This is a warning to all the pet owners out there. The UK has recently passed the Animal Welfare Act as a stern warning to all pet owners out there to make sure that they are not mistreating their dog. Specifically, it’s a warning to pet owners to check that their pets’ diets are suitable for them as well as meeting all of their nutritional needs.
The warning stems from the recent rise of popularity of plant based diets. While plant based diets may be good for humans, some dogs may find a plant based diet hard to swallow. Although currently there are no legislations which states what type of food you should give to your dog, dog owners should take care when deciding to change their dogs’ diets.
However, the British Veterinary Association has come out and said that owners should be aware of the Animal Welfare Act. Under the act, pet owners have a duty to feed their pets the appropriate diet for their pets. Under the system, dog owners could find themselves with a £20,000 fine or time behind bars if they force their dogs to take on a plant-based diet.
You could be fined for feeding your dog a sub-optimal diet.
While owners themselves might restrict their diets based on their personal preferences, their restrictive diets are often not suited for their animal counterparts. Their restrictive diets might not meet their dogs’ nutritional requirements.
Instead of plant based diets, you should feed your dog foods that gives them all the nutrients they need such as these:
So can you feed your dog a plant-based diet?
Theoretically, it is possible to feed your dog a plant-based diet. However, it is more often done wrong than right.
If owners insist on having their dog on a vegetarian or vegan diet, they should always talk to their vet first. This is because dogs need some time to adjust to their new diet. Additionally, a change in diet can also cause physical pain for your dog if they are not getting an adequate amount of nutrition.
This is because vegetarian diets often contain a high-fibre content, which is difficult to digest for dogs. Additionally, it often takes longer to extract nutrients from plant based diets compared to meat. Thus, dogs would have to consume a larger quantity of food in order to receive an adequate amount of nutrients.
Thus, the Animal Welfare Act was introduced to ensure that pet owners are providing their pets with the proper food. They are also required to provide a suitable environment for their pet, as well as protecting them from harm, injuries and diseases. If owners fail to do so, they could be receiving a fine up to £20,000 or up to 51 weeks behind bars. Their pets may also be removed from their care, and they could also be prohibited from owning pets in the future.
It’s important to feed your dog the right food. But what’s better for your dog, dry food or wet food? Find the answer here!
