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Halo, a pet food company co-owned by Ellen DeGeneres, recently released a new vegan formula dog food, Vegan Garden Medley for Dogs.
This plant-based dog food contains no preservatives or meats found in other pet foods.
"Halo recognizes there are limited options for owners wishing to feed vegan," says Donna Spector, veterinary advisor for Halo Pet Foods. "Halo’s motivation behind creating the Vegan Garden Medley Wet and Dry Formula for Dogs was to provide a healthful, complete and balanced option using the highest quality natural ingredients possible."
Halo claims it has no plans to offer a vegan cat food because cats are carnivorous and could not fully thrive on a plant-based diet.
A recent article from Living Green Magazine looks into key ingredients that should be included in a vegan pet food diet, as well as suggests some retailers of alternative vegan dog foods.
The article says that many vegan dog food recipes can be found online, but key ingredients must be included for optimal pet nutrition and health. It is recommended that pet owners select a recipe with taurine and l-carnitine in the list of ingredients because dogs are unable to synthesize these heart-healthy amino acids since they do not naturally occur in plant matter. Additionally, protein, calcium and vitamin D should be included. The petfood should be supplemented to a level that prevents cardiomyopathy (heart disorders).
The article also warns pet owners of feeding onions, raw garlic, avocado pit and skin, and chocolate to their dogs, as many of these foods are toxic to dogs.
If you choose to purchase a vegan pet food rather than cook it at home, below is a listing of alternative vegan petfood products and company contact information:
F & O Alternative Pet Products
Vegan dog and cat kibble and canned food
1-877-376-9056
Harbingers of a New Age
Vegecat, Vegekit, Vegedog, and digestive enzymes
406-295-4944
Natural Life Pet Products
Canned and kibble dog food
1-800-367-2391
Nature’s Recipe
Canned and kibble dog food
1-800-237-3856
Newman’s Own
Organic vegan dog treats
Pet Guard
Canned dog food and biscuits
Wow-Bow Distributors
Canned and kibble dog food and biscuits
1-800-326-0230
Wysong Corporation
Dog and cat kibble
989-631-0009
The Chicago Sun Times reported that, in addition to opening a vegan restaurant in Los Angeles, California, USA, "the couple are also developing a line of vegan petfoods - after discovering a void in the market for people looking to feed their dogs and cats vegan vittles."
The couple follows a vegan diet, meaning followers of their diet consume no animal products at all, including butter, eggs or milk.
It is unknown when the petfood range will be available, or if the line will include treats for other animals as well.
A Little Canada, Minnesota, USA, man faces 58 counts ranging from animal cruelty to practicing without a license after producing his own vegan pet food, according to a report by Minnesota's Fox news.
Prosecutors served Eric Weisman with a warrant for the criminal charges on June 15. When investigators searched Weisman's home in Little Canada, Minnesota, they said they found proof that Weisman was treating both animals and humans, despite not being a licensed doctor or veterinarian. Investigators also found unsanitary conditions and rodent drops when they searched his pet food business warehouse in St. Paul, Minnesota, USA, according to the report.
“He put his own clients’ lives at risk - and their pets at risk - by providing medical treatment and advice, promoting health benefits of this food that it doesn’t have,” said Mike Salter, a commander with the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office.
Officials said they plan to file additional charges in the case.
The news report says that Weisman read a prepared statement, in which he said that he sells "supplements and petfood, and not treatments" and informs those seeking information from him that he is not a medical doctor or veterinarian.
