The article, “Vegetarian versus meat-based diets for companion animals”, by Knight and
Leitsberger discusses the safety and nutritional adequacy of different vegetarian diets for
animals. Pet owners are always worried about the relations between livestock welfare problems,
deteriorating health conditions, environmental pollution and change, manures and herbicides,
and causative elements, for example, pet rearing and the utilization of animal items (Knight &
Leitsberger, 2016). In essence, numerous owners are highly inspired by vegetarian diets both for
themselves and their pets. In any case, are vegetarian cat and dog diets safe and nutritious? The
article reports four studies that were conducted to survey the nutritional adequacy of the diets,
and producer reactions to the latest examinations are given. Other studies appraised in the article
analyzed the health status of cats and dogs fed on vegetarian and meat-based diets as well as the
nutritional value of these diets (Knight & Leitsberger, 2016). The authors noted problems with
the dietary decisions that have been archived, which include nutritional insufficiencies and health
issues. Nonetheless, a good number of studies and case reports indicated that cats and dogs
sustained on vegetarian diets might be very healthy and, undoubtedly, may encounter a scope of
health benefits (Knight & Leitsberger, 2016). Thus, these diets should be produced nutritionally
and sensibly balanced.
The author addresses the following research question: are vegetarian dog and cat diets
nutritious and safe? She breaks down the examinations directed on all diets; the two plants and
animal based, and address the nutritional benefits and deficiencies that are related with each.
Following the analysis of these outcomes, she arrives at the conclusion that every one of these
diets can be valuable, but they require certain courses of action and owners must be prepared to
monitor their companion animal's health to perceive any changes. Likewise, the authors address
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the different positive perspectives that might be credited to the increasing popularity of veggie
lover and vegetarian diets which incorporate animal welfare assistance and ecological issues.
This is a very reliable source since it reports a study that conducted in a college library
information section. The authors are Andrew Knight and Madeleine Leitsberger who are both
credited to the University of Winchester's Center for Animal Welfare.
The article itself contains reliable references as proof to support their research. The article
starts with the research question, which shows no personal bias to some random claim. This
article offers clear perspective and reasoning by linking their evidence to respond to a clearly
stated question. Additionally, the article is peer reviewed by another master in this specific
subject. It is relevant to understanding a number of questions concerning mainstream vegetarian
pet diets.
By finding evidence through different studies, I can uphold the claim that a vegetarian
diet for a companion animal can have the equivalent or significantly more nutritional incentive
than a meat based diet. This article additionally perceived the need to monitor the health of the
animal during change in their diet, making pet owners responsible for the health of their pets.
Despite dietary decision, purchasers should always check packaging claims of nutritional
suitability, and to ask producers what steps they take, and what proof they can give, to guarantee
nutritional sufficiency and consistency of their diets. Also, likewise with all companion animals,
owners should monitor the health of their animals consistently, including through customary
checks of bodyweight, action level and behaviors. Any noteworthy, progressing problems should
trigger a veterinary assessment, which should happen every year and semiannually after around
seven years old.
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References
Knight, A., & Leitsberger, M. (2016). Vegetarian versus meat-based diets for companion