The health hazards inherent to commercial meat-based
companion animal diets are extensive and difficult to
avoid, and can include slaughterhouse waste, supermarket
rejects, restaurant grease, fish contaminants,
endotoxins, mycotoxins, and toxic chemicals.
Unsurprisingly, studies have identified kidney, liver,
heart, neurologic, visual, neuromuscular and skin
diseases, bleeding disorders, birth defects,
immunocompromisation and infectious diseases associated
with meat-based diets. There is no scientific reason why
a diet comprised only of plant, mineral and
synthetically-based ingredients cannot be formulated to
meet all of the nutritional requirements of cats and
dogs, and several commercially-available vegan diets
claim to do so. Health benefits commonly observed include
decreased skin parasites and improved coat condition,
allergy control, weight and arthritis control, and
improved vitality. Correct use of a complete and balanced
nutritional supplement is essential, however, to avoid
potentially severe health problems, particularly in cats,
and monitoring of urinary acidity is strongly advisable.
These topics will be explored in greater detail, and are
described at
www.vegepets.info.