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What diet ensures my dog lives a long, healthy life: meat or vegan?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Hello! I am planning to get a (male) dog soon and I am wondering what would be the best lifestyle for them. I am unsure if I should have my dog as a vegetarian/vegan or stick with products with meat. I would like my dog to live a long, healthy life. What is the best lifestyle for dogs?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on October 14th, 2017

Congrats on your new dog! The best lifestyle for dogs is one with meat. They are biologically meant to eat meat, and I personally do not believe a dog should be forced to have a vegan or vegetarian lifestyle because of a certain person's values and beliefs. I believe that if people want a pet to have a vegetarian diet, they should get a pet who is biologically designed to be a vegetarian, such as a rabbit or guinea pig. Vegan and vegetarian diets are inventions of humans, and aren't for animals who do need meat such as dogs and cats. I recommend feeding your dog a high quality dog food such as Royal Canin, Hill's Science diet, Purina ProPlan, or Iams. I'd also recommend getting your male dog neutered, as that will help with a better lifestyle as well, both medically and behaviorally. I hope this helps!

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