The Vegetarian & Vegan Thread

[misssakura]

I don't personally see how vegetarians can wear leather or animal products, unless the choice is purely for diet in which case it makes sense. If people don't eat meat for ethical/environmental reasons then they'll exclude leather. However I think a lot of vegetarians for 'health' reasons aren't strict and don't actually define themselves as vegetarians.

Many people think that leather is a byproduct of the meat industry, however it is a completely different trade and is often regulated far less stringently than the meat trade. This often results in even worse treatment of animals. Often the meat is of such a poor quality that is is only fit for dog and cat food.

I honestly believe that if you're a "vegetarian", as far as the philosophical side goes, you can't wear any animal products. It just doesn't make sense. But I understand if the choice is purely for health reasons and caring about animals or the environment isn't included.

 

[Whitelinen]

This might sound a little bit stupid, but what do people who are vegetarians/vegans for ethical reasons feed their dogs and cats with? As far as I know dogs and cats do not survive without meat, but isn't this against vegetarians?

I'm not attacking as I find vegetarianism to be great, but this question just popped to my mind.

 

[TheFairy]

thank you Misssakura.
how ago to be a healthy feeding if you don't have a correct relationship of necessary substances to live? For instance: a woman that I know has had a spontaneous abortion really because she is vegetarian and his/her physician has advised her to eat meat and fish.
Can this type of feeding bring some complications in the future?

ps_
sorry for my bad english

 

[Irene_A]

Of course it can (just like almost anything) unless you have good knowledge about food composition and are good at mixing ingredients so that you get all the nutrients you need (and even if you are, vegetarians must take vitamin supplements). In general, pregnant women and children should never be vegetarian.

 

[TheFairy]

then at the end to eat vegetarian or vegan is not sure for the health unless this type of feeding is followed step by step by a good physician.

 

[Irene_A]

I say yes, but I'm sure other people won't agree with me.

 

[TheKiwi]

This might sound a little bit stupid, but what do people who are vegetarians/vegans for ethical reasons feed their dogs and cats with? As far as I know dogs and cats do not survive without meat, but isn't this against vegetarians?

I'm not attacking as I find vegetarianism to be great, but this question just popped to my mind.

Hmmm... Good point! I never really thought about this before either! I'm not vegetarian or vegan, but I eat mostly vegetarian foods (the only meats I'll eat are fish, chicken, and turkey). I'd be really interested to see what vegetarian or vegan pet owners do.

 

[seanutbutter]

I feed my cat regular cat food. Even if it does include meat, I really don't mind. Cats and dogs crave meat, and I respect that. Not to mention, my cat is very picky with her food, so I really have no other options.

 

[modelbehavior228]

OMG, both my parents today have told me that I am going to die cause I don't eat meat. (no pun intended) They are dead wrong on that. In all honesty, my stomach and colon feels better now that I don't eat meat.

 

[modelbehavior228]

I don't personally see how vegetarians can wear leather or animal products, unless the choice is purely for diet in which case it makes sense. If people don't eat meat for ethical/environmental reasons then they'll exclude leather. However I think a lot of vegetarians for 'health' reasons aren't strict and don't actually define themselves as vegetarians.

Many people think that leather is a byproduct of the meat industry, however it is a completely different trade and is often regulated far less stringently than the meat trade. This often results in even worse treatment of animals. Often the meat is of such a poor quality that is is only fit for dog and cat food.

I honestly believe that if you're a "vegetarian", as far as the philosophical side goes, you can't wear any animal products. It just doesn't make sense. But I understand if the choice is purely for health reasons and caring about animals or the environment isn't included.

I am not a veggie boy for that reason. Eating meat is just kinda gross to me, you know? Like, it used to be walking around and now you are eating it. Gross.

 

[misssakura]

This might sound a little bit stupid, but what do people who are vegetarians/vegans for ethical reasons feed their dogs and cats with? As far as I know dogs and cats do not survive without meat, but isn't this against vegetarians?

I'm not attacking as I find vegetarianism to be great, but this question just popped to my mind.

It's not a stupid question, it's a really difficult choice to make. You can feed a cat vegan catfood but it can potentially cause problems in cats (mainly male cats). You can feed a dog vegan food easily as dogs are omnivores not carnivores. I don't want to take any risks with my cat's health so I don't give them vegan food. However, you can buy organic cat food which I guess is the closest you can get to a solution. If I had a dog i'd just feed it vegan dog food though.

 

[wings]

I was wondering if it's really the case that vegetarians don't wear leather because most of the veggies I know do, including me. I wear leather shoes and also have a leather jacket but I don't eat meat at all and would still consider myself a veggie. I thought it was only the vegans who also exclude all leather products and fur etc. Or maybe it's just a personal thing.

I think it´s the point of view. a friends of mine doesn´t eat meat ebcause he hates the taste. other people feel sorry for the animals. those who feel sorry, i guess, don´t wear leather

but isn't this against vegetarians?

did i missed something and there are "rules to be a vegetarian"

 

[Whitelinen]

^ Yes, there is a rule to vegetarianism. In order you can call yourself a vegetarian, you do not eat meat. I think that is a rule. A vegetarian does not eat meat. So, if you should be feeding someone with meat, which is against your ethics, what do you do? What do vegetarians do in a situation like that? You misunderstood my question. Note, I am talking about vegetarians who don't eat meat for ethical reasons here, not the ones who do it because their health.

 

[wings]

nah, some people before you talked about rules too, and that totally confused me.
i could have never thought of rules. there different kinds of vegetarians, okay, and you have to full fill one type to be one. okay, maybe that is a rule. but now i thought of rules like "vegetarians aren´t allowed to wear fur, if they do, they arent veggies anymore" or something, you know?

 

[TheKiwi]

I always thought there were different types of vegetarians, but perhaps I'm wrong? I've always heard of people calling themselves vegetarians even though they will occasionally eat chicken or fish because they find these types of animals to be the most ethical to eat. Are they right in calling themselves vegetarians, or are they basically "almost vegetarians"?

 

[Whitelinen]

^^ Would you like to answer to the question I posed? About pet food and vegetarians?

I think there are two types of vegetarians:

1. the ones doing it for ethical reasons. In this case I do think it is a bit hypocritical to wear leather and wear fur. If you are active about animal rights, then you should know there's more to it than just banning meat. It would be hypocrite to wear fur and leather and on the same time not eat meat because it kills animals, no? There wouldn't be any logic.

2. the ones doing it for health/preference. Like the people who do not like meat or feel it is not good for their digestion etc. These people don't have ethical reasons behind their vegetarianism. It is perfectly ok for them to wear fur or leather, as they are not quitting eating meat for ethical reasons.

Of course, I am not saying here that there aren't vegetarians who at the same time do it for ethical reasons, health and preference. But if you have quit eating meat because you think it is cruel to kill animals, you shouldn't wear leather or fur either. I am all for activism, and they seem to take this as a negative comment. But really, there's no logic in the whole thing if they do wear leather and not eat meat.

I am myself trying to become a vegetarian, I have to see how it works. At first I am just stopping eating red meat, and probably later also chicken. I am not sure whether I will ever be a vegetarian, because I find letting go of fish hard. Why I want to do this is purely because I don't like the taste and texture of meat. I am also too afraid of all the extra hormones etc added to it.

What is the best way to replace fish in your diet? I am nearly sure I can't give it up though.

 

[misssakura]

^^ Why don't you just try pescatarianism then? Nobody is forcing you to give up anything and if you really don't feel comfortable giving up fish then you don't have to. I do miss tuna and salmon quite a bit but I'm hoping one day in the future, mankind will have solved its issues with destruction of the ocean and lake ecosystems and that once in a while I can enjoy some tuna or salmon without the knowledge of the horrible intensive farming or netting that happens.

Maybe you could just cut down. Eat tuna or salmon once every one or two weeks instead of more regularly. Every little bit helps.

 

[seanutbutter]

I always thought there were different types of vegetarians, but perhaps I'm wrong? I've always heard of people calling themselves vegetarians even though they will occasionally eat chicken or fish because they find these types of animals to be the most ethical to eat. Are they right in calling themselves vegetarians, or are they basically "almost vegetarians"?

Hopefully this will help you and others out:

Vegetarianism: Doesn't eat meat, eggs, or dairy.

Lacto-ovo vegetarianism: Eats eggs and dairy, doesn't eat meat.

Lacto vegetarianism: Eats dairy, doesn't eat meat or eggs.

Ovo vegetarianism: Eats eggs, doesn't eat meat or dairy.

Vegan: Doesn't eat meat, dairy, or eggs.

Fruitarianism: Eats only fruits, nuts, seeds, and other plants that can be gathered without harming plant.

Macrobiotic: Eats mostly whole grains and beans, although also eats fish.

Pesco/pollo vegetarianism (also known as semi-vegetarianism Eats certain meats depending on their diet. (Pesco-fish, pollo-fowl, etc.)

Flexitarianism: Eats mainly vegetarian food, but makes exceptions.

A big thanks to Wikipedia for all the information!

 

[misssakura]

Imagine going out to a dinner and saying you're a flexitarianism I might try that just to see people's faces.

 

[TheKiwi]

Thanks so much seanutbutter for the explanation!