Vegan Facts

Veganism involves not eating any animal derivatives. As a family, we are not strictly vegan (but nearly so), since we do eat our own very ‘free-range’ and very ‘organic’ eggs. The chickens run free, when possible and join in activities on the premises.

Dogs can apparently become vegan, since their nutrient requirements are so similar to ours. They do not, however, have the correct dentition for this, so food preparation must take account of this, or malnutrition will result. In particular, their teeth and gums may suffer without raw bones to chew. The AVMC does not recommend making a dog vegan but works with patients that are, being careful not to prescribe medicines that have been derived from animal material.

Cats are unable to be vegan or even vegetarian. Their dietary needs cannot be supplied from solely non-animal sources.

Veganism is often a philosophical statement. Vegans strive to prevent the suffering of animals, involved not only with meat production but also for egg and milk production. It is not always understood that, in order for cows to produce milk (including all dairy products), their calves must be taken away. This in itself is a source of some suffering. There is the unfortunate aspect that some of the calves have no value so are killed, while others not suitable for future breeding are put into meat production.

See: Vegetarianism

Copyright © AVMC - March 2007
 

[Contact us ] [ Map & Directions ] [Main Menu] [Feedback] [News & Noticeboard]

This site is subject to frequent ongoing development and expansion
Please revisit frequently, to view new material

Copyright © 2007 Alternative Veterinary Medicine Centre
Chinham House, Stanford in the Vale, Oxon SN7 8NQ (UK)
Tel.: #44 (0)1367 710324 - Fax: #44 (0)1367 718243
www.alternativevet.org
Created and maintained by AVMC
Last modified: January 21, 2008

This site has been designed for use with Microsoft Internet Explorer - other browsers may not be able to view all aspects