Dogs are Healthier and Safer When Fed a Vegan Diet, New Study Finds
Researchers analyzed results from over 2,500 dogs to conclude that a plant-based diet trumps a conventional one when it comes to a dog’s wellbeing.
Well-balanced, plant-based diets are healthier and safer for dogs compared to animal-meat based diets, according to a new study published in peer-reviewed journal, PLOS One.
In the largest study of its kind to date, researchers surveyed more than 2,500 dogs over the course of a year. The team explored three different diets: vegan, raw meat, and conventional. Of the dogs observed, 54 percent followed a conventional diet, 33 percent ate raw meat, and 13 percent were given a vegan diet. Guardians of the canine companions completed surveys assessing seven general indicators of health, including the number of veterinary visits, use of medication, and 22 common dog illnesses.
Researchers found that overall that the most “nutritionally sound” diet for dogs is a vegan diet, with conventional diets the least healthy of the three. Just 36 percent of dogs eating plant-based reported issues, while 49 percent of those fed a conventional diet and 43 percent of those on a raw meat diet suffered from health disorders and allergies. Additionally, almost half the canines on a conventional animal-meat based diet required non-routine medication, compared to only a third of the dogs following a vegan diet.
Although the study does not provide information about why the results have concluded this way, Prof Andrew Knight, at the University of Winchester, UK, who led the study, suggested weight issues could be a reason: “One of the most common health problems for dogs is being overweight or obese and it is unfortunately common that when we do tests on the commercial meat-based diets, there are more calories.”
“We also know the health hazards associated with overconsumption of meat and dairy for people and it’s often the same ingredients,” he said.
The dogs following the raw meat diet fared marginally better than the vegan dogs by some measures, but researchers noted that they were on average a year younger, which could have been why they appeared to be healthier. Researchers also stress that they do not recommend raw meat diets over pet safety concerns, advice mirrored by the American Veterinary Medical Association.
“Our study is by far the largest study published to date,” said Knight. “It revealed that the healthiest and least hazardous dietary choices for dogs are nutritionally sound vegan diets.”
“The raw meat diet appeared to have marginally better health outcomes,” he said. “But those dogs were significantly younger, which gives them a health advantage. A substantial body of prior studies have also shown that raw meat diets are much more contaminated with pathogenic bacteria and parasites.”
The researchers suggest that large-scale, cross-sectional, and longitudinal studies of dogs, maintained on different diets, could provide more substantial evidence and confirm the findings. Said Knight. “We studied what real dogs in normal homes ate and their health outcomes. It gives us a good indication as to what the outcomes are for dogs in the real world.”
“This study is further proof that not only can dogs survive on a vegan diet, but thrive,” said Ryan Bethencourt, co-founder and CEO of Wild Earth, a cruelty-free dog food company. “I am hopeful that dog owners who may have been hesitant to switch to a vegan diet will see this information and have the confidence to switch knowing it’s the best diet for their dog’s overall health and wellbeing.”
Why is this important?
Awareness of the environmental devastation and animal exploitation caused by meat consumption has led to increased attention - and investment - in plant-based and cultivated alternatives. And a staggering 30 percent of the meat consumed in the United States is eaten by companion animals, so it's not surprising that innovative companies are reimagining food options in more sustainable and healthy ways. It’s working too: experts estimate that the vegan pet food market will grow to $15.65 billion by 2028.
Last year, Bond Pet Foods announced a partnership with Hill’s Pet Nutrition, a biology-based pet nutrition company, to produce pet food formulas using fermented proteins. Together, Hill’s and Bond will develop a sustainable, nutritious alternative to one of Hill’s most popular meat proteins for both cats and dogs.
Elsewhere, Wild Earth and Because, Animals are also working to champion new technologies to provide more sustainable ingredient solutions for pet nutrition. Wild Earth recently secured $23 million in funding to develop cultivated meat and fish. Because, Animals' first cultured meat product, Harmless Hunt Mouse Cookies for Cats, could be on the market this year.
Interested in switching your dog to a vegan diet? Wild Earth has announced the release of resources for pet parents interested in exploring vegan options for their dogs. And listen to our podcast episode with Wild Earth CEO and founder, Ryan Bethencourt: This is the Future of Dog Food.
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The footage was reportedly recorded at Marshall BioResources in North Rose, New York, where up to 22,000 dogs - mostly beagles - are being bred for animal experimentation.