Veganism is a philosophy and way of living which seeks to exclude, as far as is possible and practicable, all forms of exploitation of, and cruelty to, animals for food, clothing or any other purpose.
At the heart of vegan living is the core principle that animals are not ours to be used.
It’s essentially about respecting animals, not causing them harm or using them as property.
While some vegans are against owning pets, most agree that pets and vegans can blend seamlessly into an ethical lifestyle.
Keeping pets gives many people companionship and great happiness. And it provides many animals with a loving home and a happy life. We agree that having pets is fine as long as you’re able to treat your companion with compassion, love and dignity. However, if you want your pet to stick to a vegan lifestyle, you may be a little more limited.
In this article, we’ll take a look at a few common pets and their needs, from a vegan perspective.
Top 7 Vegan Pets
Rabbit
These ultra-soft, super-adorable pets are perhaps the best choice for a vegan pet. They are natural herbivores, quintessential consumers of lettuce and carrots, and, once weaned, remain generally uninterested in any meat or animal products whatsoever.
Plus, they are also intelligent, social animals, and can be the perfect companion for the right family.
Guinea pig
Just like a rabbit, guinea pigs need appropriate care and attention but will fit naturally and happily into vegan life and household.
If you’re looking for a social animal, a guinea pig might be the perfect companion for you!
They need lots of interaction every day and reward you with excited squeaks.
Hamster
Another popular option as a family pet, a hamster subsists on fruits, nuts, berries, fruits and other dried foods. These super cute little guys are fun to watch and play with. Unfortunately, their lifespan is limited, they only live 1.5-2 years, and often die before they reach “old” age.
Mice or Rats
Not everyone agrees, but I think both mice and rats are adorable. OK, truthfully, mice and rats are both omnivores but typically prefer plant foods like seeds, grains, fruits, and nuts – eating them 15 to 20 times per day.
So, you can feed them a vegan diet and they’ll be quite happy.
Small fish
Fish can be herbivores, omnivores, or even carnivores depending on the species.
Luckily, many small fish can also be vegan and can be a good choice of pet for an ethical lifestyle. They are also better pets than many think and can be quite playful.
Dogs and Cats
It is often believed that dogs and cats cannot live a healthy life without being fed meat. However, research has shown that these animals can thrive very well in vegetarian and vegan households if they receive the correct amount of specific nutrients.
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