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Dogs Thrive on Vegan Diets: New 2024 Study

FROM Plant-Powered Dog
August 2024

With a growing body of studies demonstrating the health benefits of nutritionally-sound vegan diets for dogs, as well as their positive environmental impact, we are definitely looking at the future of dog nutrition!

It has happened again! More evidence that plant-fed dogs are just as healthy, or healthier, than those fed meat. In a recent significant and comprehensive study, experts found that dogs can thrive on vegan diets just as well as they do on meat-based ones. This study, which was carefully reviewed and conducted over the span of a year, involved observing 15 dogs closely. These dogs were fed diets entirely based on vegan ingredients, with peas (yes, peas!) as a primary protein source, for about one year—a period equivalent to around seven human years or roughly one-tenth of the average dog’s lifespan. The results were quite promising!

Overall Health Improves

Most of the dogs maintained a healthy weight throughout the study, and even those who were previously overweight or obese saw improvements in their weight. What’s more, there were no major changes observed in their blood and urine parameters, indicating that they were still getting all the essential nutrients they needed from their vegan diet.

Interestingly, some dogs who had deficiencies while on a meat-based diet saw improvements or even complete resolution of these issues after switching to a vegan diet. For instance, levels of essential amino acids and vitamins remained stable, and deficiencies in nutrients like L-taurine, L-carnitine, vitamin D, and folate were either improved or eliminated.

One particularly noteworthy aspect of this study was its examination of concerns surrounding peas and heart disease in dogs. Despite some previous worries, the dogs in this study showed no signs of heart disease after being fed a pea-based vegan diet for a year. In fact, in some cases, indicators of cardiac health actually improved.

Moreover, Professor Andrew Knight, a primary expert in the field, has conducted extensive research showing that vegan diets can provide equivalent or even superior health outcomes for pets compared to traditional meat-based diets.

Sustainable Vs Meat-Based Diets

Lead researcher Dr. Annika Linde emphasized that dogs are adaptable creatures that can thrive on a variety of diets, including those devoid of animal products. She also highlighted the environmental benefits of such diets, noting that they are more sustainable and ethical compared to traditional meat-based diets.

Dr. Melgarejo, a co-author of the study, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the environmental impact of meat consumption by pets. According to research, if dogs and cats in the U.S. were considered a separate nation, they would rank fifth in global meat consumption, underscoring the need for more sustainable dietary options for pets.

Professor Knight also highlighted the significant environmental benefits associated with vegan pet diets, suggesting that widespread adoption of such diets could have a positive impact on greenhouse gas emissions and global food security.

With a growing body of studies demonstrating the health benefits of nutritionally-sound vegan diets for dogs, as well as their positive environmental impact, we are definitely looking at the future of dog nutrition! 

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Posted on All-Creatures.org: August 15, 2024
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