Your plant-based lifestyle extends from your plate to your principles—but what about your pet’s bowl? As more households embrace veganism for environmental and ethical reasons, the question of whether our companion animals can join this journey has sparked passionate debate. The good news? Science-backed, nutritionally complete vegan kibble has evolved far beyond the hippie stereotype of yesteryear, emerging as a legitimate option for environmentally conscious pet parents willing to navigate the complexities with diligence and care.
But here’s the reality check: not all vegan kibble is created equal, and the sustainability claims plastered across packaging can be as empty as a bag of treats at a puppy party. This guide cuts through the greenwashing to give you the unvarnished truth about feeding your pets a plant-based diet—what works, what’s risky, and how to make choices that honor both your values and your furry family member’s health.
Top 10 Vegan Kibble for Plant-Based Households
 | Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Adult Wet Canned Dog Food with Vegan Plant Based Protein and Healthy Grains, Vegetarian Recipe, 13 Ounce (Pack of 12) | Check Price |
Detailed Product Reviews
1. Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Adult Wet Canned Dog Food with Vegan Plant Based Protein and Healthy Grains, Vegetarian Recipe, 13 Ounce (Pack of 12)
Overview: Natural Balance delivers a plant-based wet dog food specifically engineered for adult dogs with dietary sensitivities. This 12-pack of 13-ounce cans provides complete vegetarian nutrition using potatoes and peas as core ingredients, completely eliminating animal and dairy products while meeting AAFCO standards for adult maintenance.
What Makes It Stand Out: The standout feature is Natural Balance’s “Feed with Confidence” program, which batch-tests every single can from production to packaging for safety and nutritional integrity. The deliberately minimalist formula targets dogs with meat protein allergies, skin conditions, or digestive distress by avoiding soy, gluten, artificial additives, and common allergens while maintaining balanced nutrition through strategic plant-protein combinations.
Value for Money: Priced at $47.76 per 12-pack ($3.98 per can, or $0.31/ounce), this positions itself in the premium specialty tier. While significantly more expensive than conventional meat-based foods, it’s competitively priced within the limited-ingredient and veterinary vegetarian market, offering justified value for owners managing chronic allergies or seeking ethical alternatives.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Strengths include rigorous safety transparency, genuinely limited ingredients perfect for elimination trials, and reliable suitability for dogs with severe protein intolerances. The formula demonstrably supports coat, skin, and digestive health. Weaknesses: plant-based diets remain scientifically controversial for canines, palatability varies with individual dogs, and the ethical premise may conflict with carnivorous nutritional philosophy. Some dogs may require transition time.
Bottom Line: This is a highly specialized, quality solution for dogs with confirmed meat allergies or owners committed to vegetarian feeding philosophies. It excels in safety and ingredient integrity but isn’t universally appropriate. For its intended audience—sensitive dogs needing novel protein sources—it provides peace of mind that justifies the investment.
Understanding Vegan Kibble: Beyond the Buzzwords
Vegan kibble isn’t simply traditional pet food minus the meat. It’s a complete reimagining of animal nutrition through a plant-based lens, requiring sophisticated formulation to meet the same nutritional standards as conventional diets. The term “vegan” in pet food means zero animal-derived ingredients: no meat, dairy, eggs, honey, or even vitamin D3 sourced from lanolin. However, the real magic lies in the nutritional architecture—how manufacturers replicate the essential amino acid profiles, fatty acid ratios, and micronutrient density that carnivorous pet foods deliver through animal tissue.
The market has exploded with options claiming to be “eco-friendly,” “cruelty-free,” and “sustainable,” but these terms aren’t regulated in pet food with the same rigor as human products. True sustainability encompasses the entire lifecycle: regenerative agriculture practices for ingredient sourcing, renewable energy in manufacturing, carbon-neutral shipping, and compostable packaging. Without third-party verification, many claims remain marketing fluff. Understanding this distinction helps you become a discerning consumer rather than a target for greenwashing.
The Nutritional Science: Can Dogs and Cats Really Thrive?
The biological feasibility of plant-based diets for companion animals is where science and emotion often collide. The verdict? Dogs and cats have vastly different nutritional requirements, and treating them identically is the first mistake well-meaning pet parents make. While both species can technically survive on plant-based diets, thriving requires meticulous attention to bioavailability, nutrient synergy, and individual metabolism.
The Canine Perspective: Omnivores by Design
Dogs are scavenging carnivores with omnivorous capabilities, meaning their digestive systems can extract nutrients from both animal and plant sources. Over 15,000 years of domestication has expanded their ability to produce amylase, the enzyme that breaks down starches—an evolutionary adaptation to human leftovers. This genetic shift means dogs can efficiently digest carbohydrates and derive protein from legumes, grains, and oilseeds.
However, “can” doesn’t mean “should” without oversight. Dogs require 22 amino acids, 10 of which are essential and must come from diet. Plant proteins are often incomplete, lacking optimal ratios of lysine, methionine, and tryptophan. High-quality vegan kibble solves this through protein complementation—combining pea protein with rice protein, for example, to create a complete amino acid profile. The key is digestibility: plant proteins must exceed 80% digestibility, which requires processing techniques like extrusion optimization and enzyme pre-treatment.
The Feline Challenge: Obligate Carnivores
Cats present a far steeper challenge. As obligate carnivores, they’ve lost the ability to synthesize several critical nutrients found readily in animal tissue. Taurine, arachidonic acid, vitamin A, vitamin D3, and specific B vitamins must be bioavailable in their food. While synthetic versions exist, the conversion rates and long-term effects require vigilant monitoring.
The margin for error with feline vegan diets is razor-thin. A cat’s liver constantly metabolizes protein for energy, requiring higher protein intake than dogs—minimum 26% for adults, 30% for growth. Plant-based proteins must not only meet this quantity but also provide the right nitrogen balance. Too little protein, or protein with poor bioavailability, leads to muscle wasting and hepatic lipidosis. This is why feline vegan kibble must be formulated by veterinary nutritionists and bear AAFCO certification for all life stages, not just supplemental feeding.
Decoding Sustainability: What Makes Kibble Truly Eco-Friendly?
Sustainability in pet food is a multi-layered concept that extends beyond ingredient origin. A genuinely sustainable vegan kibble considers water usage, soil health, greenhouse gas emissions, transportation logistics, and end-of-life packaging impact. The pet food industry produces 64 million tons of carbon dioxide annually—equivalent to the emissions of the Philippines. Switching to plant-based diets could reduce a pet’s dietary carbon pawprint by up to 85%, but only if the entire supply chain is optimized.
Ingredient Sourcing: From Farm to Bowl
Look for brands that practice ingredient transparency beyond vague “pea protein” listings. Sustainable sourcing means legumes grown through regenerative agriculture that rebuilds soil carbon, grains from no-till farming systems that prevent erosion, and oilseeds from suppliers certified by the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) or similar bodies. Some companies are pioneering vertical farming for micronutrient-rich ingredients like spirulina, reducing water usage by 95% compared to traditional agriculture.
Transportation matters too. Ingredients shipped by sea freight have lower carbon intensity than air-freighted exotic superfoods. Regional sourcing within 500 miles of manufacturing facilities slashes transportation emissions significantly. The gold standard? Brands that publish lifecycle assessment (LCA) data showing cradle-to-gate carbon calculations for each batch.
Manufacturing and Carbon Pawprint
The extrusion process—the high-heat, high-pressure cooking that creates kibble—is energy-intensive. Sustainable manufacturers power facilities with renewable energy, capture waste heat for water heating, and use closed-loop water systems. Some innovative companies are experimenting with cold-press technology for vegan kibble, which reduces energy consumption by 40% but requires careful handling to ensure pathogen control.
Waste reduction is another metric. Up-cycling food waste—like spent brewer’s yeast or leftover pulp from juice manufacturing—into nutritious ingredients prevents landfill methane emissions while creating value. Ask manufacturers about their waste diversion rates; leading facilities achieve over 90% diversion from landfills.
Packaging Innovations
That resealable plastic bag? It’ll outlast your pet by 400 years. Truly sustainable brands are adopting compostable bioplastic films made from cornstarch or mushroom mycelium, or infinitely recyclable aluminum containers. Some offer bulk refill programs where you return empty bags for sanitization and reuse. The most progressive companies have joined the Pet Sustainability Coalition, committing to 100% recyclable or compostable packaging by 2030.
Essential Nutrients: The Building Blocks of Plant-Based Pet Diets
Creating nutritionally complete vegan kibble is like solving a complex biochemical puzzle. Each nutrient must be present in the correct form, amount, and ratio to prevent deficiencies that can take months or years to manifest.
Protein Powerhouses: Beyond Just Soy
While soy is a complete protein, over-reliance creates potential issues: phytoestrogens, GMO concerns, and allergenicity. Superior vegan kibble employs a rotational protein strategy: peas, lentils, chickpeas, fava beans, hemp seeds, and quinoa. Each brings unique amino acid strengths. Hemp provides gamma-linolenic acid (GLA); quinoa offers lysine; peas deliver high digestibility.
Protein concentration is crucial. For dogs, minimum 18% for maintenance, 22% for growth. For cats, minimum 26% but ideally 30-35% for optimal health. The protein must be concentrated through processes like air classification to remove starch and fiber, boosting protein content to 50-70% before inclusion in kibble formulas.
The AAFCO Standards: Your Non-Negotiable Benchmark
The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) sets the nutritional adequacy standards. For vegan kibble, insist on the AAFCO statement: “[Product Name] is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog/Cat Food Nutrient Profiles for [life stage].” This isn’t just bureaucracy—it means the food has undergone feeding trials or meets stringent nutrient analysis.
Be wary of “for intermittent or supplemental feeding only” labels. This indicates the food isn’t complete and balanced. Also, “all life stages” certification is more rigorous than adult maintenance, especially important for cats who may develop deficiencies over time on marginally adequate foods.
Critical Micronutrients: B12, Taurine, and L-Carnitine
Vitamin B12 is non-negotiable for both species—it simply doesn’t exist in plant matter. It must be added as cyanocobalamin or methylcobalamin. For cats, taurine requires 0.1% minimum in dry matter; dogs need it too, though they can synthesize some. L-carnitine, vital for heart health and fat metabolism, must be supplemented at 50-200 mg/kg for dogs, higher for active breeds.
Omega-3 fatty acids present another challenge. ALA from flaxseeds converts poorly to EPA and DHA in both species. Sustainable vegan kibble uses algae-derived DHA, the same source used in human infant formula, providing direct marine omega-3s without fish. The ideal ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 should be between 5:1 and 10:1 for inflammation control.
Red Flags: Ingredients to Avoid in Vegan Kibble
Not everything plant-based is healthy. Some manufacturers cut corners with fillers that compromise nutrition. Avoid foods listing “pea protein” as the sole protein source without complementary grains or seeds—this creates an imbalanced amino acid profile. Watch for excessive potato protein, which is low in methionine.
Steer clear of unnamed “vegetable oils” (likely palm or canola of unknown quality) and artificial preservatives like BHA, BHT, and ethoxyquin. While these are technically vegan, they’re carcinogenic suspects. Instead, look for natural tocopherols (vitamin E) and rosemary extract.
Be suspicious of foods heavy in refined grains like corn or wheat as primary ingredients. These offer incomplete protein and spike blood sugar. Whole grains like oats, barley, and brown rice are preferable for their fiber and nutrient complexes. Also avoid added sugars, molasses, or glycerin used to boost palatability—these contribute to dental disease and obesity.
The Transition Protocol: Switching Without Digestive Drama
Rapid diet changes spell disaster for pet digestive systems, causing vomiting, diarrhea, and nutrient malabsorption. The transition to vegan kibble should span 10-14 days minimum. Start with 25% new food mixed with 75% current food for 3-4 days, then 50/50 for another 3-4 days, then 75/25 before full conversion.
During transition, add a probiotic supplement containing Enterococcus faecium or Bacillus coagulans to support gut microbiome adaptation. Plant-based diets alter fecal pH and bacterial populations; probiotics ease this shift. Some pets may need digestive enzymes temporarily to break down the higher fiber content.
Monitor stool quality daily. Ideal poop should be firm, chocolate-brown, and pick-up-able. Loose stools beyond day 7 indicate the transition is too fast or the food isn’t digestible enough. For cats, palatability is the biggest hurdle. Try topping with nutritional yeast (a vegan favorite that cats often love) or a splash of warm water to release aroma.
Cost Analysis: Is Sustainable Vegan Kibble Budget-Friendly?
Sticker shock is real. Premium vegan kibble ranges from $3.50 to $8 per pound, compared to $1.50-$4 for conventional kibble. However, the price reflects ingredient quality and nutritional density. Higher protein concentration means you feed less volume—often 20-30% less than cheap fillers.
Calculate cost per feeding day, not per bag. A 30-pound dog might need 2 cups of budget kibble but only 1.5 cups of nutrient-dense vegan kibble. Over a month, the difference may be $15-25. Factor in potential veterinary savings from preventative nutrition—joint support from anti-inflammatory plant compounds, dental health from kibble texture, and allergy management.
Bulk purchasing, subscription services, and direct-from-manufacturer buying can reduce costs by 15-20%. Some companies offer loyalty programs or carbon offset credits that effectively lower the price. Consider the hidden costs of unsustainable pet food: environmental degradation and ethical compromise. For many plant-based households, these intangible costs outweigh the financial premium.
Regulatory Landscape: Understanding Certifications and Claims
Navigating pet food regulations requires detective work. “Vegan” isn’t legally defined in pet food, unlike “organic” or “non-GMO.” Look for third-party certifications that verify claims. The Vegan Society trademark ensures zero animal ingredients and no cross-contamination. USDA Organic certification guarantees non-GMO, pesticide-free ingredients.
The most rigorous standard is the AAFCO feeding trial, where animals are fed the food exclusively for six months with blood work monitoring. Few vegan brands complete this due to cost, but those that do demonstrate exceptional confidence. The Global Animal Partnership (GAP) certification seems ironic for vegan food, but some brands seek it for their manufacturing facilities’ humane treatment of any animals on-site.
Beware “made with organic ingredients” claims—this only requires 70% organic content. “Human-grade” is meaningless for pet food, as facilities must be FDA-inspected for human food production, which most aren’t. Focus on nutritional adequacy statements and transparent sourcing over flashy marketing terms.
Health Monitoring: What to Watch For
Plant-based diets demand proactive health monitoring, not reactive vet visits. Schedule baseline blood work before transitioning, including complete blood count, chemistry panel, and taurine levels (especially for cats). Repeat testing at 6 months and annually thereafter.
For dogs, monitor body condition score, coat quality, and energy levels. Vegan diets can be lower in zinc and iron; watch for dull coat, slow wound healing, or lethargy. Cats require more intensive surveillance: dilated cardiomyopathy from taurine deficiency can develop silently. Watch for decreased appetite, rapid breathing, or weakness.
Urinary health is critical for cats on vegan diets. Plant-based foods are naturally alkaline, predisposing cats to struvite crystals. The food must be formulated to maintain urinary pH between 6.2-6.5, achieved through precise mineral balance and methionine supplementation. Increase water intake with fountains or wet food toppers to prevent crystal formation.
Multi-Pet Households: Feeding Dogs and Cats Differently
Managing a plant-based household with both species requires nutritional finesse. Dogs can share some vegan ingredients with cats, but their foods are not interchangeable. Cats need higher protein, fat, and specific nutrients that dog food lacks. Feeding cat food to dogs long-term causes obesity and kidney strain; feeding dog food to cats causes fatal deficiencies.
Create separate feeding stations to prevent food theft. Use microchip-activated feeders that only open for the correct pet. Synchronize feeding schedules but supervise to ensure each animal eats their species-appropriate formula. For households committed to veganism for both species, this means purchasing and storing two different products, doubling your research and cost.
Consider the ethical paradox: is it more humane to feed a cat a plant-based diet they may not prefer, or to source meat from high-welfare farms? Many plant-based households compromise with cats, feeding conventional food while offsetting through environmental activism. There’s no universal right answer—only what works for your pet’s health and your ethical framework.
The Environmental Impact: Crunching the Numbers
Let’s get quantitative. A 50-pound dog eating conventional meat-based kibble consumes approximately 360 pounds of meat annually, generating 1.5 tons of CO2 equivalent. Switching to vegan kibble reduces this to 0.3 tons—a carbon savings equivalent to not driving 3,000 miles. For cats, the numbers are smaller but significant: 0.4 tons CO2 saved yearly.
Water usage tells a similar story. Producing one pound of beef requires 1,800 gallons of water; one pound of peas needs 43 gallons. Multiply by your pet’s annual consumption, and the water savings reach tens of thousands of gallons. Land use efficiency is even more dramatic: plant proteins require 90% less land than animal proteins per gram of digestible protein.
But the full lifecycle matters. If your vegan kibble is shipped from overseas in plastic packaging, some benefits evaporate. Calculate your true impact by considering ingredient origin, manufacturing energy, and packaging. Some brands now offer carbon footprint calculators on their websites, allowing you to quantify your pet’s environmental pawprint precisely.
Ethical Considerations: Beyond Diet
Sustainability extends beyond environmental metrics to ethical supply chains. Many vegan pet food ingredients—quinoa, avocados, coconut oil—are sourced from developing regions where fair trade practices are essential. Look for Fair Trade Certified ingredients ensuring farmers receive living wages.
Consider the human labor behind your pet’s food. Are workers in manufacturing facilities paid fairly? Do ingredient suppliers use child labor? Some vegan brands are B Corp certified, verifying social and environmental performance across the entire supply chain. This holistic approach ensures your ethical stance isn’t compromised by exploitation hidden upstream.
The ultimate ethical question: do we have the right to impose our dietary ethics on a different species? This philosophical debate has no easy answer. Responsible vegan pet parenting means prioritizing animal welfare over ideology—if your individual cat cannot thrive on vegan food, the ethical choice may be to feed meat while advocating for systemic change in how that meat is produced.
DIY vs. Commercial: Why Veterinary Formulation Matters
The internet is rife with homemade vegan pet food recipes promising simplicity and cost savings. Resist the temptation. Creating nutritionally complete food is exponentially harder than cooking for humans. A 2019 study found 95% of homemade pet diets were nutritionally inadequate, even when following published recipes.
Commercial vegan kibble undergoes proximate analysis, amino acid profiling, and digestibility studies. The extrusion process itself improves starch gelatinization and protein digestibility—something home cooking cannot replicate. If you’re determined to DIY, work with a board-certified veterinary nutritionist who can formulate a custom recipe and recommend specific supplements. Expect to pay $300-500 for formulation and require quarterly recipe adjustments.
The risk of taurine deficiency alone makes DIY dangerous for cats. Commercial foods add taurine post-extrusion because heat destroys 30-50% of added taurine. Home cooking cannot accurately account for this loss. The money saved on DIY is quickly dwarfed by emergency vet bills for heart failure or nutritional neuropathy.
Building Your Support System: Vets, Communities, and Resources
Finding a supportive veterinarian is crucial. Many vets remain skeptical of vegan pet diets due to past malnutrition cases from poorly formulated foods. Seek out veterinarians with additional nutrition certifications (ACVN or ECVCN) who understand plant-based nutrition science. Come prepared with research studies and the specific AAFCO statement from your chosen food.
Online communities offer invaluable peer support. Facebook groups like “Vegan Dogs” and “Vegan Cats” provide real-world experience, but filter advice carefully—anecdotes aren’t evidence. The Plant-Powered Dog community offers evidence-based resources and veterinary webinars. For cats, the Vegan Cats Facebook group maintains a list of blood work results showing long-term health outcomes.
Essential resources include the AAFCO official publication (purchase the annual guide), the National Research Council’s Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats, and peer-reviewed journals like the Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition. Bookmark the FDA’s pet food recall website and set alerts for your chosen brand. Knowledge is your best defense against both nutritional gaps and veterinary pushback.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is vegan kibble safe for all dogs and cats?
No. While many dogs thrive on well-formulated vegan kibble, cats are higher-risk due to their obligate carnivore physiology. Individual animals with specific health conditions—pancreatitis, inflammatory bowel disease, or urinary crystal history—may not be suitable candidates. Always get pre-transition blood work and veterinary approval. Puppies and kittens require even more stringent formulation; only use vegan kibble specifically AAFCO-certified for growth.
How do I know if my pet is thriving on a vegan diet?
Thriving means more than surviving. Monitor objective metrics: shiny coat, clear eyes, healthy body weight, firm stools, and energy appropriate for age and breed. Schedule blood work at 6 months post-transition checking complete blood count, chemistry panel, taurine levels (cats), and B12 status. Long-term, annual echocardiograms are recommended for cats to catch taurine-deficiency cardiomyopathy early. Subtle signs like increased water consumption, dull coat, or lethargy warrant immediate veterinary investigation.
What’s the difference between “vegan” and “plant-based” pet food?
“Vegan” indicates zero animal ingredients and no animal testing, verified by certifications like The Vegan Society trademark. “Plant-based” is looser—it means primarily plants but may include minor animal-derived additives like vitamin D3 from lanolin or omega-3s from fish oil. For strict ethical vegans, only certified vegan products align with values. From a nutritional standpoint, both can be adequate if properly formulated, but “plant-based” requires more label scrutiny.
Will my vet support a vegan diet for my pet?
Maybe not initially. Many veterinarians have seen malnutrition cases from poorly formulated homemade vegan diets, creating legitimate skepticism. Come prepared with peer-reviewed studies, your food’s complete nutrient analysis, and a willingness to invest in monitoring. Seek vets with nutrition certifications who understand that modern vegan kibble can meet AAFCO standards. If your vet remains opposed despite evidence, consider it a professional difference and find a nutrition specialist rather than abandoning your ethical stance.
Can puppies and kittens eat vegan kibble?
Yes, but only if the food is specifically AAFCO-certified for growth or all life stages. Growth formulas require higher protein, fat, calcium, and phosphorus with precise ratios to prevent developmental orthopedic disease. The margin for error is smaller than with adults. Giant breed puppies have even stricter requirements. If considering vegan kibble for a growing animal, work directly with a veterinary nutritionist and commit to monthly weight checks and quarterly blood work for the first year.
How much more expensive is sustainable vegan kibble?
Expect to pay 50-100% more than conventional premium kibble, roughly $60-120 for a 25-pound bag versus $40-60 for meat-based equivalents. However, higher nutrient density means feeding 20-30% less by volume. For a 50-pound dog, the monthly cost difference may be $20-40. Factor in potential savings from preventative health benefits. Buying in bulk, subscription services, and direct-from-manufacturer purchases can cut costs by 15-25%. The premium reflects ingredient quality, rigorous testing, and sustainable practices.
What if my pet has allergies—can vegan kibble help?
Food allergies in pets are almost always protein-based, with chicken, beef, and dairy being top culprits. Vegan kibble eliminates these common triggers, often resolving skin issues and digestive upset. However, pets can be allergic to plant proteins too—soy and wheat are frequent offenders. Choose limited-ingredient vegan formulas with novel proteins like fava beans or hemp. Do an elimination diet for 8-12 weeks with no other treats or chews to accurately assess improvement.
How long does it take to transition to vegan kibble?
Minimum 10-14 days for dogs, potentially 3-4 weeks for cats who are notoriously finicky. Start with 25% new food, 75% old, increasing by 25% every 3-4 days. If digestive upset occurs, slow down. Cats may need a two-step transition: first to a palatable conventional food, then to vegan. Some cats never fully accept vegan kibble despite all tricks. Don’t force it—prolonged food refusal leads to hepatic lipidosis in cats, which is life-threatening. Palatability is a valid reason to abandon the switch for cats.
Are there any breeds that shouldn’t eat vegan kibble?
No breed is inherently disqualified, but some require extra caution. Large and giant breed dogs need carefully controlled calcium-phosphorus ratios to prevent skeletal issues—ensure the vegan kibble is specifically formulated for large breeds. Sighthounds like Greyhounds have higher protein needs due to their metabolism. For cats, breeds prone to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (Maine Coons, Ragdolls) need echocardiographic monitoring if attempting vegan diets. Breeds with genetic taurine metabolism issues (certain spaniels) should avoid vegan diets entirely.
What’s the biggest mistake new vegan pet parents make?
Assuming “vegan” equals “healthy” without verifying nutritional adequacy. The biggest error is choosing a food based on ethical claims rather than AAFCO certification and nutrient analysis. Second is inadequate transition and monitoring—switching cold turkey and skipping blood work. Third is ignoring palatability, especially with cats, leading to dangerous food refusal. Successful vegan pet parenting requires the same diligence as feeding raw or prescription diets: research, veterinary partnership, and willingness to abandon the plan if your individual animal’s health declines.