Vegan dog food

Nutritional inadequacies in commercial vegan foods for dogs and cats

Source: PLOS One

In conclusion, all foods tested had one or more nutrients lower than what is recommended, while some presented excess zinc and copper. Although these foods are commercially available in the Brazilian market, they should not be recommended for dogs and cats, because dietary inadequacies observed may lead to health risks and even death. Furthermore, manufacturers should review their formulations to ensure the nutritional adequacy of these foods.

Vegetarian versus Meat-Based Diets for Companion Animals

Source: NCBI (USA)

Those interested in vegetarian companion animal diets should be aware of concerns about the nutritional adequacy of some such diets demonstrated by a number of studies over a significant number of years. However, to ensure a balanced view, they should also be aware that similar concerns exist about commercial meat-based diets.

Nutritional and ethical issues regarding vegetarianism in the domestic dog

Source: UNE (Australia)

The nutritional adequacy of a diet, vegetarian or otherwise, should be based on the ability of the diet to meet nutritional requirements. Palatability and digestibility are key considerations. A large number of dogs are currently fed meat-free diets, and there is a small but growing niche market for vegetarian pet foods. The major pet food manufacturers are unlikely to enter this market until there is greater acceptance of this type of product. Should this eventuate, it is hoped that their participation will ensure that the nutritional adequacy of commercial vegetarian dog foods is validated by recognised feeding protocols and digestibility trials.

Canine Food Preference Assessment of Animal and Vegetable Ingredient-Based Diets Using Single-Pan Tests and Behavioral Observation

Source: NCBI (USA)

This study provides a good starting point in developing alternative methods of assessing canine food preference that more accurately represent what the consumer might encounter in the home environment. The results of this study suggest that consumers should allow their dog a period of at least 9 days to test out a new diet, before determining whether or not their dog finds it acceptable. These results also suggest that dogs do not have an innate preference for animal or vegetable ingredient-based diets that mimic commercial formulas and that any difference in level of interest may be due to other factors, such as acute satiety, individual ingredients, or processing techniques employed to promote food intake. Further research is required to elucidate the complex variables that influence and predict food preference in dogs and how the owner perceives the feeding experience.

The authors declare that this study received funding from Champion Pet Foods. The funder was not involved in the study design, sample collection, sample analyses, statistical analyses, or interpretation of the data.

Canine Food Preference Assessment of Animal and Vegetable Ingredient-Based Diets Using Single-Pan Tests and Behavioral Observation

This study provides a good starting point in developing alternative methods of assessing canine food preference that more accurately represent what the consumer might encounter in the home environment. The results of this study suggest that consumers should allow their dog a period of at least 9 days to test out a new diet, before determining whether or not their dog finds it acceptable. These results also suggest that dogs do not have an innate preference for animal or vegetable ingredient-based diets that mimic commercial formulas and that any difference in level of interest may be due to other factors, such as acute satiety, individual ingredients, or processing techniques employed to promote food intake. Further research is required to elucidate the complex variables that influence and predict food preference in dogs and how the owner perceives the feeding experience.

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