Vegan diet for Dogs? The impact of plant-based diets on canine health

Are you at your wit's end trying to find the right food for your furry friend?
Does your heart break every time you see your dog suffering from yet another bout of diarrhea or itchy skin?
You're not alone!
Countless dog owners have spent sleepless nights and countless dollars searching for that elusive perfect diet to soothe their pup's sensitive tummy.

But what if the solution isn't in another meat-based formula?
What if the answer to your dog's digestive woes lies in the plant kingdom?
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Today, we're diving into the world of plant-based nutrition for our four-legged companions. We'll explore whether a vegan diet is not just safe, but potentially beneficial for dogs with severe food allergies and sensitivities.
From tail-wagging benefits to potential concerns, we'll unpack the latest research on canine vegan diets.

​Can a Vegetarian Diet Improve Digestive Issues and Extend a Dog's Lifespan?

Let's dive into the fascinating findings of a study that surveyed dog owners about their pets' health on plant-based diets. The researchers distributed a web-based questionnaire designed to gather detailed information on various health aspects of dogs being fed different diets, including plant-based and meat-based diets. The questionnaire was completed by over 1,400 dog owners from the USA and Canada, providing a substantial dataset for analysis.

One of the most striking results from the study was the health benefits perceived by dog owners whose pets were on plant-based diets. These owners reported significantly fewer instances of ocular, gastrointestinal, and hepatic disorders compared to those whose dogs were on traditional meat-based diets. This means fewer issues like eye infections, digestive problems, and liver-related conditions. Such findings suggest that a plant-based diet can potentially promote better overall health in dogs, particularly in the areas of the body that are commonly affected by these disorders.

Moreover, the study also indicated that dogs on plant-based diets seemed to have a longer lifespan. Owners noted that their plant-fed dogs tended to live longer than those on meat-based diets.

While this part of the study is primarily based on owner perception, it does raise interesting questions about the long-term impacts of diet on canine longevity.

Interestingly, fewer health issues and longer lifespans were not the only highlights. The dogs on plant-based diets were also reported to have fewer visits to the vet, demonstrating how diet choices can influence not only everyday health but also reduce medical needs and costs over time.

The dog owners playing a role in this study were mostly responsible for making decisions about their pet's diet. In fact, over 90% of them took their dog's health very seriously when choosing their food, emphasizing the importance of nutrition for their pets' well-being. The survey highlighted that many pet owners are willing to try alternative diets, provided they can be assured of their nutritional soundness and health benefits.
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While these findings are promising for those considering plant-based diets for their dogs, it's important to remember that these results are based on owner perceptions rather than clinical data. Nonetheless, this study provides us with valuable insights into the potential health benefits of plant-based diets for dogs and sets the stage for more scientific research to confirm these observations. So, if you're thinking about a plant-based diet for your dog, this study certainly makes a compelling case worth exploring further.

​Comparing Plant-based and Meat-based diets for canines

Next, we'll dive into an intriguing study that compared health indicators between dogs fed conventional meat, raw meat, and vegan diets. This study surveyed 2,639 dog owners and examined a range of health outcomes based on the types of diets their dogs were fed.

The diets were categorized into three main groups: conventional meat, raw meat, and vegan diets. The researchers started by looking at seven general indicators of health, including frequency of veterinary visits, medication use, and guardian opinions on health status. They found that dogs fed conventional meat diets generally fared worse across these health indicators compared to those fed either raw meat or vegan diets. For example, dogs on conventional diets had a higher frequency of veterinarian visits and medication use, indicating more frequent health issues.

On the other hand, raw meat diets appeared to be beneficial in some aspects but came with their own set of risks. The study noted that dogs on raw meat diets had better outcomes in several health metrics, such as lower medication use and fewer instances of progression to therapeutic diets. However, it's important to mention that raw meat diets have been associated with hazards like nutritional deficiencies and pathogen contamination. This could pose a risk not only to the dogs but also to their human guardians.

Interestingly, dogs on vegan diets also showed promising results. These dogs had fewer health issues compared to those on conventional meat diets. Specifically, the study found a lower prevalence of gastrointestinal disorders, skin and coat conditions, and musculoskeletal problems in dogs on vegan diets. Owners also reported that their dogs had improved coat condition and fewer allergy problems after switching to vegan diets.

Another remarkable finding was related to the dogs' blood work. Dogs on vegan diets had lower levels of circulating cholesterol and triglycerides compared to those on conventional meat diets. This suggests that vegan diets might contribute to better cardiovascular health for dogs. While the outcomes for dogs on raw meat diets were slightly better overall than those on vegan diets, there's a catch. The study highlighted that the raw meat group included a higher percentage of younger dogs, who generally have fewer health problems. This age factor might have skewed the results in favor of raw meat diets.
Moreover, the hesitancy of raw meat diet proponents to visit veterinarians as frequently as other pet owners might have also influenced the findings. So, while both raw and vegan diets seemed to offer some health benefits over conventional meat diets, vegan diets stood out for their lack of associated risks like pathogens. This makes vegan diets a compelling alternative, especially if they are well-balanced and nutritionally complete.
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Ultimately, this study sheds light on the fact that dogs can thrive on diets other than conventional meat-based ones. Both raw and vegan diets have their pros and cons, but the key takeaway is the importance of ensuring any diet is nutritionally complete and tailored to meet the health needs of the dog.

​The effects of plant-based nutrition on dogs' metabolic profiles and nutrient absorption

Another interesting study measured the digestibility of vegan dog foods and their impact on blood metabolites. This study is crucial because it provides insight into how well dogs can process and benefit from vegan diets.

The study was conducted using 12 healthy adult female beagles, each weighing about 7.8 kilograms. These dogs were rotated through three different diets in a controlled setting. Two of these diets were mildly cooked human-grade vegan dog foods, while the third was a chicken-based extruded diet.

The results were impressive. All three diets scored high on digestibility, meaning the dogs were able to absorb nutrients effectively, with all macronutrients showing digestibility values of over 80%. However, the vegan diets had a standout feature: they had higher apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of fat compared to the meat-based diet. This means the dogs could break down and absorb fats from the vegan food more efficiently.

But the benefits didn’t stop at digestibility. The study also looked at the blood metabolites of these dogs. Dogs on vegan diets had lower circulating cholesterol and triglycerides, which are markers of better cardiovascular health. These dogs also showed lower platelet concentrations and fewer blood neutrophils, which could indicate a reduced state of inflammation in the body. When it came to fecal health, dogs on vegan diets again had the upper hand. Their fecal matter had lower dry matter percentages, meaning it wasn't as firm and was easier to pass. The vegan diets also resulted in lower concentrations of fecal phenols and indoles, compounds linked to unpleasant stool odor and potential toxicity. On a positive note, the dogs on vegan diets had higher concentrations of short-chain fatty acids in their feces. These fatty acids are essential for gut health, strengthening the gut lining and preventing diseases.

Another fascinating aspect of the study was its exploration of fecal microbiota—the beneficial bacteria in the gut. The diversity of these bacteria didn't show significant differences across diets, but the relative abundance of nearly 20 bacterial genera changed in dogs fed vegan diets. This alteration in gut bacteria can lead to numerous health benefits, from improved digestion to better immune function.

​In summary, mildly cooked human-grade vegan dog foods showed excellent performance in this study. They provided high digestibility, beneficial changes in blood metabolites, and healthier fecal characteristics, all while positively impacting gut bacteria. This research supports the argument that well-balanced vegan diets for dogs are not only adequate but may offer several health benefits.

​Findings from a year-long investigation into canines maintained on a vegan diet

​Let’s dive into a fascinating study that followed dogs on vegan diets over a twelve-month period. This research aimed to address a growing curiosity regarding the long-term health impacts of plant-based nutrition for our canine companions.

Conducted with fifteen healthy adult dogs living in Los Angeles County, the study focused on comprehensive clinical, hematological, and nutritional parameters to assess their wellbeing. One of the standout aspects of this study was its thoroughness. The dogs underwent detailed physical exams and various blood tests, including complete blood counts, blood chemistry panels, plasma amino acids, and serum vitamin levels. Additionally, cardiac biomarkers were monitored to ensure that the plant-based diets didn’t negatively affect their heart health. These parameters were checked at the start of the study, at six months, and again at twelve months.

But what did they find? Interestingly, the results were promising. Throughout the twelve months, the dogs maintained stable health, demonstrating that well-balanced vegan diets could support their nutritional needs effectively. The physical exams revealed no concerning changes, and their blood work remained within healthy ranges. Key serum chemistries, which are critical indicators of overall health, stayed normal, indicating that the dogs were not missing out on essential nutrients.

What about the behavioral observations? The dog owners reported no significant changes in energy levels or overall behavior, suggesting that the vegan diets were not only nutritionally sufficient but also enjoyable for the dogs. Moreover, the dogs showed normal activity levels and healthy coats, reinforcing the idea that a plant-based diet can be a viable option for long-term canine health.

One of the critical findings was the stability in cardiac biomarkers. Since heart health is a significant concern when altering a dog’s diet, these results provided reassurance that the vegan diets did not adversely affect their cardiovascular health. Plasma amino acid levels and serum vitamins also stayed within healthy ranges, countering the argument that vegan diets might lead to deficiencies in these critical areas.
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In summary, this study offers robust evidence supporting the health benefits of well-balanced vegan diets for dogs over an extended period. It shows that with careful planning and nutritional balancing, dogs can thrive without animal-based ingredients. This is not just good news for those looking to transition their pets to a plant-based diet for ethical or environmental reasons, but it also adds to the growing body of research advocating for alternative pet diets that don’t compromise on health and wellbeing.

​My thought?

​Alright, as a veterinary professional, do I recommend a vegan diet?
My answer is it depends.

​I once had a dog whose food allergy testing came back positive for all the protein sources the lab could test. This meant he was allergic to everything, so I fed him a homemade kangaroo diet. That was over 10 years ago, and it was quite pricey, especially since my dog weighed around 70 lbs. If you have a dog that seems allergic or sensitive to everything, I understand how you feel – it can seem hopeless. In such cases, I might suggest trying a plant-based diet. Ultimately, the choice is yours. I've compiled a list of plant-based diets you can purchase.

Also, it's worth noting that food allergy and food sensitivity aren't the same thing. If your dog is experiencing food sensitivity, I recommend trying dysbiosis and detox treatment for the GI tract. If you're interested in this approach, please schedule a consultation. We create personalized plans for each dog.

Vegan Dog food I found

• v-dog: This product complies with AAFCO nutritional guidelines for adult dogs and is labeled as "veterinarian approved." Canned food is exclusively available on their website. I purchased some cans for one of our dogs, who is a picky eater with a sensitive stomach. I will share a review after trying them out.
• Halo: Halo's packaging claims "100% complete and balanced nutrition," yet lacks an AAFCO guideline statement. Halo offers a range of food options. If you've had a positive experience with any of their products, it might be worth giving their plant-based option a try.

References:

• https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0034528822001345
• https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0265662
• https://academic.oup.com/jas/article-abstract/doi/10.1093/jas/skad093/7086640?login=false
• https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.02.18.525405v1

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