My dogs are both vegan.  One for 6 years of her 8 approximately and the other for 18 months of 2.5 years approximately.  Of the three dogs I've fed a vegan diet, all of them have noticeably improved in eye clarity and coat condition.  None of them has had any health or energy issues.  Their teeth and breath are generally better than other dogs too. 

The only time there was a problem was when they got a hold of some meat, producing diahorrea and/or constipation. 

The earlier they start the easier it is.  If they can get used to the diet by the time they are 12 months then it is much easier. 

I steadfastly refuse to take most anyone's advice on any matter, particularly those of the medical profession.  I mean, that's why we're here right?  Similarly, I think that most dog behaviourists are brain-washed idiots.  Most I've heard from this mob is utter crap.  The best thing you can do is spend time with your dog and get to know him or her and let them get to know you. 

I have gotten two of the three to communicate with me using a simple signalling system.  One I taught to count.  They need lots of love (I can ask mine for a "cuddle" and they'll generally oblige, or even a "jump-cuddle" and they leap into my arms for one.), a little bit of discipline, feeding, washing and that's about it.  They don't need to be trained with rewards.  They do know right from wrong, even if only because you tell them which is which.  But as always each one is an individual; some are smarter, some happier, some more vocal, some more playful.  And if treated well dogs never stop being playful.  My 8 year old will play like a puppy, I suppose because she's happy.  Because she's a little smaller, most people think that she is younger than the 2.5 year old!  And everyone remarks on how wonderfully shiny and soft their coats are. 

As for the VeganPet brand.  I've generally had some around most of the time.  It never composes more than half of their diet.  When it is given to them wholly for three or four days at a time I find they get very loose green stools.  I'm guessing by that measure alone it isn't good in isolation. 

As for (mostly) raw (and vegan) options:

durian --- this stuff is dognip!  They go nuts over this stuff.  It's that nose of rotting flesh and high protein content that does it! 
avocado --- several times a week, more or less each time. 
apple --- sometimes they will eat. 
pear --- preferred as it is sweeeter. 
mango --- usually will eat. 
strawberries --- sometimes they will eat. 
citrus --- never!  I'm sure that they look at me like I'm an idiot for what I'm eating sometimes after I've offered them something that they turn their nose up at.  You know the look, where they're almost looking through their upper lid, as to to say "You're eating that?" 
grapes --- previously more frequently have given it to them and in quantity, but recently heard that there is a chance of acute renal failure in giving dogs grapes.  I don't know the pathology, so I can't make a judgement. 
chocolate, cacao --- poisonous apparently.  They've gotten some chocolate very infrequently in small doses with no adverse effects.  Though, I've read more about this and it seems reasonable.  The quantities are quite large though.  A small dog would have to get though a kilo or two.  Keep those boxes of chocolate well away then! 
greens --- they only eat grass, which they do daily.  I can't get them to eat any of my greens though!  I wonder what they are saying about the freshness of my greens? 
almonds, brazils, macadamia --- generally no complaints given at least weekly
walnuts, pecans --- don't like so much.  Too bitter probably. 
cashews --- love that fat, makes them puke if they have too many! 
carrot --- I've only managed to get one of them eat carrots a couple of times. 
other vegetables raw --- gotten nowhere unless pulp from juicer mixed in well with something else which I try to do weekly at least. 
baked vegetables (potato, sweet potato, pumpkin, carrot, parsnip and broccoli even) --- no problem! 
seeds --- not generally, but I can sneak some in sometimes. 
goji --- love the goji berries.  I haven't tried fresh though. 
dried figs --- yum! 
dried apricots --- not as popular. 
essene bread (bread generally) --- will eat way too much! 

They basically like fat, salt, and sweet.  Sound familiar?  And of course anything with a lot of protein. 

My dog loves raw fruit & veg such as carrot, broccoli (the stem in particular), banana and apple.  He may even be leading our house in raw at the moment!
In response to raw sensation post - vegan pet is a packaged product.  Do you not advocate dry food because it is not raw or is there another reason?
I suppose I am keen to compliment his diet with what has been called 'complete' by the producer.  I have enough trouble trying to decipher the contradictory evidence in human diets, let alone dogs.  Feel I am covering the bases until I learn more but will certainly be trying to give him a higher percentage of raw food, particularly as there will be more in the house now that we are going down that line.

Oh your doggies is so cute!!! I have included a photo of my lovely girl as well... she is so gorgeous! I've posted it before but I'll post it again because she is so cute!



Why do I not like prepackaged pet food? Before I answer this, I have to point outhat I have not looked at pet food that is packaged in years. I'm sure there are some very ethical companies out there who are doing their best to make sure that they use top quality produce.

Bella got quite sick. She was always at the vet for tummy problems. I put her on a diet recommended by the vets and only sold through the vets but it didn't change. So I googled pet foods and read up on what was in them. I was shocked! I was feeding my baby awful stuff.

I won't go into it here because I don't want to stress anyone out and also because it's a hectic day and I've just about finished my brekkie and need to hit the ground running!  Youtube has some good videos on it.

Since I've had Bell's on a rwa food diet she is thriving. She's not been to the vet's once. And this is a dog who was there often two to three times per month.

As I said though, I've not looked into ethical pet foods that are dried. Not at all. I like Sam's likening it to superfoods but before I did I would want to know that the foods in the packaging were top quality, not mouldy old stuff that is put into human food, contains no grains, and no preservative and that has not been sitting around for two years before being sold.

I'd need to know that the oils they used did not come from restaurants and were top quality etc etc.

Lots to think about.

xoxoxo