How to Transition My Dog to a Vegetarian Diet

There are many reasons dog owners transition their dogs to vegetarian diets. Sometimes a dog needs a diet low in protein for health reasons. Sometimes a vegetarian diet is the only option for a dog with severe food allergies. Regardless of the reason for transitioning your dog to a vegetarian diet, it should not be done all at once, but slowly over at least a week. A slow transition is key to keeping your dog from experiencing the digestive upsets associated with a new diet.

Instructions

    • 1

      Choose a vegetarian dog food that meets your dog's nutritional requirements.

    • 2

      Feed your dog a mixture that consists of 75 percent of its old food and 25 percent of its new vegetarian food at mealtimes for the first two days.

    • 3

      Feed your dog a mixture that consists of 50 percent of its old food and 50 percent of its new vegetarian food at mealtimes for the next two days.

    • 4

      Feed your dog a mixture that consists of 25 percent of its old food and 75 percent of its new vegetarian food at mealtimes for the last two days.

    • 5

      Feed your dog its new vegetarian food at mealtimes instead of its old food.