[GSDsForever]

This statement is not true actually:

“Because none of the currently available meat-free diets for dogs or cats base their claims of nutritional adequacy on recognized feeding protocols such as those of the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO, 2007).”

There are multiple vegetarian or vegan dog foods that do. And there are multiple balanced non-USA brands as well. Not that I think the AAFCO’s standards offer particularly great quality assurance, but they are a starting point.

Also, regarding 5D meats & byproducts, while yes many dog foods do contain these, there ARE a number of companies producing dog foods containing meat that take great care to exclude these, with some going the extra mile to select the highest quality grades and things like organic, wild, grass fed/free range, human grade, and low ash.

Would you care to share what you are using for your homemade vegetarian diet for your dog? We might be able to help or offer suggestions here. And others might benefit as well.