A 10th Study In Favour Of Plant-Based!!!

Dodd et al. (2022) collected dietary information from 1,189 dog guardians, including 357 feeding solely vegan diets, who fed these diets for 3 years on average. Vegan dogs were reportedly more likely to enjoy very good health, and less likely to suffer ocular, gastrointestinal and hepatic (liver) disorders. No health disorders were more likely, and longevity of previously-owned dogs was reportedly 1.5 years greater, when fed purely vegan diets.

Prof Andrew Knight and colleagues (Huang E, Rai N, Brown H) published a groundbreaking research paper on the 13th April 2022 that stated from the findings of 2,639 dogs, that “the pooled evidence to date indicates that the healthiest and least hazardous dietary choices for dogs, are nutritionally sound vegan diets.”

Davies (2022) surveyed 100 dog guardians who had switched to a nutritionally complete vegan dog food designed by UK veterinarians. “The vegan food was acceptable (palatable), and appetite and body weight were not adversely affected. Changes, including improvements, were reported and statistically significant at p< .05 in the following areas: activity, faecal consistency, frequency of defaecation, flatus frequency, flatus antisocial smell, coat glossiness, scales in haircoat (dandruff), redness of the skin (itching, inflammation), itchiness (scratching; pruritus), and anxiety.”

Domínguez-Oliva et al. (2023) concluded, “there was no overwhelming evidence of adverse effects arising from use of these diets and there was some evidence of benefits. … Much of these data were acquired from owners via survey-type studies, but these can be subject to selection biases, as well as subjectivity around the outcomes. However, these beneficial findings were relatively consistent across several studies and should, therefore, not be disregarded.” They advised, “… if guardians wish to feed their companion animals vegan diets, a cautious approach should be taken using commercially produced diets which have been formulated considering the nutritional needs of the target species.” [i.e., that are nutritionally-sound].

Linde et al. (2023) studied 15 dogs fed vegan diets (V-Dog ‘Kind Kibble’) for one year after previously being fed meat-based diets. They evaluated clinical, haematological (blood cells etc.), and nutritional parameters at 0, 6, and 12 months, including complete blood count (CBC), blood chemistry, cardiac biomarkers, plasma amino acids, and serum vitamin concentrations. All dogs maintained their health status. Three who had been overweight or obese lost weight. Blood results confirmed the diet provided all essential amino acids, and for several nutrients blood levels increased. In some cases previous deficiencies reversed, without supplement use.

Vegan versus meat-based pet foods: Owner-reported palatability behaviours and implications for canine and feline welfare

Latest proof that vegan dog food diets are as palatable as meat-based or even raw in this significant study carried out during 2020 and published by Prof Andrew Knight in June 2021

In general, animal-based ingredients have a greater potential for contamination than plant-based ingredients as this very interesting article shows.

This article titled – An experimental meat-free diet maintained haematological characteristics in sprint-racing sled dogs was the very first inspiration that I had as a meat-eating vet feeding meat-based dog food to my dog to look at transitioning for both of us in 2019, so a very inspiring article!

Lewis Hamilton’s dog is vegan – but what’s the science behind plant-based pet food?

You may have heard her story before. Bramble the amazing Border Collie lived to just over 25 years old and is known as one of the world’s oldest dogs. Here is an interview with Anne Heritage the owner of the remarkable Bramble.

A fascinating study proving 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 constituted a crucial step in the early domestication of dogs.

https://vegan-dogfood.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/MastersThesisEffectsVeganDiet.pdf

This article discusses adverse food reactions, hypoallergenic diets, the most common allergens in dogs and cats and therapy

This is the most important page in the article on page 263 as the complete dog foods we stock contains NONE of the most common allergens :

Unhindered by regulation, driven by greed, the fishing industry is the greatest threat to our oceans. We must take action

The associations between gut microbiome composition and disease status have been widely reported, while recent studies have demonstrated a role for the gut microbiome in influencing remote organs, mucosal, and immune function in humans (the same effect is seen in dogs)

This review examines whether there is evidence that a strict vegan diet confers health advantages beyond that of a vegetarian diet or overall healthy eating.