So you might have seen on our website and social media that we've been a vegan business for a while. That all started with my own personal journey in 2023 of trying to find the most environmentally sustainable sources of protein. So while being vegan has been an overall good experience, I was worried that I was missing out on essential nutrients. Let’s be real - I also just missed eating a good steak.
Even though I actually saved money this past year by mostly getting my protein from legumes, tofu, and TVP, I still ran out of recipe ideas. Those foods are also too processed according to the latest FDA dietary guidelines. I can’t stand ultra-refined Beyond Meat and can’t afford to eat grass and quinoa from Erehwon, so I recently started transitioning from being fully vegan to mostly plant-based.
Recently a friend who raises backyard chickens for eggs mentioned that they will probably slaughter and eat their chickens once they are no longer of use. I wondered if there were other animals I could raise within city limits to do this as well, and realized that it isn’t that different to ethically harvest my service dog, The Sous Chef, once she is done performing tasks for me.
The Next Big Sustainable Protein Option
Canine meat is a great cost-effective option for incorporating sustainable animal protein into my diet. I’m making the most ethical choice in my view because I don’t eat pigs since they are a more intelligent species, and because cattle are much more resource-intensive. The Sous Chef is also treated far better than any farm animal or pet could dream of, so I am giving her the best life possible. Is there anything more sustainable than meat you've raised yourself?
Unfortunately, my service dog is already spayed, otherwise I would also be utilizing her for canine dairy products as well to maximize my return on investment. For my next service dog, I hope to find a reputable breeder that specializes in canine dairy production as well. My extended family raised Scottish Highland cattle on the very same farm where my great-grandparents had a dairy, so keeping rare heritage lines alive that would otherwise go extinct is especially important to me.
I also don’t want to be a militant vegan and believe it’s okay to be plant-based except for one or two things that are maybe just impossible for you to quit! I think the world would be a much better place if we had a hundred imperfect vegans for every puritanical one.
Why Dog? Why Not?
Sometimes we just have to take a realistic look at the suffering in the world. During my early childhood in North Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, I saw lots of street animals living in poor conditions, especially dogs. I also think about how in 2025 alone, 320,000 dogs were euthanized in overcrowded shelters in the United States. Wouldn’t it be better if instead of these dogs living harsh lives, we could instead humanely harvest them to end their suffering and use them as a healthy protein source? If we can do the same thing with the deer hunting program in Frick Park here in Pittsburgh to control their population, it could scale to a global level with domesticated dogs because they’re so overpopulated as well. Just like the Frick Park program, we could even donate the harvested meat to feed people in need at food banks!
If you’re judging me for eating dog, are you just falling for white veganism? I can’t help but notice that it’s African and Asian countries that eat dog, so perhaps you need to hold your racist judgment and preconceived notions of which animal species are ethical to harvest. It’s not fair to ask an entire traditional cuisine to change for something that is your Westernized personal preference.
Circle of Life
Harvesting The Sous Chef once she’s ready won't be easy. That's why I am preparing to process her myself using the most humane methods possible that honor this sacred exchange of life. Do you think it’s easy for farmers and plant workers to process cattle or pork, or for a hunter to harvest wild ducks? They love those animals just like we love our pets, and understand the cycle of life and death at an especially deep level.
It’s a harsh reality of the world that we live in that animals are the only good natural options for protein and other essential nutrients like B vitamins, but I'm comforted knowing that the right slaughter methods almost always prevent unnecessary suffering.
Join the Canine Meat Community!
I’ve been delighted to discover the dog farming community is full of good people eager to share their knowledge and resources. I’ve been especially inspired by Elwood’s Organic Dog Meat, a canine farm that uses ethical and regenerative practices. Elwood‘s dog is not an official partner (yet), we truly just can’t say good enough things about their products! Their FAQ page includes a detailed video on their humane slaughter process so you can rest assured that you’re making the most ethical meat choice and learn how to do it yourself someday.
I personally have noticed a great improvement in my health since ordering their natural products. I especially love their new flash frozen, vacuum-sealed sea terrier portions that are so easy to throw together for a meal on a busy weeknight. I also started using the pug tallow on my face, which is also packaged in reusable glass jars. You really can taste and feel the difference when an animal has been treated well, and I especially appreciate the zero-waste packaging.
To celebrate this new initiative, use the discount code “elwoodyumyum” at checkout in our shop to get 20% your Spoons order.
Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions, and follow us on Instagram for on-the-ground PUPdates!
Best,
Marielle, Founder and CEO