As so many studies have already shown, dogs can easily digest starch (i.e. the plant-based carbohydrate storage unit). They even produce the enzyme in their mouths to begin the digestive process – we are quite sure that many of you have seen the long strings of saliva hanging from your dog’s mouth when they smell something irresistible?
The rest of the starches can then be processed in your dog’s small intestine. Calculations have revealed that they can digest about 99 % of plant-based starch if provided to them in a suitable form.
It is so important to blend or carefully mash any homemade food that is fed to your dog to ensure that all valuable nutrients can be absorbed adequately.
A fascinating study proved how mutations in key genes occurred allowing increased starch digestion in dogs relative to wolves. These results indicate that early ancestors of modern dogs could thrive on a diet rich in starch which was a crucial step in the early domestication of dogs (interesting reading if you required further proof that dogs digest starches).
So please don’t worry about feeding your dog a purely plant-based. As always, the key is a balance of nutrients and taste to keep your dogs healthy and happy!
Mars petfood said to be developing a meat-free pet food!
I am very excited to read that the multi-national food corporate Mars who own Pedigree and Whiskas pet foods, are finally concerned about the environmental impact of farming and are looking at meat substitutes for pet food!
The life of a dairy cow
This may be one of the hardest posts I will ever write but as a vet, a mother and now a vegan, I feel that everyone has a right to know about the life of a dairy cow
Ruff goes on holiday!
The joy you feel on holiday with your pets who are enjoying themselves is immense
The most delicious date loaf ever
I looked up a recipe online as I was concerned that maybe I wouldn’t be able to enjoy a delicious date loaf again now that I am vegan…..how wrong I was!
Are you feeding a grain free diet to your dog?
Don’t believe the marketing hype about grain free diets!
Our human food has shaped our dog’s gut microbiome
We tend to feed our pets on the foods that we like – yes we are all guilty of it!
Whatever it takes
My journey to find the ideal balanced plant-based food for our little dog has been fraught with stress as my husband (also a vet but also a complete perfectionist) is in denial with
Greta Thunberg is a vegan
Greta Thunberg is vegan. Her impassioned plea to world leaders has brought me to tears!
Why do dogs and cats eat grass?
I have had a number of clients concerned that their dog or cat eats grass sometimes on a daily basis and they are concerned that there is something wrong with their pet
Ruff has a dental
I do feel very bad as a vet having a 5 year old dog with such bad dental tartar! Like 90% of the UK dog population, he has eaten….
I just feel exhausted
I am SO thankful for being vegan and appreciating everything good and healthy in my life and today I made vegan dog food…..and it was delicious!!
Has it been difficult being a vegan these last 6 weeks?
I have found it far easier than I ever imagined and in a way, I do wish I had done it a long time ago!
