Vegetarian Dogs?

[Druweid]

This was posted by Colder in another thread:

Animals supplement their diet with whatever they miss.So there are benefits for dogs eating grass.I know a dog who loves tomatoes,and I believe the feed this animal is given,(not raw full of enzymes meat,but rather cooked junk from tin)
is making the dog looking for exra dose of fresh enzymes and maybe other nutritiens lacking ,or perhaops the texture and colour appeals to it.

In my lifetime, I've had two dogs who had a nearly irrepressable desire to eat grass. So, I have put some effort in trying to understand this apparent anomoly; I've talked to at least four different vets, did a little internet research, and worked with my dog's diets carefully observing the results.

To the best of my knowledge, dogs, nor any other carnivore, can derive any significant nutritian from eating grass. All one has to do is examine the stool. Likely you will find the grass has passed through without having been digested. It's possible, however unlikely, that something may have been absorbed from the grass in the process. Dogs lack the proper enzymes to do this, but still, it's possible something is being overlooked.

The vets I've talked to, as well as resources on the 'Net, seem to be pretty divided on this issue. Suffices to say there doesn't seem to be any solid consensus. One thing I was told, with which I tend to agree, is that dogs lack the capacity for understanding potential homeopathic benefits of eating grass, or any other vegetation. Thus, the greater likelihood is that it is either instinctual (e.g., tummy ache=eat grass), or they smell something in the grass which triggers a craving for something lacking in their diet.

That having been said, the first of the two dogs previously mentioned, I obtained a powered food suppliment that contained all the componants of grass minus the cellulose. It worked. Within three days, his craving for grass diminished almost entirely. I later changed him over to a better grade of dog food and discontinued the suppliment. He still chewed grass occasionally, but not nearly as much as before.

My present dog, a 4-month old elkhound, also started chewing and eating grass quite a bit. I haven't been able to find a local retailer who carries that same suppliment, but I did find some treats that contain wheat grass. Once again, getting an average of 3 to 4 treats a day, his grass chewing has diminished. (He still chews roots that he's dug up, but I think that's because he's teething). Chances are, I'll put him on a premium dog food for him that continues to suppress that urge, likely a food containing carrots or sweet potato.

So. I disagree that a dog is actually getting anything beneficial from eating grass. However, it's plainly obvious to me that the dog IS acknowledging that something is missing in it's diet that happens to be contained in grass, possibly other vegetation as well.

So, does vegetation benefit a dog, clearly classified as being purely a carnivore? That's a very good question. Thoughts?

Woof!
-- Druweid

 

[livin4thelord8]

Having worked with dogs my entire life IMO I wouldn't say it benefits them greatly however dogs are not complete carnivores. Cats and ferrets are the only pets that are complete carnivores. Going back to most breeds ancestors, the wolves, whom eat berries, grass, etc when meat is in short supply. I agree that domestic dogs today eat grass because something is lacking in their diet. As you have done, switching them to a higher quality dog food would definately help. I don't believe that dogs do it for a belly ache but you never know. God bless.

 

[Druweid]

I don't believe that dogs do it for a belly ache but you never know.

Mmmm, that's the thing, sometimes you just don't know. I tried asking my puppy once, and he just gave me a strange look.



Go figure.

Blessings,
-- Druweid

 

[Colder]

I am sure animals have instincts urging them to look for right nutrients.It may be,because animlas used to make dogs food are not grass reared,but fed arificial food ,and those animals do not provide what is important from the grass for the animals,including humans,who eat them.

I am saying this in a simplistic way,because I don't want to get into any lenghty chimistry or biology lessons here.

I do not keep pets,because I do not believe I would be able to provide good care for them,including raw food they require for the best health.

I saw cats eating grass as well by the way,but my contact with animals is minimal,as I do not believe in having pets,or eating animals,as I find both ways quite cruel to the animal.

I would only consider having a pet,if it was able to live very natural lifestyle.

Also if animals for food were reared naturaly,and allowed to have a good quality of life,and people ate it in moderation,I would not have such a problem with it.

 

[Shawny]

well, i remember having a vegetarian friend whose dog was vegetarian. thought they offered the dog meat to eat, the poor animal ate and then vomitted the whole thing!
well, i guess its not surprising that animals, even carnivores and can vegetarian.

 

[Druweid]

I am sure animals have instincts urging them to look for right nutrients.It may be,because animlas used to make dogs food are not grass reared,but fed arificial food ,and those animals do not provide what is important from the grass for the animals,including humans,who eat them.

Mmmm, could very well be possible. The pet food industry is less regulated than other food industries, and I have little doubt certain "liberties" (abuses) taken by manufacturers are probably worse than average.

I am saying this in a simplistic way,because I don't want to get into any lenghty chimistry or biology lessons here.

Agreed, and besides, this isn't a debate forum, so keeping it simple is probably best.

Blessings,
-- Druweid