Companion and Working Animals

Question: Are vegans against horse racing and horse riding?

Answer: Vegans oppose all forms of exploitation of animals. Each situation needs to be carefully considered to see if this applies. Most vegans would oppose the use of leather saddles and bridles.

Question: Are vegans against keeping companion animals?

Answer: The Vegan Society cannot condone commercial animal breeding, nor the huge pet-food industry - which supports the meat industry. However, many vegans share their homes with rescued animals. This saves the animals from death, and provides the humans with companionship. Some vegans decide not to have companion animals at all.

Question: Can companion animals be vegan?

Answer: Dogs can be fully nourished by a well-balanced vegan diet. There are several complete vegan dog foods on the market, but watch out for animal-derived Vitamin D3. Cats need the amino acid taurine, vitamin A and arachidonic acid in their food. You may be able to order Vegecat and Vegekit, vet-approved animal-free supplements to added to a balanced vegan diet to meet the needs of cats. Some vegans allow their cats to eat meat.