Parenting A Pet
Says Yagna Sahapathi, an animal lover and rescuer …
Bringing a pet into your life is a huge responsibility. It’s not just about providing shelter and food but understanding their needs and emotions. I live with nine French Bulldogs—each one unique and special in their own way.
My journey as a pet parent began in 2013 when I brought home a male French Bulldog from a breeder. Two years later, I got him a companion—a female French Bulldog. Back then, I was unaware of the dark side of the breeding industry. I didn’t know how female dogs are exploited and how these breeds are created through genetic manipulation and cruelty. By December 2018, our dogs gave birth naturally. By then, I had learned the harsh realities of breeding and decided never to sell or give away the puppies. I feared they could be exploited for further breeding. So, as a family, we chose to care for the entire family ourselves. Today, they are all 6 years old and have been on a vegan diet for the past two years. Even the oldest among them, their father, is thriving—healthy, active, and happy.
One of the biggest lessons I learned is that what we feed our dogs plays a huge role in their health and well-being. Despite the popular belief that dogs must eat meat, my French Bulldogs have adjusted remarkably well to plant-based food. Every morning, they enjoy a balanced portion of vegan dog food, followed by homemade flatbread (roti), lentils, legumes, and rice. They absolutely love fruits like papaya, apples, bananas, and oranges. For snacks, I give them carrots, coconut, and sweet potatoes. In the winter, I buy sweet potatoes in bulk as an affordable and nutritious treat—they love it!
Animal-based foods like eggs and dairy didn’t suit my dogs. For example, the mother of the family suffered from arthritis, and her condition worsened whenever she consumed eggs or dairy products. But when her diet switched to plant-based foods, her condition improved significantly. Since adopting a vegan diet, their skin health and coat texture have improved dramatically. They no longer have skin issues and are much more energetic. I’ve seen the same benefits in street dogs I’ve cared for—many of them also showed fewer skin infections after switching to plant-based foods.
We live in an artificial world where even the existence of breeds like French Bulldogs is the result of human intervention. Since they depend on us for survival, we have a responsibility to care for them without causing harm to other animals. I believe in not harming one animal to feed another. Plant-based dog food options today are nutritionally complete and carefully crafted to meet dogs’ dietary needs. When we choose fresh ingredients like oats, legumes, and coconut, we give our pets healthier meals without the by-products found in processed dog food. If you’re a pet owner, I urge you to give plant-based food a try. Start with simple ingredients like lentils and vegetables or try trusted vegan dog food brands. Observe how your pet responds. With the right balance of nutrients, dogs can thrive on a plant-based diet. Making the switch isn’t just about health—it’s about compassion. By making kinder choices for our pets, we create a ripple of kindness that can make the world better for all beings.
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