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→Vegetarian/Vegan
== Vegetarian/Vegan ==
== Vegetarian/Vegan ==
The use of vegetarian-vegan nutritional concept to dogs and cats remains controversial. It is still unclear from a nutritional point of view whether a vegetarian or vegan feeding can ensure adequate nutrition for dogs and cats in particular.
Depending on the allowed inclusion of materials of animal origin, different sub-types of vegetarianism can be defined, i.e.
Depending on the allowed inclusion of materials of animal origin, different sub-types of vegetarianism can be defined, i.e.
In vegan diets, however, the use of any material of animal origin is rejected and only plant-based materials are permitted.
In vegan diets, however, the use of any material of animal origin is rejected and only plant-based materials are permitted.
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.
Regardless of vegetarian or vegan regimen, dogs and cats are fed diets devoid of meat and subsequently, may be deprived of 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 (often synthetically made), particularly during periods of increased demand such as growth, gestation and lactation.
== Paleo/Ancestral ==
== Paleo/Ancestral ==