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Vegetarian problems

  • 20-04-2010 12:52AM
    #1
    Closed Accounts Posts: 6,228 ✭✭✭


    Nothing against the veggies (thick eejits :rolleyes:) but this is just one dilemma that popped into my head today for no particular reason and I couldn't find a more suitable thread

    I think I would be safe in assuming that a lot of vegetarians have pets, cats and dogs etc.
    But what about the pet food, do they have to be veggies then or can they even be veggies?
    You can have the argument that we, as humans, are above it now and can get our protein off tofu and cardboard etc
    But petfood comes from the same processes as what us filthy carnivores eat off??

    Not trying to stir **** but if there's any veggies out there I'd like to hear an opinion


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Comments

  • Closed Accounts Posts: 8,493 ✭✭✭DazMarz




  • Closed Accounts Posts: 3,971 ✭✭✭we'llallhavetea_old


    jaysus, i never thought of that...

    hypocrites!!!! :mad:


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 6,414 ✭✭✭kraggy


    1. Yes, it is possible to raise a cat or dog on a vegetarian diet. Many people do so.

    2. A person not eating meat is still reducing the amount of animals killed over their lifetime even if their dog/cat eats meat.

    It's difficult at times being vegetarian, but you try to have some effect rather than none at all (but not all vegetarians abstain from eating meat for animal rights issues).


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 17,916 ✭✭✭✭orourkeda


    Life just wouldnt be worth living if we couldnt eat dead animals.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 3,971 ✭✭✭we'llallhavetea_old


    this has got me thinking... vegans mustn't swallow. :eek:


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  • Closed Accounts Posts: 20,919 ✭✭✭✭Gummy Panda


    this has got me thinking... vegans mustn't swallow. :eek:

    You've got a dirty mind


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10,255 ✭✭✭✭The_Minister


    kraggy wrote: »
    1. Yes, it is possible to raise a cat or dog on a vegetarian diet. Many people do so.



  • Closed Accounts Posts: 17,916 ✭✭✭✭orourkeda


    this has got me thinking... vegans mustn't swallow. :eek:

    Especially the animal juice


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 3,971 ✭✭✭we'llallhavetea_old


    You've got a dirty mind

    i mean, ye know... any animal by products, what you talkin bout? ;)


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 5,001 ✭✭✭recylingbin


    If God didn't want us eating animals, why did he make them out of meat?


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  • Closed Accounts Posts: 6,228 ✭✭✭epgc3fyqirnbsx


    If God didn't want us eating animals, why did he make them out of meat?

    exactly


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,028 ✭✭✭✭--LOS--


    sure cats will hunt and eat birds, rabbits, mice anyways :confused:


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,331 ✭✭✭✭bronte


    Nothing against the veggies (thick eejits :rolleyes:) but this is just one dilemma that popped into my head today for no particular reason and I couldn't find a more suitable thread

    I think I would be safe in assuming that a lot of vegetarians have pets, cats and dogs etc.
    But what about the pet food, do they have to be veggies then or can they even be veggies?
    You can have the argument that we, as humans, are above it now and can get our protein off tofu and cardboard etc
    But petfood comes from the same processes as what us filthy carnivores eat off??

    Not trying to stir **** but if there's any veggies out there I'd like to hear an opinion

    I have been vegetarian for 17 years.
    My pet cat eats whiskas.
    Believe it or not , a lot of vegetarians prefer not to push their beliefs on their pets and/or children.

    That'd be like inflicting your religion on them or some other such nonsense...which of course nobody does , right?


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 3,971 ✭✭✭we'llallhavetea_old


    --LOS-- wrote: »
    sure cats will hunt and eat birds, rabbits, mice anyways :confused:

    yeah they will. if they're allowed outside. i think its a bit mean forcing your pet to be a veggie, they naturally want meat, s'not fair. :(


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 17,916 ✭✭✭✭orourkeda


    bronte wrote: »
    I have been vegetarian for 17 years.
    My pet cat eats whiskas.
    Believe it or not , a lot of vegetarians prefer not to push their beliefs on their pets and/or children.

    That'd be like inflicting your religion on them or some other such nonsense...which of course nobody does , right?

    They'll inflict them on their children though.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,331 ✭✭✭✭bronte


    orourkeda wrote: »
    They'll inflict them on their children though.

    Vegetarians will?

    Each to their own, but I'd never make children of mine be vegetarian.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 5,001 ✭✭✭recylingbin


    The pets can probably overpower their veggie overlords anyway, so it's not an issue for them.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,526 ✭✭✭m@cc@


    If God didn't want us eating animals, why did he make them out of meat?

    Palin for President! :D


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,331 ✭✭✭✭bronte


    The pets can probably overpower their veggie overlords anyway, so it's not an issue for them.

    This is true. :pac:

    Evil kitten. :eek:


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 6,228 ✭✭✭epgc3fyqirnbsx


    bronte wrote: »
    Vegetarians will?

    Each to their own, but I'd never make children of mine be vegetarian.

    Thanks for your post and I wasn't having any digs just a random thought
    I'm sure most are like you, you have your beliefs and will stick with them and fair play for that.
    Just wondering what some over-zealous types might think
    Kinda like religion really, let everyone make up their own mind.
    But I would think, and I dont know, that if I had kids and I was a veggie, well the paternal insticnt is so strong, I would like to see them get fed with milk and meat and grow strong. But I'm sure there are plenty of veggies who say that isn't necessary.
    But, imo, bring them up as nature intended, once thery're strong they can make up there own mind


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  • Closed Accounts Posts: 804 ✭✭✭yerayeah


    Why, oh why would you not eat meat?:eek: Genuinely, any vegetarians here, why?

    Once this year, I was getting dinner in the canteen and asked for vol-au-vonts thinking they were chicken and mushroom. They were only mushroom. I still regret not just getting the roast beef.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 17,689 ✭✭✭✭OutlawPete


    bronte wrote: »
    Believe it or not , a lot of vegetarians prefer not to push their beliefs on their pets and/or children.

    Vegetarians get a tough press.

    I'm not a vegan or anything but I would like to be.

    I eat in a Vegan restaurant when in town though, have done since I was 16.

    Love the place.

    There are many happy vegans, living quite happily and healthily without meat.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,526 ✭✭✭m@cc@


    But, imo, bring them up as nature intended, once thery're strong they can make up there own mind

    How do you know what nature intended?

    Are human beings anatomically more similar to natural carnivores or to natural herbivores? Let’s find out….

    Intestinal tract length. Carnivorous animals have intestinal tracts that are 3-6x their body length, while herbivores have intestinal tracts 10-12x their body length. Human beings have the same intestinal tract ratio as herbivores.
    Stomach acidity. Carnivores’ stomachs are 20x more acidic than the stomachs of herbivores. Human stomach acidity matches that of herbivores.
    Saliva. The saliva of carnivores is acidic. The saliva of herbivores is alkaline, which helps pre-digest plant foods. Human saliva is alkaline.
    Shape of intestines. Carnivore bowels are smooth, shaped like a pipe, so meat passes through quickly — they don’t have bumps or pockets. Herbivore bowels are bumpy and pouch-like with lots of pockets, like a windy mountain road, so plant foods pass through slowly for optimal nutrient absorption. Human bowels have the same characteristics as those of herbivores.
    Fibre. Carnivores don’t require fiber to help move food through their short and smooth digestive tracts. Herbivores require dietary fiber to move food through their long and bumpy digestive tracts, to prevent the bowels from becoming clogged with rotting food. Humans have the same requirement as herbivores.
    Cholesterol. Cholesterol is not a problem for a carnivore’s digestive system. A carnivore such as a cat can handle a high-cholesterol diet without negative health consequences. A human cannot. Humans have zero dietary need for cholesterol because our bodies manufacture all we need. Cholesterol is only found in animal foods, never in plant foods. A plant-based diet is by definition cholesterol-free.
    Claws and teeth. Carnivores have claws, sharp front teeth capable of subduing prey, and no flat molars for chewing. Herbivores have no claws or sharp front teeth capable of subduing prey, but they have flat molars for chewing. Humans have the same characteristics as herbivores


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 6,228 ✭✭✭epgc3fyqirnbsx


    The pets can probably overpower their veggie overlords anyway, so it's not an issue for them.

    Had to post this

    Dogs Diary
    8:00 am - OH BOY! DOG FOOD! MY FAVORITE!
    9:30 am - OH BOY! A CAR RIDE! MY FAVORITE!
    9:40 am - OH BOY! A WALK! MY FAVORITE!
    10:30 am - OH BOY! A CAR RIDE! MY FAVORITE!
    11:30 am - OH BOY! DOG FOOD! MY FAVORITE!
    12:00 noon - OH BOY! THE KIDS! MY FAVORITE!
    1:00 pm OH BOY! THE YARD! MY FAVORITE!
    1:30 pm - ooooooo. bath. bummer.
    4:00 pm - OH BOY! THE KIDS! MY FAVORITE!
    5:00 PM - OH BOY! DOG FOOD! MY FAVORITE!
    5:30 PM - OH BOY! MOM! MY FAVORITE

    EXCERPTS FROM A CAT'S DIARY

    DAY 752 - My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects. They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while I am forced to eat dry cereal. The only thing that keeps me going is the hope of escape, and the mild satisfaction I get from ruining the occasional piece of furniture...Tomorrow I may eat another houseplant.

    DAY 761 - Today my attempt to kill my captors by weaving around their feet while they were walking almost succeeded, must try this at the top of the stairs. In an attempt to disgust and repulse these vile oppressors,I once again induced myself to vomit on their favorite chair...must try this On their bed.

    DAY 765 - Decapitated a mouse and brought them the headless body in attempt to make them aware of what I am capable of, and to try to strike fear into their hearts. They only cooed and condescended about what a good little cat I was... Not working according to plan.

    DAY 768 - I am finally aware of how sadistic they are. For no good reason I was chosen for the water torture. This time however it included a burning foamy chemical called "shampoo." What sick minds could invent such a liquid. My only consolation is the piece of thumb still LODGED between my teeth.

    DAY 771 - There was some sort of gathering of their accomplices. I was placed in solitary throughout the event, however, I could hear the noise and smell the foul odor of the glass tubes they call "beer." More importantly I overheard that my confinement was due to MY power of "allergies." Must learn what this is and how to use it to my advantage.

    DAY 774 - I am convinced the other captives are flunkies and maybe snitches. The dog is routinely released and seems more than happy to return. He is obviously a half-wit. The bird on the other hand has got to be an informant, and he speaks with them regularly. I am certain he reports my activities. Due to his current placement in the metal room his safety is assured. But I can wait, it is only a matter of time...


    If anyone likes dogs over cats can you please let me know so I can ignore your posts in future


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 5,001 ✭✭✭recylingbin


    OutlawPete wrote: »
    Vegetarians get a tough press.

    I'm not a vegan or anything but I would like to be.

    I eat in a Vegan restaurant when in town though, have done since I was 16.

    Love the place.

    There are many happy vegans.

    You're thinking of vulcan.

    And they're not happy. That would be illogical.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,331 ✭✭✭✭bronte


    Thanks for your post and I wasn't having any digs just a random thought
    I'm sure most are like you, you have your beliefs and will stick with them and fair play for that.
    Just wondering what some over-zealous types might think
    Kinda like religion really, let everyone make up their own mind.
    But I would think, and I dont know, that if I had kids and I was a veggie, well the paternal insticnt is so strong, I would like to see them get fed with milk and meat and grow strong. But I'm sure there are plenty of veggies who say that isn't necessary.
    But, imo, bring them up as nature intended, once thery're strong they can make up there own mind

    Well I was brought up eating meat, and when I was 9 I decided it wasn't for me anymore. My parents were naturally concerned, but respected my wishes and I'm grateful for that.
    Never did me any disservice.
    I'm the member of my family who never really gets sick at all.
    yerayeah wrote: »
    Why, oh why would you not eat meat?:eek: Genuinely, any vegetarians here, why?

    Honestly? I was never really that into it, and when I started feeling guilty at the age of 9, I just gave it up completely.
    I will admit that the smell of crispy bacon does funny things to me still, but no!
    Willpower!


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 5,001 ✭✭✭recylingbin


    diaries

    You do know that neither dogs nor cats actually keep diaries.

    I can't stand cats fwiw.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,331 ✭✭✭✭bronte


    OutlawPete wrote: »
    Vegetarians get a tough press.

    I'm not a vegan or anything but I would like to be.

    I eat in a Vegan restaurant when in town though, have done since I was 16.

    Love the place.

    There are many happy vegans, living quite happily and healthily without meat.

    Aye, I never really even mention it to be honest!
    Only if someone comments that I'm not eating meat.
    I still have (older) family members say "Are you still not eating properly?" :pac:
    You just have to smile and let it go.

    Wish I had the discipline to be vegan alright.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 17,689 ✭✭✭✭OutlawPete


    bronte wrote: »
    I will admit that the smell of crispy bacon does funny things to me still ..

    You'll that a lot of what people crave meat for is from the addiction of cooked meats.

    Someone that craves meat will snap a breast of chicken out of your hands and suck the bones dry, finger licking good.

    Would that same person the same sized portion of raw chicken and feel the same satisfaction?

    Yet, if it was the protein that was satisfying, both ways should satisfy similarly as they contain the same level of Amino Acids.


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  • Closed Accounts Posts: 6,228 ✭✭✭epgc3fyqirnbsx


    m@cc@ wrote: »
    How do you know what nature intended?

    Are human beings anatomically more similar to natural carnivores or to natural herbivores? Let’s find out….

    Intestinal tract length. Carnivorous animals have intestinal tracts that are 3-6x their body length, while herbivores have intestinal tracts 10-12x their body length. Human beings have the same intestinal tract ratio as herbivores.
    Stomach acidity. Carnivores’ stomachs are 20x more acidic than the stomachs of herbivores. Human stomach acidity matches that of herbivores.
    Saliva. The saliva of carnivores is acidic. The saliva of herbivores is alkaline, which helps pre-digest plant foods. Human saliva is alkaline.
    Shape of intestines. Carnivore bowels are smooth, shaped like a pipe, so meat passes through quickly — they don’t have bumps or pockets. Herbivore bowels are bumpy and pouch-like with lots of pockets, like a windy mountain road, so plant foods pass through slowly for optimal nutrient absorption. Human bowels have the same characteristics as those of herbivores.
    Fibre. Carnivores don’t require fiber to help move food through their short and smooth digestive tracts. Herbivores require dietary fiber to move food through their long and bumpy digestive tracts, to prevent the bowels from becoming clogged with rotting food. Humans have the same requirement as herbivores.
    Cholesterol. Cholesterol is not a problem for a carnivore’s digestive system. A carnivore such as a cat can handle a high-cholesterol diet without negative health consequences. A human cannot. Humans have zero dietary need for cholesterol because our bodies manufacture all we need. Cholesterol is only found in animal foods, never in plant foods. A plant-based diet is by definition cholesterol-free.
    Claws and teeth. Carnivores have claws, sharp front teeth capable of subduing prey, and no flat molars for chewing. Herbivores have no claws or sharp front teeth capable of subduing prey, but they have flat molars for chewing. Humans have the same characteristics as herbivores

    Ok, well said.
    I was gonna suggest the obvious answer of canines, then thought better cos I'm pretty sure I saw gorillas with them too.
    I suppose when you look at our hunter gatherer history there has been meat eating for a hell of a long time. I dunno when it becomes a requirement and in any case it probably isnt.
    But, and I'm a drunken rambler here, really thinking about what I'm about to type I am, but you have dogs that have all descended from wolves or something like them. They now range from chihuahuas to gret danes and Irish wolfhounds and are completely domesticated. In a very short space of time. Even if you look at pictures of cows from the 1800s they look completely different (though I suppose thats just looks).
    But if we have a few thousand years of eating meat, it must be instinctual at this satge, not saying we aren't above it and can't change, but its probably instinct.

    But in response to yourself m@cc@, nature may not really require it


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