Plant-based diets are known to provide countless health benefits to humans. Studies show that plant-based diets can lower body weight and reduce your cancer risk. Plant-based diets can also reduce the number of medications necessary to treat several chronic conditions.
The number of people who choose to follow a plant-based diet is one of the reasons why several brands now sell plant-based products, such as Beyond Meat. This is a plant-based meat product that doesn’t contain cholesterol and has fewer calories than regular meat.
Although consuming Beyond Meat is healthy for humans, you should think twice before giving any to your dogs. As a pet owner, you should never feed your dogs Beyond Meat because it contains the following ingredients:
Excessive Sodium
Sodium is necessary for your dogs’ health and development. This mineral is necessary to maintain the cellular functions of your dogs and ensure that their digestive tracts are functioning properly. However, too much sodium can cause several symptoms in dogs, namely diarrhea, incoordination, muscle tremors, and even seizures.
Beyond Meat contains 390 milligrams of sodium —a far cry to the 100 milligrams of daily sodium requirement of dogs. The high sodium content is just one of the reasons why feeding your dogs with Beyond Meat can only do more harm than good.
Cocoa Butter
Cocoa butter is often used in creams, lotions, and lip balms for humans. This ingredient contains fat that creates a protective barrier over the skin to hold moisture. However, cocoa butter doesn’t impact your dogs positively.
Cocoa butter is actually toxic for your furry friends because it contains theobromine, a compound that’s found in chocolates. Theobromine is fatal to dogs because their bodies can’t metabolize it as quickly as humans can. As a result, theobromine builds up to a toxic level in their systems, which can result in death.
Saturated Fats
As long as given in moderation, saturated fats have several health benefits to dogs. For one, saturated fats can improve their heart health and reduce their risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, especially as they age.
Your dogs’ diet should only have 5.5% of saturated fats. Consuming Beyond Meat will eventually cause problems to your dogs’ health because this product contains around 25% of saturated fats. A diet with excessive amounts of saturated fats can trigger obesity in dogs, as well as arthritis and diabetes.
Are There Safer Plant-Based Foods For Dogs?
If you want your dogs to consume plant-based, fret not because there are safer alternatives to Beyond Meat. These alternatives are packed with several vitamins and nutrients, and feeding them (in moderation) to your furry friends will surely keep them happy and healthier.
Listed below are some of the safest and healthiest plant-based foods you can give to your dogs:
Cantaloupe
Cantaloupe contains dietary fiber, folate, and vitamins A, C, and B6. Cantaloupe also has potassium that ensures the optimal functioning of your dogs’ muscles, nerves, and heart.
Apple
The maxim that states, “an apple a day keeps the doctor away,” still remains true for your four-legged friends. Apples are healthy treats for your dogs as they contain vitamins A, C, and potassium. Apples are also loaded with fiber that can aid your dogs’ digestion and help them maintain a healthy weight.
Banana
You can also feed bananas to your dogs. This fruit has a high fiber content that can help improve and maintain your dogs’ digestive system. Fiber works by moving food along in your dogs’ intestinal tract and resolving diarrhea and constipation. Bananas also have vitamin C, potassium, magnesium, and biotin.
Mango
Who says mangoes are only for humans? You can actually give some to your furry friends as this fruit is safe and healthy for them. Mangoes are high in fiber and vitamins A, C, and E. Mangoes also have high levels of antioxidants that can boost the immune system of your dogs and reduce their risk of getting infections.
Strawberries
Another plant-based treat you can give to your dogs are strawberries. This fruit can minimize the effects of aging on your dogs’ bodies, help with weight management, and strengthen their immune system. Strawberries can also whiten your dogs’ pearly whites.
What Meat Is Safest For Dogs?
Dogs are naturally omnivores, which means that they also need to consume meat to stay healthy. Some of the safest meats you can give to your furry friends are chicken, lean ground beef, turkey, and chuck steak. As long as you cut these meats into small bite-sized pieces, these can help maintain the joint and bone health of your dogs, as well as improve their skin.
Adding meat to your dogs’ diet can also strengthen their immune system, reduce their stool volume and odor, and improve their reproductive health.
Can Dogs Adapt To A Plant-Based Or Vegan Diet?
Unfortunately, no. As mentioned, dogs are omnivores and will need to consume meat in order to stay healthy. A plant-based or vegan diet will prevent your dogs from getting enough protein, resulting in poor skin and coat. Protein deficiency in dogs can also trigger extreme weight loss, lack of healthy blood cells (anemia), and reduced growth rate.
Reach Out To A Vet
If your dogs stole one whole piece of Beyond Meat off of your plate, call the vet immediately. Ask what should be your next steps to keep your fur babies safe.
Even though your dogs don’t exhibit any symptoms (yet), it’s best to call the professionals for help as soon as possible. Remember, Beyond Meat contains ingredients harmful for your dogs, which is why professional help is always necessary.