If you are a vegetarian, you might not be okay feeding a meat-based diet to your Rottweiler. But can Rottweilers be Vegetarian?
Rottweilers can be vegetarian and live a healthy life. They are omnivorous, which means they can consume meat as well as plant-based food. However, owners must carefully construct their rottweiler’s diet without leaving out any essential nutrients.
Further, we will discuss all the pros and cons of putting a rottweiler on a vegetarian diet and also look into some great vegetarian dog food options.
What’s better for your Rottweiler?
All dogs are descendants of wolves, and wolves are carnivorous animals. They eat what they hunt. Centuries ago, humans domesticated submissive wolves. Over the years, those docile wolves who lived beside humans evolved into dogs.
Evolution made them omnivorous, which means they can eat meat as well as plants. Their digestive system is capable of digesting plants too.
Many owners have managed to put their dogs on a completely vegetarian diet by replacing all the nutrients present in the meat with plants.
But what’s better for your rottweiler? Of course, meat is necessary for every dog. A meat-based diet is crucial for a dog’s healthy living.
A meat-based diet is far better than a complete vegetarian diet for your Rottweiler.
However, a rottweiler can thrive being a vegetarian or a vegan. But you will have to be super careful while forming their diet. You will need to include ingredients that can provide all the proteins, nutrients, and vitamins necessary for their living.
Pros and Cons of Vegetarian Diet
Let’s discuss some of the significant pros and cons of putting your rottweiler on a completely vegetarian diet.
Pros of a Vegetarian Diet to yo
- A plant-based diet is ideal for Rotties who are allergic to a type of protein present in meat.
- It may provide aid to dogs with super-sensitive digestive systems.
- It may reduce the risk of kidney stones.
Cons of a Vegetarian Diet
- A lot of research is required to construct a vegetarian diet that can provide all the necessary nutrients to the dog.
- Failing to provide one nutrient can be risky for dogs.
- A poorly constructed diet can be dangerous for the dog’s health.
- Not enough research has been done on this topic.
- It is not recommended for puppies.
How to switch to a Vegetarian Diet
If your rottweiler is still a puppy, then do not even think about it. Puppyhood is a crucial stage of development. Do not try to mess with this. Feed them a meat-based diet until they are at least three years old.
Once your rott has become an adult, then you can switch from meat to plants. This is how you do it the correct way:
- Before switching to a vegetarian diet, consult your veterinarian. Ask her to help you create a diet plan for your dog.
- Please do thorough research regarding the nutritional need of your rottweiler and what plant-based foods can replace them. Your main goal is to create a vegetarian diet that can provide all the essential nutrients. Here are some vegetables rottweilers can eat.
- Once you have the diet, start introducing it slowly. The transition from meat to plants should be done over a couple of months.
- Observe your Rottie for any signs of allergies. If you notice an allergic reaction, contact your vet immediately.
- Make sure your Rottie doesn’t lose weight during the transition.
Vegetarian Dog-Food Recommendations
We do not suggest going with a completely vegetarian diet for your rottweiler. However, if you insist, here are some vegetarian and vegan food recommendations for your Rottie.
NOTE: Before selecting the food, please consult your veterinarian nutritionist for better advice.
Halo Vegan Dry Dog Food: This is one of the best options for your Rottie. It is entirely plant-based and contains protein-rich ingredients. It doesn’t contain artificial flavors and preservatives. It is ideal for protein-sensitive dogs.
Natural Balance Vegetarian Dog Food: This dog food relies on healthy ingredients like brown rice, oatmeal, and potatoes for the energy source. They even have wet dog food formula.
Purina HA Hypoallergenic Dog Food: The reason you are switching to a vegetarian diet is that your dog is hypoallergenic, then you can go with this dog food. However, it will require Vet Prescription to get this food.
Do’s and Don’ts
- Before selecting vegetarian dog food, make sure that it is approved by AAFCO (The Association of American Feed Control Officials). This will ensure that the food has all the necessary nutrients for healthy living.
- Don’t put a puppy on a vegetarian diet. As we discussed above, puppyhood is a crucial stage of a dog’s life. They require proteins and nutrients present in meat to support their growing body.
- Don’t buy dog food with artificial ingredients, color, flavor, or preservatives.
- Most importantly, consult your veterinary nutritionist to help you select a healthy vegetarian or vegan diet for your rottweiler.
- Increase the frequency of regular checkups and wellness exams.
Final Thoughts
Try not to switch to a completely vegetarian diet if it’s not necessary. Rottweilers have a high protein requirement, which is best fulfilled by meat-based food.
And if you are putting your dog on a vegetarian diet, you need to be very, very careful while contrasting their diet.
