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All-vegetable diets for farm animals that are carnivorous (cats and dogs) and omnivorous (pigs and poultry) might sound like a good idea. It is a marvelous concept for people who want to feed their pets the way they eat (vegans, vegetarians), or for those who want to ensure their pork chops or chicken strips come from animals fed vegetables. It all sounds like a good marketing strategy, but are we really thinking ahead?
Perhaps this is our fault for having allowed several scandals to happen (not all related to animal-derived ingredients). Or perhaps it is because modern societies are removed from the way food is produced, and they cannot comprehend or do not want to know that animals eat animals. Whatever the cause, I want to bring to your attention six reasons why we should not follow the all-vegetable path for the good of our own industry (animal production, in general, not only the feed industry of which I am but a small part).
1 It is not true to the consumer
Consider that bacteria and yeasts are not vegetables, and most additives, medicines and even some purified nutrients are derived from bacteria and yeasts. In fact, specific bacteria and yeasts are being fed as probiotics and prebiotics to enhance animal health. If we were to be true to an all-vegetable diet, then we would need to remove some of the most valuable ingredients that ensure animals remain healthy and productive. Do we want...