Companion Animal Care Articles from All-Creatures.org

A Plant-Based Diet is Suitable for Dogs, According to Doctors at Veterinary Clinics in the UAE

From Roland Azar, Middle East Vegan Society
August 2024

All the nutrients that can be found in meat can also be found elsewhere, so feed dogs foods based on the nutritional requirements of the animal rather than starting with any particular food source.

A plant-based diet for dogs is fine, according to Dr. Sam Westhead of Amity Veterinary Clinic in Al Barsha, Dubai, as long as owners ensure that the animals get enough nutrients. "Dogs, like humans, may follow vegan diets as long as they are properly balanced and carefully planned. "They require a wide variety of vitamins, minerals, proteins, fats, and carbohydrates," he stated.

Dr. Westhead stated that the situation for cats was more complex, with the diet needing to be supplemented to ensure that the animal obtained all of the necessary nutrients. Taurine, a vital amino acid, is available in animal-based meals but not in plant-based goods until added. “It can be done, but it needs to be done very carefully with a great deal of thought and likely with the input of a veterinary surgeon to make sure you get it right,” he said.

Dr. Katrin Jahn, owner and chief doctor at the German Veterinary Clinic in Abu Dhabi, stated that the most important thing for dogs was to ensure that all of the necessary nutrients were there, regardless of their source. "As long as we get the balance of what dogs need in regard to protein, carbohydrates, and fats in their diet, as well as all the vitamins and minerals they need, that's much more important," she said.

Recently, the British Veterinary Association, the UK's national veterinary organisation, announced that it no longer advises against a vegan diet for dogs. The organization claims that "it is possible to feed dogs a plant-based diet," but warns that pet owners should exercise caution if their dog turns vegan.

Dr. Martin Wyness, the founder and CEO of the British Veterinary Centre in Abu Dhabi, stated that his opinions were "exactly in line" with those of the BVA. If individuals want to feed their dogs a plant-based diet, he recommends that they carefully examine the ingredients to verify that all of the vital elements are included.

In addition, Damian Eadie, co-founder of Benevo Vegan Pet Foods, which makes vegan food for dogs and cats, stated that domestic dogs have evolved to be able to digest foods that their ancestors could not. "For example, they have more genes for digesting starches than wolves. The main principle that people often get confused with is that animals require nutrients rather than specific diets. All the nutrients that can be found in meat can also be found elsewhere, so we formulate our foods based on the nutritional requirements of the animal rather than starting with any particular food source,” he said.

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Posted on All-Creatures.org: August 12, 2024
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