Vegan Pet Diets: Are They Healthy?

The number of people adopting vegan diets is increasing globally, and this trend is also reflected in the diets of their pets. A 2020 survey found that 35% of pet owners expressed interest in turning their pets vegan. This trend is driven by concerns about animal welfare, the environmental impact of meat production, and the health benefits of veganism.

However, the question of whether vegan diets are suitable for pets is controversial. Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they cannot survive without eating meat, and dogs are facultative carnivores, meaning they can survive on a plant-based diet but may require careful dietary adjustments to stay healthy.

Some studies have found that vegan diets can be safe and even beneficial for dogs, but there is limited research on the impact of vegan diets on cat and dog health. While there is little evidence of adverse effects, there is also a lack of large-scale, long-term studies. As such, experts recommend a cautious approach, and commercial vegan pet food is advised over homemade alternatives to ensure nutritional requirements are met.

Cats are obligate carnivores and dogs are facultative carnivores, so a vegan diet may not be suitable for them

Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they are true carnivores that depend entirely on meat because their diet requires nutrients that are only found in animal flesh. Their bodies are unable to properly digest plants. Cats get certain key nutrients from meat, including taurine, arachidonic acid, vitamin A, and vitamin B12, which cannot be sufficiently obtained from plant-based foods. Without these nutrients, cats can suffer from liver and heart problems, skin irritation, and hearing loss.

Dogs, on the other hand, are facultative carnivores, which means they can technically survive on a plant-based diet if necessary. However, creating such a diet for dogs needs to be done carefully to ensure they are getting all the necessary nutrients to stay healthy. Dogs also have a natural desire to chew hides and bones, which is beneficial for their teeth and mental health.

The digestive tract of a carnivore, including cats and dogs, is much shorter compared to that of an omnivore or herbivore. This is because a meat-based diet takes less time to digest. The stomach of a carnivore is single-chambered and takes up a large portion of the digestive system, allowing them to consume large meals quickly. The intestines of carnivores are also shorter since there is less plant matter to digest.

The jaw and teeth of carnivores are also adapted for eating meat. They have pointed incisors to efficiently catch and disable prey, and long, pointed canines to rip and tear meat. The molars of carnivores are slightly pointed and flat to help grind down bone, fur, and small amounts of plant matter.

The enzymes found in carnivores, including cats and dogs, are also different from those in omnivores and herbivores. Carnivores produce high levels of gastric acid to easily digest meat and fight off pathogens. They also struggle to convert plant-based sources of omega fatty acids due to a lack of specific enzymes.

While some people may wish to feed their pets a vegan diet for ethical or environmental reasons, it is important to consider the unique dietary needs of cats and dogs as carnivores. A vegan diet may not provide all the essential nutrients that these animals require and could lead to health issues. It is always best to consult with a veterinarian before making any significant changes to your pet's diet.

Vegan pet food may be a solution to the environmental impact of meat-based pet food

The Problem with Meat-Based Pet Food

Pet food is estimated to be responsible for a quarter of the environmental impacts of meat production in terms of the use of land, water, fossil fuels, phosphates, and pesticides. The new trend for raw food is also environmentally detrimental.

The Solution: Vegan Pet Food

The Benefits of Vegan Pet Food

Vegan pet food can be safe and even benefit animal health when consuming safe vegan foods designed with all the necessary supplements. It is also a more sustainable option, as it does not contribute to the environmental impacts of meat production.

The Challenges of Vegan Pet Food

However, there are some challenges to consider when it comes to vegan pet food. Cats, in particular, are obligate carnivores, meaning that a lot of what they need comes from meat. While dogs are facultative carnivores, meaning they can survive on a plant-based diet, it is still important to ensure that their diet is carefully approached to make sure it meets all their nutritional needs.

The Bottom Line

There is little evidence of adverse health effects of vegan diets for pets

Knight's research contradicts the common belief that vegan diets are unhealthy for pets. For example, the president of the British Veterinary Association (BVA), Daniella Dos Santos, has warned that cats require certain amino acids, such as taurine, which are typically found in meat. Without these amino acids, cats can develop a potentially fatal condition called dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). However, Knight's research found that these nutrients are typically degraded in highly processed pet food and need to be added back to the food synthetically.

Another study by pet nutritionist Dr. Sarah Dodd found that cats on plant-based diets had more "ideal body condition scores" than those fed meat and were less likely to suffer from body weight, gastrointestinal, or liver problems.

Veterinarian Dr. Arielle Griffiths also feeds her dog Ruff a vegan diet and is the director of the Just Be Kind dog food company. She says that it is “certainly possible” for dogs to be fed a wholefood, plant-based diet, supplemented with omega-3 algae oil, Vitamin B, and certain amino acids.

While there is some evidence to suggest that vegan diets can be healthy for pets, it is important to note that the majority of research in this area is still ongoing. More long-term studies are needed to fully understand the potential risks and benefits of vegan diets for dogs and cats. In the meantime, pet owners should consult with a veterinarian before making any significant changes to their pet's diet.

There is some evidence of health benefits of vegan diets for pets

There is some evidence that vegan diets can be beneficial to the health of dogs and cats. However, there is a lack of large-scale studies on the health consequences of vegan diets for pets, and the existing studies are often based on small sample sizes and short-term observations.

Dogs

Some studies have found that dogs on vegan diets were in ideal body condition, with normal behaviour and skin/coat condition. Other studies have shown that dogs on vegan diets had higher haemoglobin values and no muscle loss or poor haircoat. One study found that dogs on vegan diets were less likely to need veterinary visits and had fewer health disorders.

Cats

Some studies have found that cats on vegan diets had more ideal body condition scores and were less likely to suffer from gastrointestinal and hepatic disorders. Another study found that cats on vegan diets were less likely to suffer from body weight, gastrointestinal or liver problems.

Limitations and recommendations

The existing studies on the health impacts of vegan diets for pets are limited and often based on small sample sizes. The studies also tend to employ short feeding durations, which may not be long enough for deficiencies to develop or for clinical signs to become apparent. Therefore, more research is needed to draw firm conclusions about the suitability of vegan diets for pets.

Given the current lack of evidence, it is recommended that pet owners wishing to feed their pets vegan diets take a cautious approach and use commercially produced diets, which are less likely to lead to nutrient imbalances.

Commercially available vegan pet food may be a safer option than homemade vegan pet food

Secondly, commercial pet food is convenient and widely available in a variety of options catering to different dietary needs, life stages, and health conditions. In contrast, preparing homemade meals can be time-consuming and labor-intensive, especially for those with multiple pets or large dogs.

Thirdly, commercial pet food is typically subject to strict quality control standards and regulatory oversight to ensure it meets nutritional requirements and is safe for consumption. Commercial pet food also undergoes extensive testing to minimize the risk of contamination and ensure accurate labeling. While there are concerns about the quality of some lower-end commercial pet foods, reputable brands generally provide safe and nutritious options.

Finally, commercial pet food is available at various price points, making it easier for pet owners to find an option that fits their budget. Homemade meals, on the other hand, can be more expensive due to the cost of high-quality ingredients.

However, it is important to note that not all commercial pet foods are created equal, and there are valid concerns about the use of fillers, artificial preservatives, and low-quality ingredients in some products. Additionally, commercial pet food recalls due to contamination or nutrient imbalances do occur, albeit infrequently.

Ultimately, the decision between commercially available and homemade vegan pet food depends on the specific needs of the pet, the owner's lifestyle, and their budget. Some pet owners may even choose a combination of both approaches, offering the freshness and control of homemade food along with the convenience and nutritional assurance of commercial options. Regular check-ups with a veterinarian and staying informed about pet nutrition are crucial to making informed dietary choices for our furry companions.

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