Plant-Based Diets Provide Complete and Balanced Nutrition for Dogs, Study Finds

A new study provides evidence that plant-based diets can offer complete and balanced nutrition for adult dogs.

The 12-month study, conducted by clinician-scientists at Western University of Health Sciences’ College of Veterinary Medicine, is the first comprehensive investigation into the long-term effects of a plant-based diet for adult dogs.

V-Dog’s complete plant-based diet for dogs

“We’re thrilled to share the results of this groundbreaking study, which demonstrates that a nutritionally complete plant-based diet can maximize the health and quality of life for dogs and reduce carbon paw-prints,” Darren Middlesworth, President and CEO of V-Dog and V-Planet, said in a statement.

“The research underscores that a healthier, cruelty-free option for pet owners also has the potential to positively impact the environment and other animals. As ethical vegans first and a company second, we couldn’t be more proud to offer v-dog and v-planet as an innovative solution to these pressing issues,” Middlesworth said.

While the study used the V-Dog dog food brand as an exemplar for a nutritionally complete plant-based diet, the brand did not commission the study. The study’s findings were presented earlier this month at the Western Vet Conference in Las Vegas.

The study’s key findings suggest that commercially available plant-based dog food products in the U.S. can provide all the necessary nutrients for a well-balanced diet for adult dogs — including dogs that are considered endurance athletes showed optimal performance on a meat-free diet.

The study authors say the aim of the research is to raise awareness about the impact of conventional dog food on animals and the environment as pet food is responsible for nearly 33 percent of the environmental impacts from industrial animal production in terms of land use, water consumption, fossil fuel use, biocide production, and waste production.

Conventional dog food is often made from poor-quality animal products that have been linked to health issues.

According to the research, dogs show an evolutionary adaptation that enables them to optimize carbohydrate metabolism, which makes the plant-based diet exceptionally suitable for most dogs.

Sustainable pet food

The research provides essential information for pet owners looking to make informed decisions about their pet’s nutrition and the impact of their pet’s food on the environment. While the demand for vegan dog food has grown in recent years, it’s still widely looked at as lacking in nutrients and unsuitable for long-term animal health. But the researchers say that’s not the case.

“As animal lovers ourselves, we’re thrilled to offer a complete and balanced plant-based diet for dogs that is backed by independent clinical research,” said Lindsay Rubin Carvalho, VP of V-Planet.

“This study reinforces what we’ve known all along – that a nutritionally complete plant-based diet can extensively provide health benefits and protection for dogs,” Rubin Carvalho said.

“Our mission is to offer the best nutrition for our furry family members while also promoting a more sustainable and compassionate world for all animals.”