Vegan diets for dogs may be healthier than meat - based diets

Study by the University Of Winchester

Vegan diets are healthier and safer for dogs than conventional meat - based diets, according to the latest study by the University Of Winchester, guardians of more than 2,500 dogs’ explored links between dog diet and health outcomes, suggesting that nutritionally sound vegan diets may be healthier and less hazardous than conventional or raw meat - based diets. 

The researchers found that, for example, almost half the dogs fed conventional meat - based diets required non routine medication but only a third of the dogs fed vegan diets did so. A separate study in 2021 found that dogs found vegan diets just as tasty as regular dog food. 

To help clarify the potential health effects of different dog’s diets, knights and colleagues analyzed survey data from guardians of 2,536 dogs fed either conventional meat, raw meat or vegan diet. The survey included questions about the dogs' health, including the number of veterinary visits, use of medications, and specific dog health disorders. 

Statistical analysis of the survey results suggested that, overall, dogs on conventional diets were less healthy thah dogs on raw meat or vegan diets. Dogs on raw meat diets appeared to healthier than those on vegan diets. However, the researchers noted several factors that prevent a conclusion that raw meat diets are healthier. 

In the study, dogs on raw meat diets were significantly younger than dogs on vegan diets, which could help explain why they appeared to be healthier. Additionally, dogs on raw meat diets were less likely to be taken to a veterinarian; while this could be a sign of better health, prior research has indicated that guardians of dogs on raw meat diets are less likely to seek veterinary advice. 

Further research is needed to confirm whether raw meat or a vegan diet is associated with better dog health outcomes. The researchers suggest that large - scale, cross - sectional, and longitudinal studies of dogs, maintained on different diets, which utilize data such as results of veterinary clinical examinations and veterinary medical histories, could yield results of greater reliability.

Still, prior research has linked raw meat diets to increased risk of pathogens and nutritional deficiencies. In light of both the new and prior findings, the researchers suggest that a nutritionally sound vegan diet may in fact ne the healthiest and least hazardous choice for dogs. 

The authors added, "We believe our study of 2,536 dogs is by far the largest study published to date, exploring health outcomes of dogs fed vegan and meat - based diets. It analyzed a range of objective data, as well as owner opinions and reported veterinary assessments of health. It revealed that the healthiest and least hazardous dietary choices for dogs, are nutritionally sound vegan diets."