The vegetarian dog, feeding your dog a healthy vegetarian diet

Macadamia nuts, Grapes or raisins, and raw onions should all be avoided as they can be toxic when ingested in large enough quantities. Chocolate and other caffeine products should also be avoided as it can be toxic and affect the heart and nervous systems.

Puppies that are weaned can be fed four times a day rotating the cereal meal and the later meal ingredients. Once they reach eight months to a year old, you can cut back to feeding them three meals a day and then down to two meals a day.

If your dog has been brought up on a regular meat diet, make the changeover to a vegetarian diet gradual. If your dog is very active there may be a problem of bulk to energy. Make sure you consult your veterinarian to ensure that sufficient energy can be obtained from the amount of food given.

Milk alone may not be an adequate source of calcium for puppies. Rapidly growing dogs of heavy breeds particularly need a high calcium intake, please consult your veterinarian if you have any questions or concerns about your dog’s vegetarian diet.