We’re in the final week of the 10th annual Veganuary – a non-profit campaign that sees hundreds of thousands of people pledge to eat a plant-based diet for the first month of the year.
Over the last decade, more and more brands have got involved, launching new menu items like the Greggs sausage roll and McDonald’s McPlant, with supermarkets expanding their plant-based offering to cater to those going meat-free. But now, your dog can get involved, too, using Lily’s Kitchen’s plant powered collection of products.
Last year, we shared our thoughts on Lily’s Kitchen’s vegan food recipes Mighty Burrito Bowl and Vibrant Rainbow Stew, and now, the meat-free meals are complimented by some fruit and veg-based jerky treats that are 100 per cent vegan.
There are some very mixed opinions on vegan diets for dogs. According to the Animal Welfare Act 2006, animals should be fed a ‘suitable’ diet which should “meet all of your dog’s nutritional needs” – something that’s notoriously tricky to master with a plant based only diet. Personally, I’m a big believer that dogs should eat an omnivorous diet – one that is both complete and balanced – and vegan meals and treats can absolutely be a part of that, but for me, not make up the bulk of your dog’s diet. But I’m not a vet, and every dog is different.
The British Veterinary Association explains it well, adding: “Dogs are omnivores, which means that they eat both meat and plant products. While it is theoretically possible, the British Veterinary Association does not recommend giving a dog a vegetarian or a vegan diet as it is much easier to get the balance of essential nutrients wrong than to get it right.”
That said, these plant based treats are great for adding variety to your dogs diet, supplementing their meals and adding much-needed nutrients.
Throughout Veganuary, Phoebe and Frank have been enjoying the Lily’s Kitchen Totally Tropical Mango Jerky and Sweet Potato Jerky with Jackfruit. Priced at £3.25 per pack, the fruit and veg based bites are packed with flavour and plant power.
Importantly, the recipe is vet and nutritionist-approved, made only with natural, vegan ingredients for a grain free treat ideal for dogs with a sensitive stomach.
Mango and sweet potato are both fantastic options for your dog, offering a range of health benefits. Mango is high in fibre, as well as vitamin A, B6, C and E, and your dog will love its sweet flavour. Meanwhile, sweet potato is also fibrous, and is low in fat, making it a very healthy option.
Each individual jerky piece is quite big, so we tend to tear them up into smaller pieces. Each treat will easily be cut into four, which is a good size for Phoebe and Frank, with around eight pieces of jerky per pack. They’re suitable for dogs over four months old, with a recommended maximum of five treats per day (which is actually 20 if you chop them!)
We’ve really enjoyed trying out the plant powered pouches of treats, finding them a great way to get more fruit and vegetables into Phoebe and Frank’s diet. They’re a great way to give your dog a little less meat, replacing some traditional treats, while still offering them something delicious and rewarding.
Lily’s Kitchen said: “Our vegan and vegetarian dog food recipes and meat free treats are an ideal way to introduce some exciting variety into your dog’s menu. Perfect for pooches who may be sensitive to meat, or for those joining in with Meat Free Mondays!”
You can shop all of the vegan products in the Lily’s Kitchen range here.
Read more about Lily’s Kitchen:
- Lily’s Kitchen On The Go bars are perfect for road trips and adventures
- Inside the Lily’s Kitchen 2022 Christmas collection with prices from £3.25
- We tried Lily’s Kitchen Protein Bites for dogs perfect for picnics
- Lily’s Kitchen Chew Sticks – flavours, prices, and how long they last
- Woofbrush dental sticks from Lily’s Kitchen – how long do they last?
