The number of vegetarians worldwide is growing as more people realize the health, ethical, and environmental benefits of going meat free. As more of us get used to the idea of eating meals that aren’t meat based, we also wonder if meat is a good idea for our pets. After all, regular dog food is made up mostly of by products and other unwanted meat industry leftovers. That industry has a huge environmental impact, and is responsible for some real ethical abuses.

However, we also have to pay attention to the fact that our pet dogs are naturally meat eaters. That can lead to worries that vegetarian dog food might cause health problems. Here’s a look at vegetarian dogs, their health and how long they live, and what happens when you feed a meat free diet.

What is a vegetarian? Lots of people disagree, with some people including animal foods like eggs and milk in their diet, and some others claiming to be vegetarian even though they eat some meats! However, the most commonly accepted definition of vegetarian is someone who doesn’t eat meat of any kind, but does eat dairy products and eggs. Vegetarian dog foods generally include soy, grains, fruits and vegetables, seeds and nuts, beans, lentils and other legumes, and dairy products and eggs.

Fortunately, dogs aren’t obligate carnivores the way cats are. They don’t need vitamins that can only be found in meat. That means that, in theory, we can feed our dogs without it. However, getting that nutritional balance right can be really tricky. After all, a wild canid diet is highly varied. If your dog doesn’t eat enough of an essential nutrient, you could end up with a sick pet. Dogs shouldn’t eat too much in the way of carbohydrates, either, since that can cause digestive problems. Look for a good packaged vegetarian dog food – ideally one recommended by your vet – if you’re concerned about nutrition.

Is your dog adjusting properly to a new vegetarian diet? Signs that he or she isn’t include hair loss, mood and personality changes, digestive problems and a general sense of sluggishness. Remember that vegetarian protein replacements are among the foods most likely to cause allergic reactions. However, many dogs are entirely happy eating a good vegetarian diet.

Another option, if your dog can’t handle completely vegetarian dog food, is to choose foods made from ethically produced meats. Responsibly sourced plant foods, meat from animals raised under humane conditions, and other ethically produced ingredients could help you avoid the problems that come with feeding conventional dog food.