Meat versus vegan = devil versus angel?

Growing market interest

Some pet owners firmly believe that dog food should contain lots of meat, whereas others have been feeding their dogs a healthy vegan diet for years. Vegan dog food is still broadly regarded by the industry as an insignificant niche. However, there is growing market interest in vegan diets for dogs, as illustrated by the strongly developed vegan community in the UK and the many vegan-related products and start-ups, for instance.

Origins of prejudices against vegan pet food

First of all, although many people believe that dogs are still essentially wolves at heart, they are actually both biologically and genetically different. Nevertheless, they share some similarities in terms of diet. Both need nutrients like fatty acids, essential proteins and, of course, vitamins and minerals. Meat addresses much of this need – but it is not essential, plus it always has to be supplemented with vitamins and minerals. A plant-based formula can be developed to recreate the composition of any meat-containing complete feeds for balanced pet health, and can be optimised with supplements if necessary.

Can dogs digest plants?

Secondly, some people think that plants are indigestible to dogs and are therefore not species- appropriate. Just as for humans, plant proteins or energy-rich carbohydrates must be selected and made technically digestible for pets. With thoughtful recipe design, plants provide most of the essential amino acids, and if any are missing they can be easily supplemented. Species justification is not based

on a particular ingredient – in this case, meat – but rather on a nutrient supply that meets the needs of the species. There is no empirical evidence of malnutrition in dogs fed on premium-brand vegan food.

Barrier to becoming mainstream

Vegan dog food has not yet become mainstream because it has not exceeded the ‘meat peak’. Meat- based dog food is a good money-earner and fits into the marketing logic of existing brands. They are unlikely to change their strategy overnight, just as oil companies are unlikely to suddenly start promoting solar energy instead.

However, just as vegetarian meat substitutes are now conquering supermarket shelves, vegan nutrition is increasingly becoming a game changer along with other alternative protein sources such as insects and clean meat. Will vegan pet food save the world’s climate? Certainly not on its own, but it can contribute to a sustainable transformation.

Pet welfare

Thanks to science and technology, it is no longer a matter of whether owners can safely feed their dogs with vegan products, but rather whether they want to. Vegan and meat-based diets can coexist peacefully without any implications for pet welfare.