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Vegans, however, reject the use of any material of animal origin and allow only plant-based materials in the bowls of their pets.   

Vegans, however, reject the use of any material of animal origin and allow only plant-based materials in the bowls of their pets.   

   

   

Regardless of vegetarian or vegan regimen, both dogs and cats have to refrain from meat and, subsequently, from important nutrients that are only present in meat. In addition to the deficiencies commonly observed in [[Feeding Types of Pet Food#Homehome-prepared (LINK) or [[Feeding Types of Pet Food#B.A.R.F. (LINK) diets, other vegetarian-vegan related potential deficiencies have to be taken into account. Cats are at particular risk in several aspects. The carbohydrate acceptance and digestive capacity in cats is limited compared to dogs. The metabolism of cats is adapted to utilise high amounts of protein with a high total protein requirement. Cats are unable to synthesize certain nutrients from precursors present mainly in meat, e.g. arachidonic acid (fatty acid), arginine, taurine (amino acids), vitamin A and B3 (niacin). For vitamin D and B12, this is the case for both dogs and cats.  

Regardless of vegetarian or vegan regimen, both dogs and cats have to refrain from meat and, subsequently, from important nutrients that are only present in meat. In addition to the deficiencies commonly observed in [[Feeding Types of Pet Food#Home-Made Diets|home-prepared]] or [[Feeding Types of Pet Food#B.A.R.F.|B.A.R.F.]] diets, other vegetarian-vegan related potential deficiencies have to be taken into account. Cats are at particular risk in several aspects. The carbohydrate acceptance and digestive capacity in cats is limited compared to dogs. The metabolism of cats is adapted to utilise high amounts of protein with a high total protein requirement. Cats are unable to synthesize certain nutrients from precursors present mainly in meat, e.g. [[Omega-6 Fatty Acids - Nutrition|arachidonic acid (fatty acid)]], [[Arginine - Nutrition|arginine]], [[Taurine - Nutrition|taurine]] ([[Amino Acids - Nutrition|amino acids]]), [[Vitamin A (Retinol) - Nutrition|vitamin A]] and [[Vitamin B3 (Niacin) - Nutrition|B3 (niacin)]]. For [[Vitamin D (Cholecalciferol) - Nutrition|vitamin D]] and [[Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin) - Nutrition|B12]], this is the case for both dogs and cats.  

 

A nutritionally complete vegetarian diet can only be achieved if the diet is carefully supplemented with specific nutrients, particularly during periods of increased demand such as growth, gestation and lactation. Strict vegan feeding, particularly for cats, cannot be recommended because of the difficulties in ensuring that the cat’s specific nutrient requirements are met.

A nutritionally complete vegetarian diet can only be achieved if the diet is carefully supplemented with specific nutrients, particularly during periods of increased demand such as growth, gestation and lactation. Strict vegan feeding, particularly for cats, cannot be recommended because of the difficulties in ensuring that the cat’s specific nutrient requirements are met.