Over 1.5 billion humans across the world are vegetarian. These humans avoid animal meat for a variety of reasons including ethical concerns, environmental concerns, economic limitations and health reasons. Many of these humans can still enjoy a balanced and rounded nutritional profile with the introduction of protein and iron rich foods like spinach, pulses, beans, and soy products. Humans can live a long and healthy life eating a balanced, plant-based diet, but what about our other family members, our pets?

Many humans may want their cat or dog to eat a vegetarian diet because of their ethical, environmental or economic concerns, but the fact of the matter is that our cats and dogs require more than vegetation. 

Canines have a mix of sharp and masticate teeth which reflect their omnivorous diet. Further, canine guts have evolved for starch digestion and vitamin A and D absorption. Dogs have evolved from wolves to be able to digest more fibre and starch from carbohydrates, which aids in processing vegetables supplemental to your pet’s diet and may allow them to live off of a vegetarian diet. So, dogs couldlive off a vegetarian diet, but what about cats?

Cats are a different story. Cats are considered ‘obligate carnivores’ because their gut cannot separate all of the important nutrients such as vitamin A from plant-based foods like vitamin A. Cats also can’t transform the fats found in plants to the necessary fatty acids they need to maintain gut and heart health. Though vegetables and herbs like the ones found in Bella and Boots raw food packs add more to your cat's dental health and hydration, plus enjoyment, they require meat to receive the necessary nutrients.   

Our favourite furbabies, however, require higher amounts of pure protein and iron that can only be found in meat. Proteins like collagen, elastin and keratin are very difficult to derive from a vegan diet, all of which are vital for healthy skin, joints and muscles. Missing out on important nutrients like vitamin A, vitamin B and D; amino acids from animal tissue, fatty acids and proteins like collagen, and iron compromise your pet’s heart and muscle health, digestive abilities, eyesight and brain health. For your dog, a rich, fatty and high quality meat allows them to digest quicker and receive more nutrients, making beef and chicken a valuable aspect of their diet. 

Ultimately, the science suggests that even our omnivorous canine friends can't survive off a vegetarian diet. Trust us, as a company that has spent a long time looking into pet nutrition and talking with our holistic veterinarian friend Renee O'Duhring, an organic, raw diet is the easiest and quickest way to give your pet a long and happy life.

Maybe you're one of those 1.5 billion people who doesn't eat meat, or maybe you're a customer of Eumundi Meatsbecause you care about the welfare of agricultural animals or the longevity of the planet, compassion doesn’t have to be a sacrifice for your furry friend (or vice versa). There is a way to ethically feed your pet without compromising their health and wellness: alternatives include buying local, grassfed meat to ensure proper care of the animal and to support local communities. Buying nose- to- toe to reduce scrap waste and give your pet proper nutrition found in meats. Also not overfeeding your pet, providing them with variety between their meals to reduce pressure on demand and supplement the meat with vegetables and herbs, especially dogs who are omnivorous. Keep in mind you should always consult with your vet before making huge changes to your pet's diet.  Bella and Boots is dedicated to maintaining your pet’s diet quality while relieving the guilty conscience of its owners; using the entire meat carcass, including healthy, nutritious plant-based elements and ensuring your pet is provided with the best quality meat.