Vegetarian pet parents may want to share their ethical, moral, and environmental values with their pet dog. This research-driven guide will shed light on a vegetarian diet for golden retrievers and everything you must know.
Golden retrievers can be vegetarian, but you must consult your vet first and monitor and assess their health routinely. They must be fed a nutritionally complete and well-balanced plant-based commercial diet according to their dietary requirements and life stage to ensure their overall health.
We will look at common concerns related to a vegetarian diet for golden retrievers, what the research says, how you can ensure your dog’s health on a meatless diet and more.
Table of Contents
Can Golden Retrievers Live and Thrive on a Vegetarian Diet?
Many people believe that golden retrievers can live on a vegetarian diet but not thrive. This is because they are carnivores, and meat is essential for them.
Undoubtedly domestic dogs have descended from gray wolves and are members of the order Carnivora.
Although wolves used to prey on their own and ate all the internal organs of animals, they also used to eat grass, especially during summer.
Recommended Reading: Why Does My Golden Retriever Eat Grass?
In addition, the “normal” diet that most dogs eat nowadays, such as canned food or dry kibble, is not what wolves eat. This diet is also quite different from their wild ancestors.
All golden retrievers need is a well-balanced, complete diet that provides all the nutrients for their unique dietary requirements.
Hence, it can be said that golden retrievers can eat vegetarian food and thrive on it, but it must be supervised by a vet to ensure they are getting all the nutrients crucial for their well-being.
Summary: Golden retrievers can survive on a vegetarian diet if it’s well-balanced and complete, meeting their unique dietary needs. This diet should be supervised by a vet to ensure they receive all necessary nutrients for their well-being.
Concerns Related to the Vegetarian Diet of Dogs
Let’s look at some of the concerns related to the vegetarian diet one by one.
1. Anemia in Exercising Dogs
In a 1986 study, a group of dogs was fed a crude vegetable protein diet, and the other group was fed a crude animal protein diet for 6 weeks in a sedentary state. After 6 weeks, all dogs were forced to run daily for two weeks.
In a sedentary state for dogs fed a vegetable protein diet, their hemoglobin content was within the normal range but showed a slight tendency to decrease.
After vigorous exercise, anemia was observed in dogs on a vegetable protein diet. However, for dogs on an animal protein diet, the effects of anemia weren’t significant as lysine (an essential amino acid) was enough in the diet.
However, a study in 2009 was published in the British Journal of Nutrition involving 12 sprint-racing Siberian huskies. Of them, 6 were fed a well-balanced commercial diet for active dogs, and 6 were fed a carefully balanced meat-free diet.
These diets were the sole nutrient intake for dogs for 16 weeks and included 10 weeks of racing.
Hematology results were normal for all dogs, and they were in excellent physical condition. None of them developed anemia. Instead, both groups showed an increase in erythrocyte counts and Hb values over time.
This study concluded how important it is to feed a carefully balanced meat-free diet to dogs to maintain normal hematological values.
Summary: A 1986 study showed anemia in dogs on a vegetable protein diet after exercise, unlike those on an animal protein diet. However, a 2009 study found that a carefully balanced meat-free diet maintained normal hematological values in racing Siberian huskies.
2. Urinary Alkalinization
With urinary alkalization, dogs are at an increased risk of developing urinary stones, which may lead to partial or complete urinary obstruction.
In 1994, PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) conducted a survey regarding the health of 300 vegetarian dogs.
33 vegetarian dogs were tested, with 14 dogs having urinary pH above 7 (alkaline), and the rest of the 18 dogs had a normal pH.
Of the 14 vegetarian dogs with alkaline urine, 3 dogs had a history of UTIs, and the rest of the 11 dogs had no history of UTIs.
It was suggested that this reason could be due to a vegetarian diet or lack of animal protein in the diet, but there was a lack of evidence.
A 2021 study showed that of the 28 dogs after being fed a plant-based diet for 12 weeks, only 2 had alkaline phosphatase (ALP) concentration and only 1 had alanine aminotransferase (ALT) concentration in urine above the normal range.
Whereas a more recent study in 2023 was conducted on 19 vegan dogs, and only one dog had a urinary pH level above the normal range (pH 5-7) with no clinical signs of alkalinity.
These recent studies suggest there’s a very low risk of urinary alkalinization in vegetarian or vegan dogs.
However, if your golden retriever is on a vegetarian diet, it would be better to regularly get their urine tested to look out for signs of urinary alkalization or UTIs.
Summary: A 1994 PETA survey and subsequent studies in 2021 and 2023 on vegetarian and vegan dogs showed a low risk of urinary alkalization, with few cases of elevated urinary pH. Regular urine tests are recommended for vegetarian dogs to monitor for UTIs and alkalinity.
3. Heart Problems
It’s essential to keep in mind that golden retrievers are highly reported in the cases of taurine-deficient dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), which could be due to several factors, including dietary, genetic, and metabolic factors.
According to the 1994 PETA survey, 12 out of 300 vegetarian dogs had heart problems. 5 of the 12 dogs were diagnosed with DCM, a heart condition that causes the enlargement of the heart and makes pumping inefficient.
The longer the dogs had been vegetarian or vegan, the more they had heart diseases. The most common heart disease was DCM.
All 5 dogs with DCM had been vegan for at least 4 years. However, 3 out of 5 dogs with DCM recovered after taking either L-carnitine or taurine (amino acids) supplements.
You should also know that taurine is artificially added to meat-based, commercial dog food. Although meat naturally contains taurine, the high temperature and pressure during manufacturing cause it to denature the naturally occurring taurine.
If your dog is on a vegan or vegetarian diet, they will probably also have to take synthetic taurine or L-carnitine supplements, which are no different than the ones added to conventional dog food.
This way, you can lower the risk of DCM in your golden retriever. Reputable and high-quality vegetarian or vegan commercial dog foods already contain taurine and L-carnitine.
Still, it’s essential to confirm this by contacting the manufacturer, and you can also talk to your vet about giving your dog supplements.
Recommended Reading: Should Golden Retrievers Eat Grain-Free?
Summary: The 1994 PETA survey found that vegetarian dogs, especially those on long-term vegan diets, had higher incidences of DCM, a heart condition. Supplementation with L-carnitine or taurine can aid recovery. Quality vegetarian dog foods often include these supplements, but verification and vet consultation are advised.
4. Soy Food Allergy
Although soy allergy isn’t much common in dogs, vegetarian or vegan dog food may contain soy as one of the sources of proteins. This can be problematic if your golden retriever is allergic to soy.
In the 1994 PETA survey, only 39 out of 300 vegetarian dogs had no soy products in their diets because most commercial vegetarian dog foods contained soy.
35 of these dogs were in good to excellent health compared to dogs who ate soy products. Only 2 of 39 dogs (5.1%) had skin problems compared to 10.7% of dogs who ate soy products.
Dogs eating soy-free food mainly relied on legumes (lentils, chickpeas, beans, and split peas), grains (bread, rice, oats, and pasta), potatoes, vegetables, and sunflower seeds.
Hence, if you suspect your golden retriever is allergic to soy, you should carefully read the ingredient list and avoid dog foods containing soy products.
Some common soy allergy symptoms include itchy skin, vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite that you should watch out for.
Summary: In a 1994 PETA survey, only a few vegetarian dogs avoided soy products, and those who did showed better health and fewer skin issues. For soy-allergic dogs, alternative protein sources include legumes, grains, and vegetables.
5. Nutritional Deficiency
One of the issues that has been consistently raised regarding the meatless diet of dogs is nutritional deficiency.
It’s said that dogs may not be able to have a complete, balanced diet if it doesn’t contain meat. Moreover, the issue of palatability, nutritional content, and bioavailability is constantly discussed.
Let’s talk about them in detail.
Palatability
Palatable means how acceptable or pleasing the food is depending on the taste, texture, smell, and appearance.
If the palatability of food is low, your golden retriever may have an inadequate dietary intake and poor health.
Most people say vegetarian or vegan dog food doesn’t seem as appetizing to dogs compared to meat-based foods.
However, most reputable vegetarian or vegan dog food manufacturers know how important palatability is, and they add natural flavors that resemble, say, chicken or beef broth.
Some take advantage of the natural flavors of fruits, veggies, and herbs that not only enhance the taste and smell of food but also have additional nutritional benefits.
For instance, parsley, carrots, rosemary extract, ginger, cinnamon, peanut butter, pumpkin, blueberries, and sweet potato are used for nutritional and flavor purposes.
Nutritional Content
Another common concern regarding a vegetarian or vegan diet for dogs is that they won’t be able to get all the nutritional value since every source of meat is excluded from the diet.
Most reputable manufacturers follow the AAFCO dog food nutrient profile to meet the nutritional standards for a specific dietary requirement.
As long as you ensure the company is reliable and transparent, always replies to your queries, follows AAFCO guidelines, and works with experts like vet nutritionists, you don’t have to worry about vegan or vegetarian food not meeting your dog’s nutritional needs. (we’ll talk about alternative protein sources later)
Bioavailability of Nutrients
Bioavailability refers to how easy it is for nutrients to get absorbed by the body.
Animal proteins are known for having better digestibility than plant proteins. Hence, many people worry if their dog will be able to absorb the proteins from plant-based meals.
In addition to proteins, the digestibility of other nutrients, like a wide variety of carbohydrate sources, is also important for the health of a dog.
A study conducted in 2001 revealed that crude protein digestibility was higher for diets containing soy protein sources at the terminal ileum than for poultry meal. Total tract crude protein digestibility was also more than poultry meal for soy-protein-containing diets.
A 2016 study demonstrated that dogs contain many more copies of the AMY2B gene responsible for amylase production (an enzyme that aids in starch digestion) than wolves.
It was suggested that it was more likely due to the agricultural revolution when humans, as well as the dogs living with them, started eating more starch.
A 2013 research involved a whole-genome resequencing study of dogs and wolves which revealed that 10 genes with crucial roles in starch digestion and fat metabolism were present in domestic dogs.
This suggests that dogs can digest starch more efficiently than wolves.
Summary: Nutritional deficiencies in vegetarian dogs concern palatability, nutritional content, and bioavailability. Quality vegetarian dog foods often incorporate natural flavors and adhere to AAFCO guidelines. Studies show dogs efficiently digest plant proteins and starches, with better protein digestibility in soy-based diets compared to poultry meal.
What are the Sources of Protein for Golden Retrievers on a Vegetarian Diet?
Proteins play a crucial role in the health of your dog, and they constitute a well-balanced diet. They help keep the immune system strong, build and repair muscles and tissues, and provide energy.
Proteins consist of amino acids, and dogs need 22 of them to make necessary proteins. Half of the amino acids are made in your dog’s body.
However, the other half needs to come from your dog’s food daily, and that’s why they are called essential amino acids.
Deficiencies in essential amino acids can deteriorate your golden retriever’s health over time.
In addition to meat, proteins are found in eggs, dairy products, vegetables, and some legumes and grains.
If your golden retriever is vegetarian, they can get protein from eggs (an excellent source of protein) and other dairy products like yogurt and cheese.
However, it’s essential to be cautious of dairy products if they are allergic to them or lactose intolerant.
Recommended Reading: Can Golden Retrievers Drink Milk?
Reputable vegetarian or vegan dog food manufacturers combine different plant protein sources to ensure your dog gets all the essential amino acids.
This also won’t be a problem if your dog is vegan, as the dog food won’t contain animal products. Some of the plant protein sources are:
- Dried yeast
- Chickpeas
- Potato protein
- Pea protein
- Flaxseeds
- Brown rice
- Oats
- Parsley
- Barley
In a 2021 study, ten adult female beagles were given five diets formulated with either garbanzo beans, green lentils, peanut flour, dried yeast, or poultry by-product meal as the main protein sources.
All dogs remained healthy throughout the study, and fecal quality was also ideal in each dietary treatment. Macronutrient apparent total tract digestibility was similar in each dietary treatment, with diets highly digestible (>80%).
This study concluded that these plant-based protein sources are appropriate protein sources in dog diets.
Another research was conducted on 34 client-owned dogs fed a commercial extruded plant-based diet (PBD) with pea protein as the main source of protein, and 4 control dogs were fed a commercial extruded traditional diet.
After 4 weeks, all essential amino acids except methionine were higher in dogs on a plant-based diet. In addition, taurine was also higher as compared to the baseline. No essential amino acid or taurine deficiency was observed in dogs on a plant-based diet.
Summary: For vegetarian golden retrievers, proteins can be sourced from eggs, dairy, and plant-based options like dried yeast, chickpeas, pea protein, and brown rice. Studies show these sources provide essential amino acids, maintaining health and proper nutrient absorption in dogs on plant-based diets.
Can Vegetarian Golden Retrievers Be Healthy?
As long as your vegetarian golden retriever is fed a complete, nutritionally balanced plant-based diet according to their life stage and specific dietary requirements, they will get all the essential nutrients for their overall well-being.
Plant-based diets are usually low in fats. They can prove to be healthy for a dog with pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) or one trying to maintain a healthy weight.
Numerous studies show that golden retrievers can be healthy on a vegetarian diet. Although we have discussed several studies above, let’s look at a few more studies.
2023 Study of 15 Dogs
This study involved 15 healthy adult dogs fed a well-balanced commercial plant-based diet over a twelve-month period compared to a meat-based diet at baseline.
All the dogs maintained their health on the basis of physical exams, CBC, serum chemistry, plasma amino acids, serum vitamins, and cardiac biomarkers, along with observations from the client.
Survey of 100 Dog Guardians
This online survey of observations involved 100 guardians who fed their dog UK-produced vegan food for a period of 3-12 months.
The results showed that vegan food was palatable without causing any negative effects on appetite or body weight. Improvements were reported in coat glossiness, activity, fecal consistency, dandruff, itchiness, anxiety, and skin redness.
Summary: Golden retrievers can be healthy on a vegetarian diet if it’s complete and nutritionally balanced. Studies, including a 2023 study on 15 dogs and a survey of 100 dog guardians, show positive health outcomes like good coat condition, activity levels, and stable body weight on vegetarian diets.
Do Vegetarian Dogs Live Longer?
Who doesn’t wish for their canine companion to live forever? Many pet parents wonder if making their dog vegetarian ensures their longevity.
However, it depends on several factors like exercise, regular vet care and examination, and spending quality time with your dog in addition to their diet.
Of course, you may be concerned about what can golden retrievers eat and not eat to ensure their right diet. In addition, what fruits and vegetables for golden retrievers are safe to eat as a healthy treat option?
Recommended Reading: What Human Foods Can Golden Retrievers Eat?
It’s crucial that you discuss your golden retriever’s dietary requirements and feeding frequency with your vet to not compromise on their diet.
Whether you’re feeding a meat-based or plant-based diet to your dog, it’s vital you feed them a well-balanced diet that contains all the essential nutrients for their health and longevity.
To answer your question, let’s look at the 1994 PETA Survey that we also discussed above.
When surveying 300 vegetarian dogs, this study noted that all 12 lifelong vegetarians were in good to excellent health.
Of the 142 dogs who had been vegetarian or vegan for half their lives, 120 (84.5%) were in good to excellent health.
The results of this survey suggested that dogs who had been vegan or vegetarian for longer were less likely to get cancer, hypothyroidism, infections, or suffer from obesity.
Another 2022 study surveyed owners’ perceptions of their dog’s health and compared meat-based and plant-based diets.
Owners of dogs fed a plant-based diet were less likely to report health disorders, specifically gastrointestinal and hepatic disorders, and their longevity was reported to be greater than for meat-based diets.
Hence, according to these studies, vegan or vegetarian dogs tend to live longer.
However, in addition to a well-balanced plant-based diet, you need to consider multiple factors to ensure your dog’s longevity, like exercise, preventative care, and giving appropriate attention to them.
Summary: Studies, including a 1994 PETA survey and a 2022 study, suggest vegetarian dogs may live longer and have fewer health issues, especially gastrointestinal and hepatic disorders. However, longevity also depends on exercise, regular vet care, and overall attention in addition to diet.
Can Golden Retrievers Be Vegan?
Yes, golden retrievers can be vegan, i.e., a diet without animal products like eggs and dairy products like cheese and milk.
Many people believe it can be even harder for dogs to be on a vegan diet than a vegetarian diet because several protein options like eggs are excluded from their diet.
However, many vegan dog food companies are already manufacturing nutritionally complete and well-balanced plant-based foods while following AAFCO standards without adding any animal products.
This means your golden retriever doesn’t need to be fed any animal products to get all the essential amino acids or other nutrients.
According to research, the most common food allergens in dogs are beef, dairy products, chicken, and wheat.
Although food allergies aren’t common in dogs, if your golden retriever is allergic to any of these ingredients, they will show signs like itching, frequent ear or skin infections, and licking of the feet.
RELATED: Why Do Golden Retrievers Lick So Much?
Since vegan dog food doesn’t contain any animal products or byproducts, your dog may start feeling healthier after switching to plant-based food if they have allergies to meat.
This is also one of the common reasons pet parents switch their dog’s meat-based diet to a plant-based diet. Again, consulting with your vet is essential before doing so.
A survey of 2,536 dog guardians was conducted in 2022, which was a very large-scale study and included dogs fed conventional meat (1,370 = 54%), raw meat (830 = 33%), or vegan (336 = 13%) diet for at least one year.
49% of dogs on a conventional meat diet, 43% on a raw meat diet, and 36% on a vegan diet suffered from health disorders. This study indicated that the least hazardous and healthiest diets for dogs are nutritionally sound vegan diets.
Summary: Golden retrievers can be vegan, with well-balanced, AAFCO-standard plant-based diets providing all necessary nutrients. A 2022 survey showed fewer health disorders in dogs on vegan diets compared to those on conventional or raw meat diets, suggesting vegan diets can be a healthy option.
How to Switch Your Dog to a Vegetarian Diet?
No matter your reason for switching your golden retriever to a vegetarian diet, it’s essential to consult your vet and make a switch under their supervision to ensure their well-being.
Once your vet approves considering your dog’s age, health, and activity, it’s essential that you make the switch gradually.
Otherwise, they may have to deal with an upset stomach or wonder why the food suddenly tastes and feels completely different.
RELATED: When Should My Golden Retriever Puppy Switch To Adult Food?
You can follow the ratio below and take at least a week. The slower, the better. If you think your dog needs more time, allow them more time. Here’s an example.
Day 1 – 10% new food & 90% old food
Day 2 – 20% new food & 80% old food
Day 3 – 30% new food & 70% old food
Day 4 – 40% new food & 60% old food
Day 5 – 60% new food & 40% old food
Day 6 – 80% new food & 20% old food
Day 7 – 100% new food
How to Ensure Your Dog’s Health on a Vegetarian Diet?
Many pet parents like to feed their dogs a homemade vegetarian diet with the inclusion of supplements to “fulfill” their nutritional requirements.
However, vets don’t recommend feeding a homemade diet to your dog since it’s very hard to get the nutritional requirements right, and your dog might be at risk of malnourishment.
You should talk to your vet, and they should be able to recommend a reliable vegetarian or vegan dog food brand along with a vegetarian dog diet plan.
Your vegetarian or vegan dog’s diet must be nutritionally complete and balanced and of good quality to ensure their overall health.
Ensure the vegetarian or vegan dog food company is reputable and meets the AAFCO regulations. It’s also essential to research if they work with experts like vet nutritionists to formulate well-balanced diets.
The dog food company should label its food products as nutritionally complete. It should also be mentioned for which life stage it’s intended, like reproduction, growth, or adult maintenance.
It should also be able to answer your queries like how they ensure nutritionally sound products.
Watch out for these symptoms when feeding your dog a plant-based diet:
- Weight loss or gain
- A dull coat
- Dandruff
- Lethargy
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Abnormal eating or drinking behavior
Regularly observing your dog will ensure they are doing well with their diet. If you find anything strange, you must consult your vet.
Remember that it can take about 2 to 3 months for the change to show up when switching your dog’s diet to a vegan or vegetarian diet.
They should also be assessed routinely by your vet, and they may even run some blood or urine tests and do a physical examination. This is just to stay on the safe side and ensure their health.
This should be done with even a meat-based diet, too, anyway, to diagnose any issues ahead of time and get them treated at the right time.
Summary: Ensuring a dog’s health on a vegetarian diet requires feeding them AAFCO-regulated, nutritionally complete vegan or vegetarian dog food, often recommended by vets. Monitor for health changes and regularly consult a vet for assessments, including blood or urine tests, especially during dietary transitions.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can golden retrievers eat cucumbers?
Yes, golden retrievers can eat plain cucumbers from time to time and in small amounts as a treat. They are low in calories, sodium, and fat and have a high water content. Hence, they can be a low-calorie, hydrating treat, especially in summer. Don’t feed pickles, as they contain added spices and salt.
2. Can golden retriever eat potatoes?
Golden retrievers can eat cooked potatoes, but raw potatoes can be toxic to them, so you must avoid them. You can bake or boil potatoes and feed them plain to your dog without any seasonings or oil. Potato chips or french fries are a big no-no since they are high in fat and may contain ingredients toxic to your dog.
3. Is rice good for golden retrievers?
Cooked, unseasoned rice is good for golden retrievers as it is rich in carbs and contains several vitamins and minerals like folic acid, magnesium, vitamin B, phosphorus, iron, and manganese. Rice can also aid in digestion and add nutrients to their diet. However, it should be given in moderation and occasionally.
Conclusion
Golden retrievers can be vegetarian, which can also be ideal if your dog is allergic to any meat source. You shouldn’t feed a homecooked vegetarian diet as you won’t be able to provide a complete and well-balanced diet.
You must buy vegetarian dog food from a reputable company that follows AAFCO nutrition guidelines. A high-quality, well-balanced, and nutritionally complete plant-based diet will ensure your dog’s health, but it’s essential to consult your vet and let them assess your dog’s health routinely.
Being a vegetarian or vegan, fruits can also be healthy treats for your golden retriever, but some can be toxic. We recommend reading this article next: What Fruits Can Golden Retrievers Not Eat?