A new study led by scientists at the University of Nottingham has found that vegan diets for dogs sold in the UK provide similar nutrition to meat-based diets.
The study, led by Rebecca Brociek from the School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, and first published in PLOS One, analysed the nutritional completeness of 31 meat-based and plant-based dog foods in the UK for total protein content and individual amino acids, fatty acids, major and trace elements, vitamin D and all B-vitamins.
Researchers found that the nutritional composition of meat and plant-based foods for dogs were similar, except for iodine and B-vitamins, which were lower in plant-based foods. However, both plant- and meat-based foods showed similarly incomplete nutritional profiles, with 30 out of 31 products missing at least one essential nutrient according to FEDIAF guidelines. Tellingly, the majority (66%) of veterinary diets with lower total protein by design, were also deficient in one or more essential amino acids.
The report authors stressed that the important elements in food were specific nutrients, rather than specific ingredients, and that dietary needs vary from dog to dog.
Brociek said: “Our study found that plant-based diets, when properly formulated, can be a healthy and viable alternative to meat-based options. Ideally the next step is long-term feeding studies, but as we begin to rethink pet nutrition, perhaps the alternative isn’t only better for the planet, but also beneficial for our four-legged companions.”
Adopting a plant-based dietary pattern for companion canines can provide nutritional adequacy, but feeding supplemental iodine and B-vitamins should also be considered by manufacturers, the researchers advised.
“Veterinary diets, purposely low in crude protein, often have less than optimal essential amino acid composition. These data provide important new information for owners of companion canines being fed plant-based or veterinary diets,” Brociek added.
