Q: What is a Vegetarian?
A: The definition of "vegetarianism" differs from person to person. Most people who call themselves vegetarians do not consume the flesh of any animal, but may eat eggs and dairy products. These people are called lacto-ovo vegetarians. Strict vegetarians, or vegans, are people who do not consume animal products of any kind, including dairy, eggs, honey, gelatin, or other animal-derived products. Many of these vegetarians also refrain from wearing leather, fur, wool, or other products made from animals.

Q: We don't kill animals for dairy and eggs, do we?
A: Actually, billions of chickens and cows die every year as a direct result of the egg and milk industries. Typically forced to endure inhumane treatment throughout their entire lives, "spent" laying hens and dairy cows are sent to slaughter when production declines. Male chicks, useless to the egg business, are killed at the hatchery. Unable to produce milk, male dairy calves are sold and raised for veal or beef.

Q: What about "free-range" meat and eggs?
A: At this time, there are no uniform standards or regulations dictating what constitutes as "free range." Often, so-called "free-range" producers utilize industrialized farming methods and confine and crowd animals in unhealthy, indoor environments. Like all other "food animals," animals raised on "free-range" farms often become victims of horrific cruelty during transport and slaughter.

Q: Humans have always eaten animals. Why should we change?
A: For centuries, humans enslaved other humans. And as we now know, tradition does not always make something right. As humankind progresses, it seems only natural that we extend our circle of compassion to include animals who are as capable of feeling pain and fear as we are.

Q: Animals eat other animals, why shouldn't we?
A: Animals who consume other animals are carnivores who live in the wild and need to kill to survive. Humans, on the other hand, can choose kindness over killing. It is not only unnecessary for us to eat meat to survive, but we can also fare better on a vegetarian diet.

Q: Farm animals don't really have feelings, do they?
A: A growing body of research on animal sentience reveals that farm animals not only experience pain when they are mutilated, mistreated, injured, or ill, but can also become stressed and frustrated when forced to live under conditions that prevent them from carrying out natural behaviors. With an equal capacity to feel pleasure, farm animals also have the ability to develop complex relationships with others and understand the world around them. Capable of suffering, feeling and awareness, cows, pigs, chickens, and other animals commonly exploited by agribusiness clearly deserve our protection.

Q: Meat-eaters may kill animals, but vegetarians kill plants. What's the difference?
A: Unlike mammals, birds and fish, plants do not have a central nervous system and do not share the same ability to suffer. Further, it takes far more plant food to feed animals raised for human consumption than it does to feed vegetarians.

Q: How do you make the switch to a veg diet?
A: Some people "go veg" all at once, but many make a gradual transition. Moving toward a plant-based diet should be a pleasurable and fulfilling time of discovery, so take advantage of veg resources, seek support and move at your own pace. To begin your journey, try following these three easy steps: (1) Start the week with a "Meatless Monday." Just one veg day a week will improve your health and save an animal's life. (2) Substitute your favorite dishes with vegetarian versions. Try a veggie burger instead of hamburger or tofu instead of chicken in your stir-fry. (3) Experiment and have fun with your food. Purchase a new cookbook, search for recipes online and discover the many wonderful possibilities of veg cuisine.

Q: Isn't it hard to give up meat, dairy and eggs?
A: Vegetarians may face challenges because of their dietary choices; however, the benefits can certainly outweigh any negatives. In fact, many new vegetarians claim to enjoy better physical and mental health and feel good knowing they are working toward improved health and well-being for themselves, animals and the environment.

Have any other questions for us?
Email us at veg@farmsanctuary.org.