for some other useful treat advice.

Hope this helps.
Dr. Donna Spector