3 Reasons To Try A Plant-Based Diet

Veganuary is one of our FAVOURITE times of year with so many new people giving a plant-based diet a try; this year the movement looks to have 2 million sign ups! 

One of our founding principles at Wild For Dogs is the importance of taking the best care of our dogs, and at the same time stressing the importance that this love and care extend to all animals. All of our products are strictly vegan and cruelty-free, and every year we will take this opportunity to share the reasons behind our passion for the vegan movement!

So here we are with 3 BIG reasons to give Veganuary and a plant-based diet a try... (there's also a little free treat waiting for you at the end!)

Number 1 - We are animal lovers! 

This one goes with out saying, because how amazing are our dogs?! And how blessed do we feel each day to have them; their loving cuddles, their gorgeous eyes and their silly habits that we just can’t get enough of. We know for a fact they have their own personalities, their own thoughts and feelings. They’re members of the family, and just like any family member, we want only the best for them and hate the thought of them experiencing any pain or unhappiness. 

Every animal on this earth has the same capacity for joy and love as a dog does. And the same capacity for unhappiness, fear and pain. But every year in the UK alone millions of sentient animals just like our dogs are kept in hideous conditions before having their lives taken from them. As animal lovers ALL animals deserve our love, respect and compassion.

The good news? This needless suffering can easily be avoided with a delicious and nutritious plant-based diet!

To find out more about UK farming practices we highly recommend this documentary, Land Of Hope and Glory. (Warning: it’s not for the faint-hearted).

Number 2 - The environment

We all know that climate change is a global emergency, but often feel at a loss with what to do about it - it feels completely beyond our control. Here are some key statistics about animal agriculture that show what an incredible impact eating a plant-based diet can have:

Livestock and their byproducts account for 51% of all greenhouse gas emissions.
These emissions are projected to increase by another 80% by 2050 if we carry on this way.
Animal agriculture is responsible for 80% of the water consumption.
Livestock covers 45% of the world’s total land. 

To find out more about the impact our diets are having on the planet and how we can be a part of the solution we highly recommend watching Cowspiracy and Seaspiracy (both available on Netflix).

Number 3 - Our health! 

If your 2022 goals include improving your health and fitness then eating plant-based is a great way to start! We aren’t nutritionists so we’ll leave that to the experts and recommend the following resources to help you on the way:

What The Health: Documentary on Netflix
How Not To Die: Book 
Easy Vegan Bible: Recipe Book

This leaves the big question: can dogs eat a vegan diet?

The short answer is yes, since dogs are technically omnivores. (Unlike cats who are carnivores). So a dog doesn’t need to eat meat to thrive.

Of course like any diet (plant-based or not), it’s important to ensure that they are getting all the nutrients they need with good quality food that has been veterinarian-approved.  A great place to make a bit of a difference is by switching to some plant-based treats - here are a couple of our favourites below…

Introducing Scrumbles and their plant-based training treats.

These plant-based Softies are the ultimutt guilt-free dog treat. Baked gently for a soft bite, these treats are the perfect reward for puppy training. Made with 100% natural and plant-based ingredients and served in a 100% plastic-free and compostable bag, they are naturally vegan and kinder to the planet. Treat time just got a whole lot tastier. 

Visit their shop here 

Another brand we LOVE is W'zis treats

Their vegan dog treats are more than just part of the plant-based revolution bandwagon. The nutritional makeup of W’ZIS means they are a suitable treat for dogs with a variety of dietary needs. They come presented in 3 bright and beautiful reusable tins, and delicious flavours like Postman & Roast.

Visit their shop here 

If you're ever interested to find out more about veganism and how to get started please don't hesitate to get in touch. You can email hello@wildfordogs.co.uk - I'll be over the moon to hear from you and get straight back to you!

Laura x