I'm a vegetarian or vegan, can I feed raw?

Short answer: Yes!

Despite personal dietary choices, many vegetarian and vegan pet owners successfully feed their dogs a species-appropriate raw diet.

This approach respects the natural nutritional needs of dogs, ensuring they receive the best possible diet. In fact, numerous vegan and vegetarian raw feeders, including members of Raw Feeding for Dogs Made Simple (UK), have embraced this lifestyle while prioritising their pets' well-being.

Understanding Dogs as Carnivores

Dogs, while domesticated, retain key carnivorous traits inherited from their ancestors:

✔️ Carnivore-style jaw structure

✔️ Sharp teeth for tearing meat

✔️ A digestive tract optimized for raw protein

✔️ Claws suited for gripping and shredding food

Though dogs have evolved significantly from wolves, their diet remains fundamentally meat-based, classifying them as meso-carnivores—animals that primarily eat meat but can digest small amounts of plant matter.

Carnivore Categories:

• 🦁 Hyper-carnivores – 70-90% of their diet consists of meat (e.g., wolves, lions, tigers).

• 🦊 Meso-carnivores – Consume a mix of meat and plant matter (e.g., dogs, foxes, raccoons).

• 🐻 Hypo-carnivores – Rely on mostly plant-based nutrition with limited meat intake (e.g., bears, primates).

While studies show dogs can tolerate 4-10% plant matter in their diet, meat, bones, and offal remain essential for optimal health.

Common Concerns for Vegan & Vegetarian Raw Feeders

Many pet owners have reservations about raw feeding, but these concerns can be managed with practical solutions.

🐾 The Smell:

Raw feeding doesn’t have the overpowering scent of a butcher shop!

🔹 Certain items, like farmed tripe, may have a stronger smell, but organic or wild-sourced options tend to be milder.

🔹 Over time, pet owners adjust to the raw feeding experience.

🐟 Feeding Fish:

Many vegans struggle with feeding whole oily fish due to its appearance.

✅ Alternatives like oily fish mince or mixed minces (e.g., The Dogs Butcher Surf n Turf) provide a manageable solution.

📌 Check out our blog: Fish or Fish Oils for more information.

🍖 Raw Meaty Bones (RMBs):

While not mandatory, RMBs are highly recommended because they:

✔️ Promote enrichment through chewing, tearing, and chomping.

✔️ Provide chondroitin, glucosamine, calcium, and vital minerals.

✔️ Support dental health and natural chewing instincts.

📌 Read more in our blog: Raw Meaty Bones.

🦆 Whole Prey Feeding:

Whole prey feeding is optional but can enrich a dog's diet. Some feeders choose to include day-old chicks, birds, or rabbits.

🚫 If this isn’t something you’re comfortable with—don’t worry! It is not essential to raw feeding.

📌 Check out our FAQ for more information.

🌱 Ethically Sourced Proteins:

For vegan and vegetarian feeders, sourcing high-welfare, ethical meats is a priority. Many brands focus on humane practices, organic farming, and minimal environmental impact.

Top Ethical Brands (always research to find the best fit for you!):

🐶 Cotswold Raw🐶 Benyfit Natural🐶 Honey’s Real Dog Food🐶 The Farmers Dog🐶 Laverstock Farm🐶 Naked Dog🐶 Nutriwolds🐶 Paleo Ridge🐶 Betsy’s🐶 Naturaw

📌 View our full list of DEFRA / APHA licensed brands for more options.

🧼 Hygiene & Cross-Contamination:

Concerned about raw food safety? Here are some easy solutions:

✅ Use separate utensils for raw food prep.

✅ Maintain designated food prep areas (or separate freezers, if preferred).

✅ Follow basic hygiene practices—which provide sufficient cleanliness in any home.

📌 Read more in our Raw Feeding in Homes with Children blog.

Final Thoughts – A Balanced Approach to Feeding

Vegan and vegetarian pet owners can provide a raw diet for their dogs while maintaining ethical and practical considerations.

✔️ Respect species-appropriate nutrition – Dogs thrive on meat-based diets.

✔️ Choose ethical protein sources – High-welfare farming options exist.

✔️ Modify feeding methods – Adjust approach based on personal comfort levels.

✔️ Prioritise health & enrichment – Ensure your dog’s happiness and well-being.

Raw feeding is achievable for those who value ethical and species-appropriate nutrition! 🐶🥩

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