Are Vegan Dogs Healthier Than Dogs Who Eat Meat?

As more people adopt plant-based diets for their health and environmental benefits, the conversation about vegan diets for our furry friends is gaining attention. In this article, we’ll explore the health benefits of a vegan diet for dogs, address common concerns, and help you decide if it’s the right choice for your pet.

Debunking the Myth: Dogs and Meat Consumption

Many people believe that dogs must eat meat to stay healthy because of their carnivorous ancestry. This belief leads to skepticism about plant-based diets for dogs and may deter some from even trying them.

However, recent research shows that modern dogs are genetically different from their carnivore ancestors and can adopt high-starch plant-based diets without issues.

Domesticated dogs have co-evolved with humans over hundreds of years. Their bodies and intestines are fully capable of handling a plant-based diet as they have developed the ability to digest carbohydrates more efficiently than their wild counterparts.

What does the research say?

Recent studies have shown that a plant-based diet may actually be the best choice for dogs when it comes to keeping them healthy.

Dr. Andrew Knight, Professor of Animal Welfare and Ethics and Director of the Centre for Animal Welfare at the University of Winchester, conducted a study to examine the health of 2,936 dogs who were fed either a conventional meat-based diet, a raw meat diet, or a vegan diet for a minimum of one year.

The research analyzed seven different health indicators, which included unusual veterinary visits, medication use, transitioning to a therapeutic diet after starting with a vegan or meat-based diet, the opinions of guardians and veterinarians on the dog’s health status, the percentage of dogs experiencing health issues, and the number of health disorders per unwell dog. The study found that dogs on a conventional meat-based diet were more likely to have suffered from health disorders than those on a raw meat or vegan diet. Specifically, 49% of dogs on a conventional meat diet were considered to have experienced health issues compared to 43% and 36% of dogs following a raw meat or vegan diet, respectively.

In addition, the authors (Sarah Dodd et al.) of an article titled “Plant-based diets for dogs,” which appeared in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, expressed the following:

“Dogs have dietary requirements for energy and essential nutrients, but they do not have a recognized requirement for animal-derived ingredients per se. In accordance with the current understanding of pet nutrition, any diet that meets or exceeds the minimum nutrient requirements of a dog for a speciﬁc life stage would be considered nutritionally sufﬁcient for that animal, regardless of ingredients.”

Health Benefits of a Vegan Diet for Dogs

Vegan diets can offer numerous health benefits for dogs, such as:

Weight management and reduced obesity risk: Plant-based diets are generally lower in fat and calories, making it easier for dogs to maintain a healthy weight. Obesity is common in dogs, and a balanced vegan diet can help prevent weight-related health problems.
Improved digestion and gastrointestinal health: High-fiber plant-based diets can promote regular bowel movements and reduce the risk of constipation and diarrhea. Many dogs experience improved digestion when switching to a vegan diet.
Lowered risk of certain diseases: A vegan diet may help prevent heart disease, cancer, and other chronic conditions in dogs by reducing inflammation and promoting a healthier immune system.
Enhanced skin and coat health: Plant-based diets can improve skin and coat condition, reducing issues like itching, shedding, and hot spots. The natural antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties of plant-based ingredients can promote healthier skin and a shinier coat.
Reduced risk of allergies: It may come as a surprise, but while humans often experience intolerance to gluten and wheat, pets rarely develop allergies to grains. Interestingly, research indicates that the most frequently reported allergies in dogs are to chicken, beef, dairy, and egg. Eliminating these allergens from their diet can relieve those pesky allergy symptoms.

Essential Nutrients in a Vegan Dog Diet

To ensure a balanced vegan dog diet, include the following key nutrients:

Protein sources and essential amino acids: Plant-based proteins like lentils, chickpeas, and soy provide essential amino acids for muscle development and maintenance. It’s crucial to select a variety of plant-based protein sources to ensure a complete amino acid profile.
Healthy fats and fatty acids: Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids from sources like flaxseed, chia seeds, and algae support brain function, skin health, and a healthy inflammatory response. These fats are crucial for your dog’s overall health and wellbeing.
Carbohydrates: Carbs play a crucial role in a dog’s diet as they provide the necessary energy for daily activities and help support vital bodily functions such as digestion and metabolism.
Vitamins and minerals: Ensure your dog’s vegan diet includes all necessary vitamins and minerals, like calcium, phosphorus, and B vitamins. Some nutrients, like vitamin B12, are primarily found in animal-based foods, so it’s crucial to include supplements or fortified foods in your dog’s diet.

Read more about ensuring your vegan dog gets all the right nutrients here.

Challenges and Considerations

When making any changes to your dog’s diet, there are some things you should keep in mind. First, remember to gradually introduce new foods to help your dog adjust to their new meals. Transitioning too quickly can cause digestive upset, so take it slow and monitor your dog’s reaction. Check out our detailed transition guide for more details on how to make the switch in a safe way.

Second, look for high-quality vegan dog food products that meet AAFCO standards and have been developed by veterinarians or animal nutritionists. These products should provide all essential nutrients and be palatable for your dog.

Finally, monitor your dog’s health with regular veterinary check-ups to ensure they’re thriving on their new diet. Keep an eye on their weight, energy levels, and overall wellbeing.

Success Stories

Many dogs have thrived on vegan diets, and their pet parents have shared their positive experiences. For example, have you heard about Bramble, a vegan Border Collie featured in Guiness World Records as one of the world’s oldest dogs?

Bramble lived in the UK with her owner Anne, a dedicated vegan and animal rights activist. Anne fed her a homecooked vegan diet, consisting mainly of lentils, rice, veggies and textured vegetable protein, and Bramble loved every meal. Her diet kept her active and healthy for 25 years, which translates to 175 in dog years! Compared to a Border Collie’s expected 10 to 14-year lifespan, she lived a very long, happy life.

One more inspiring account is that of Lewis Hamilton, a vegan race car driver, and his bulldog Roscoe, whose fully vegan diet gained massive popularity on Instagram. Lewis shared that Roscoe has been thriving on the plant-based diet, resulting in a much softer coat, healed swollen paws, no more limping due to arthritis pain, and better breathing.

Why PawCo is an Excellent Plant-Based Choice

PawCo’s plant-based dog food is a great choice for pet parents considering a vegan diet for their dogs. With expertly developed recipes crafted by a team of board-certified food scientists and animal nutritionists, PawCo utilizes their innovative GreenMeat™ formula to provide essential amino acids while remaining free of animal products.

With a variety of nutrient-dense recipes to cater to your furry friend’s preferences and dietary needs, PawCo offers something for every dog. Adhering to high-quality standards that exceed AAFCO requirements, PawCo delivers fresh and convenient meals that are easy to serve and enjoy, making their vegan dog food a nutritionally complete, delicious, and seamless option that supports your dog’s health and wellbeing. Place your order here and give it a try!

Conclusion

A vegan diet can offer numerous health benefits for dogs as long as it’s balanced, complete, and properly implemented. If you’re considering a plant-based diet for your pet, make sure to select high-quality vegan dog food, transition slowly, and monitor your dog’s health to ensure they stay their happy, energetic self. By taking the right approach, your dog can enjoy a healthy and happy life on a vegan diet.