People choose to eat a plant-based diet for many reasons including their health, ethics, and environmental concerns. But what about our dogs? Does the same reasoning apply? It’s natural to wonder if a meat-free diet is a healthy choice for dogs.

Dog owners are faced with choices—the plaid collar versus polka dots, a long walk or a trip to the dog park. But on a daily basis, the most important choice we make is what food we offer. Without good nutrition, dogs simply cannot be healthy and happy.

A recent study revealed that animal-based ingredients were responsible for 236 cases of food allergy in dogs while plant-based ingredients (wheat, soy, corn, rice, barley, kidney bean, and tomato) were involved in only 77 cases.

When picking out a dog food, pet parents tend to focus on protein, and with good reason! Protein plays many vital roles in the body. But what the label can’t tell you, however, is whether or not the protein that is present supplies all the amino acids that your dog needs.

Holistic medicine is about treating the whole person (or in this case, pet) taking into account external factors, rather than just the visible symptoms of a condition. It’s gaining popularity among people, and as a dog and cat-loving society, it’s no surprise that many are seeking holistic healthcare for their pets.