Another question: how well can dogs do on an all-vegetarian

[BoxerTom]

Sounds like insufficient protein and fat in that diet. No wonder the dog looks so bad. And as Traci pointed out, there is no such thing as nutritional "detox" - it is nothing but a fabrication, and a convenient ruse to explain ill effects of some diets.

[TheSkeptic]

I'm definitely with Traci and the others on this one. ...


Is there any way you can maybe educate this poor woman on the protein needs of a dog before some irreparable damage is done?

[newfie]

no offense intended towards those who are vegetarians, but there was a guy in our SAR unit who was one, and i tell you, more than one occasion, on a search ithought he was gonna faint, his skin color was almost a yellow, and he was so dang skinny if a high wind came along even with all his gear he would have blown away.
i am sorry but every vegetarian i know, has dull hair, skin that is off color, and they just dont look healthy or vibrant to me, also a dog is a meat eater, and if this woman is gullible enough to listen to that lady, i would if i were you mary, try to print off information for her and that woman to read, take pictures of the two standing side by side, your dog and hers, and show her in the photo how unhealthy he is starting to look, ask her to bring out fotos of the dog when it was not on this so called diet and compare the before and after, she is blind and needs an eye opener.

[Mary Plummer]

I'll try walking Mr. Blue in the same place/at the same time again next Sunday. I don't think she lives near me, since I've only seen them twice. Hopefully, other people are talking to her about her dog's condition! If/when I meet up with them again, I'll definitely spend some more time with her getting details and trying to talk to her about dietary requirements. I'm kind of ashamed to say this, but I was so taken aback yesterday that I really didn't spend the time I should have talking with her. I'm pretty irate at that practitioner, but even more so at this woman for listening to her!

[davet]

i have no opinion one way or the other on people...don't think a pure vegan diet is good for dogs but what is the philosophy or reason behind it for humahns...i just had a discussion in the hospital the other day with a man and wife whose inlaws are vegans and when ever they are over for dinner they try to plan it for them to have all vegetables, but if they are eating meat, then the inlaws get up and leave the table...i know this is extreme but they also will not kuse any wool products.... suspect they are PETA people, also suspect they are a bit weird...any way what is the philosphy behind being a vegan, or vegen?? is it dietery, philosophical or what...and i am not being sarcastic...ii just would like to know

[Traci]

Mary, I would also like to stress another point. These so called self-professed 'practitioners' are nothing more than fraudulent people, preying on the innocent, making outrageous claims and practicing god knows what , how can a naturopath possibly begin to understand the canine physiology, and not even take a history on this dog, let alone prescribe for future health and maintenance. The owner is equally as guilty for succombing to such nonsense.

If this were a person in my area, I wouldn't hesitate to investigate and report him/her, if he/she is still maintaining the owner as a client, and is failing to see the failing health of this dog, he/she is negligent by all accounts.

Oh man, people like that irk me!!

[Mary Plummer]

...last night. I wish I knew more about this woman/her "practitioner". Like I said, I was so shocked yesterday that I wasn't thinking very clearly. How can this woman NOT see how bad her dog appears?? Even when we first met Mr. Blue, he didn't look like that. His coat was dull and coarse (hubby said it felt like a brillo pad), but it wasn't coming out in clumps. I know this isn't necessarily always the case, but it seems to me, from limited experience, that the dog's coat tells a lot about general health, or at least nutrition. Could a diet sorely lacking in things like proteins and fats cause the dog's hair to come out like that, do you think? Next time I see this woman, I'm definitely going to get more info/talk to her more about nutritional needs.

[Marty]

do it because they don't want innocent animals killed so they can eat.... One fella I work with says meat actually makes him sick-his father was like that also. I can understand his case. But another girl did it for the reason I gave. She didn't look too good....last I heard, she caved in and had a steak, and has been eating meat since. Her brother told me she looks so much healthier, with shiny hair, etc. I know there is a way to eat vegetarian in a healthy way, and am guessing she didn't! I'll keep my steak, thank you! And the dogs can have a taste...

[Traci]

I know this isn't necessarily always the case, but it seems to me, from limited experience, that the dog's coat tells a lot about general health, or at least nutrition. Could a diet sorely lacking in things like proteins and fats cause the dog's hair to come out like that, do you think?

Absolutely, yes, besides the obvious, weight loss, muscle loss, wasting, dehydration, etc; skin and coat will also show signs of poor health or malnutrition.

[Mary Plummer]

...and it really bugs me that this lady, and her "practitioner," seem to think that they can change evolutionary history by wanting dogs to live up to their own principles. In addition to the harm to this poor dog, it just strikes me that there's a real arrogance here. It's as if they're saying "I don't like this trait, but I want a dog, so I'll just remake a dog in my image of what it should be." For me, part of the delight of living with our hound is my perpetual wonder at his abilities and senses that are beyond my comprehension (although, you'll notice, that doesn't stop me from bugging you with questions about them Part of my job as "his" person is to give him what he needs, according to those who know what these are.
Well, I guess that was me waxing a little philosophical Thanks for letting me share with you, and I hope I get to meet and talk with this lady again!