Shelter Dog Meal Donation Count:

Learn More

‘Vegetarian Dog’ Chooses Between Meat And Veggies On Live TV Show

Written by: Dee Michaels
Dee Michaels is a passionate and accomplished writer, renowned for his heartwarming and engaging stories on IHeartDogs.com.Read more
| Published on May 10, 2024

The hosts of “This Morning,” intrigued by Lucy’s claim about her Husky, Storm, set up a unique and interesting experiment live on television. Lucy argued that despite Storm’s carnivorous lineage, her pet showed a clear preference for vegetables, opting for greens over traditional meat-based dog food.

To explore this unusual preference further, the show arranged a live segment where they presented Storm with two bowls—one filled with various kinds of meat and the other with an assortment of vegetables. The setup was simple yet effective in testing Lucy’s assertion in a controlled environment, providing a visual and engaging way for viewers to see Storm’s choice firsthand.

As the cameras rolled, all eyes were on Storm. The moment of truth came as he approached the bowls. With a surprising and almost immediate decision, Storm headed straight for the bowl of vegetables, enthusiastically choosing it over the meat option. This unexpected behavior captivated the audience and the hosts, reinforcing Lucy’s claims about her dog’s dietary preferences.

This segment not only provided entertainment but also sparked a broader conversation about canine diets and the possibility of variance in food preferences among dogs. It challenged conventional wisdom regarding canine diet and highlighted the individuality of pets, even within a species known for its meat-eating habits. Lucy’s experience with Storm serves as a reminder that animals can have unique traits and preferences, just like humans.

Storm
YouTube

Lucy’s decision to modify Storm’s diet came during a particularly challenging time when a heat wave had left her Husky feeling unsettled and unusually picky about food. Inspired by her neighbor Ben, who had seen positive results after switching his own dog to a vegetarian diet, Lucy considered that a similar change might benefit Storm as well.

Taking this advice, Lucy began to introduce a meat-free dog food into Storm’s routine, supplementing it with leftover vegetables from her family’s meals. This wasn’t just a simple switch; it was a thoughtful attempt to enhance Storm’s diet during a time when he seemed to need a change the most.

The introduction of vegetables wasn’t only about catering to Storm’s pickiness but also about experimenting with a diet that could potentially soothe and revive him during the extreme weather conditions. Vegetables can be a source of essential nutrients, and they are generally lighter and less calorically dense, which might have contributed to making Storm feel more comfortable and less lethargic during the heat wave.

Lucy’s approach underscores the importance of being attentive and responsive to a pet’s needs, especially in response to environmental changes. It also highlights how pet owners can take cues from their community or neighbors’ experiences to adapt their pet care practices for better health and well-being of their animals.

“During the summer months she went off her food, strangely. She seemed to perk up, be a lot happier. She really took to it,” Lucy explained.

On the couch
YouTube

During the segment on “This Morning,” veterinarian Scott Miller provided a professional perspective on the topic of feeding dogs a vegetable-based diet. While he expressed respect for individuals who choose vegetarian diets for themselves, he emphasized important nutritional considerations when it comes to dogs.

Dr. Miller pointed out that dogs are naturally omnivorous, meaning their diets in the wild typically include both meat and plant-based foods. He highlighted that for optimal health, dogs generally thrive on a balanced diet that includes both animal proteins and vegetables. This balance ensures they receive a wide range of nutrients necessary for their health, such as proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals, some of which are more readily available or only found in animal products.

Moreover, Dr. Miller raised an ethical point about pet care. Unlike humans, pets do not have the capability to choose their diets based on personal or ethical preferences. They rely entirely on their owners to make these critical decisions for them. It’s crucial that these choices are made with the animals’ health and nutritional needs as the priority. This perspective is important in reminding pet owners of their responsibility to ensure that any diet they choose for their pets is well-rounded and nutritionally adequate to support their health and well-being.

This discussion on national television helped to inform and educate viewers about the complexities of pet nutrition, emphasizing the importance of a balanced diet and the responsibilities that come with pet ownership.

“It’s a choice… our pets can’t make that choice,” said the vet.

It’s up to us as their caretakers to make an incredibly informed decision, and to make sure that their diet includes all the nutrients they need. 

The Moment Of Truth 

After Lucy explained that she truly believed Storm preferred eating vegetables over meat, show hosts wanted to put it to the test. So they brought out two dog bowls filled to the brim with food. One was filled with vegetables and the other was piled high with meat. 

Much to her owner’s embarrassment, the hungry Husky made a mad dash for the bowl filled with meat. Storm dove-in with gusto, as his mom sat there shocked. 

Storm
YouTube

The segment on “This Morning” featuring Lucy, her Husky Storm, and veterinarian Scott Miller clearly struck a chord with viewers, eliciting a wide range of reactions as people took to social media and other platforms to voice their opinions. The decision to feed a dog a primarily vegetable-based diet is a contentious topic, and it sparked a vigorous debate among the audience.

Some viewers used humor to express their views, making light of the situation with jokes about the dog’s unconventional diet preferences. Others, however, took a more critical stance. Among the more serious responses, some individuals labeled Lucy’s choice to feed Storm a vegetable-based diet as “animal cruelty.” This harsh judgment reflects a common concern that such diets might not meet all the nutritional needs of a dog, potentially jeopardizing the animal’s health if not properly managed.

The debate underscores the complexity and emotional nature of discussions about animal care, particularly when it comes to dietary choices. It highlights how passionately people feel about ensuring the well-being of pets and the diverse opinions on how best to achieve that. This strong reaction also illustrates the broader dialogue about the responsibilities of pet ownership, the need for informed decision-making based on veterinary science, and the ethical considerations that come into play when humans make choices that significantly impact the lives of animals.

You can check-out the viral clip below.

Featured Image: Youtube