The Problem With the “Vegans Kill Animals Too” Argument
Animal agriculture is the problem. Not vegans.
Today, I address a common “gotcha” aimed at vegans — the accusation that vegans are hypocrites because industrial grain harvesting kills small animals. The claim goes like this: if combines harm field animals during harvest, then vegans who eat plants are complicit in that harm.
But this argument ignores a crucial fact — the vast majority of grain grown globally is not fed directly to humans. It is grown to feed livestock. So if we’re going to talk honestly about agriculture’s impact on wildlife, we need to examine what actually drives large-scale grain production and where responsibility truly lies.
SPOILER: It’s not with vegans.
Don’t forget to subscribe to my YouTube channel!
There’s a trendy line of attack that shows up whenever someone talks about the benefits of avoiding animal products. It goes something like this: “You say you care about animals, but grain harvesting kills small animals. So how are you any better?”
It’s framed as a charge of hypocrisy — that vegans, by eating plants, are complicit in mechanized harvesting that harms field mice, birds, and other wildlife.
But here’s what that attack leaves out: the vast majority of corn, soy, and barley grown globally is not fed directly to humans. It is grown to feed livestock. So if we’re going to talk honestly about agriculture’s impact on wildlife, we need to acknowledge that large-scale grain production is part of an industrial model designed to support animal agriculture.
Not vegans. Not humans.
But here’s what that attack leaves out: the vast majority of corn, soy, and barley grown globally is not fed directly to humans. It is grown to feed livestock. So if we’re going to talk honestly about agriculture’s impact on wildlife, we need to acknowledge that large-scale grain production is part of an industrial model designed to support animal agriculture.
Not vegans. Not humans.
What’s more, wild habitat is being destroyed to create grazing land for cattle and to grow soy destined primarily for animal feed. Forests are cleared, ecosystems fragmented, biodiversity reduced — not to feed people plants directly, but to sustain livestock production.
And if this concern for wildlife were truly sincere — and I don’t believe it is — it would include the millions of wild animals intentionally killed every year at the request of ranchers, using taxpayer dollars, to protect livestock operations. Predators are trapped, poisoned, shot, and removed in order to safeguard cattle and sheep.
So no, this isn’t a serious argument. It’s a distraction — meant to deflect from the real issue and to scapegoat vegans.
If we actually care about reducing harm, then we should be aligning with one another to confront the real problem — industrial animal agriculture — instead of attacking the people who are trying to opt out of it.
Supporting a Sustainable Life
Even with a nutrient-rich plant-based diet, we can thrive even more with thoughtful support. That’s where Complement comes in, I take Complement Essential as my daily multivitamin for B12, D3, iodine, zinc, and magnesium; Omega Complex for essential fats; and as part of my strength-training and muscle-building routine, I fuel up with their clean Organic Protein. With Complement and my nutrient-rich diet, I have everything I need to fuel my body, support my strength, and thrive so I can do my work in the world for animals — both human and non-human.
Complement your diet and and get 15% off everything you order—every time you order—using THIS LINK and the code: JOYFULVEGAN.
Additional Resources
👉 Connect with me 1:1 – Get personalized guidance whatever you are looking for.
👉 Read A Year of Compassion – Daily inspiration to help you live with intention, kindness, and clarity.
👉 Travel with me! I host animal-friendly, luxury, all-inclusive vegan trips around the world, specifically curated to ensure high-quality, high-touch premium experiences. Check out our upcoming trips, and let me know if you have any questions.
👉 Check out my Recipe E-Books and my library of On-Demand Cooking Classes for recipes, including my popular High-Protein Recipes Featuring Tofu, Tempeh, and Edamame and Recipes for Romance!
Thanks for reading!
