Is Plant-Based Food Good for your Dog?

You’ve likely noticed that plant-based pet food has been dominating news stories and conversations on social media recently. 

Many people have been sharing their views on why they believe a vegan diet is right or wrong for their four-legged friends. It’s more evident than ever that diets are a sensitive topic for individuals, even when it comes to their pets. Understandably so, as nobody wants to be called out for doing something wrong, especially when they wholeheartedly believe they are doing everything right. 

Fighting over which diet is ‘right’ is a waste of time because there is no perfect diet for our pets, just like there is no perfect diet for humans. Research shows that dogs can thrive on plant-based food as long as they receive the right amount of nutrients. There are no requirements for meat in particular, but rather a specific set of proteins, carbs, etc. 

Recent warnings in the media suggested that pet owners could face a fine of £20,000 or jail time for feeding their pets a vegan diet. However, many experts have labelled this claim as completely ignorant. Many dogs have lived long, happy lives without consuming animal protein, such as Bramble, the border collie that lived until 25! 

Regardless, it is necessary to do your research when considering putting a dog on a meat-free diet. Read up on everything you can online and seek advice from other pet owners, but also consult a veterinary professional for a different opinion.

We’re now well aware of the carcinogens lurking in human food, from bacon to hot dogs. However, do you know about the health hazards in pet food? Dog food is made at high temperatures, which can negatively impact the nutritional value and encourage dangerous chemicals to form. Dry food tends to contain over 50% carbohydrate ingredients, which can pose long term health risks for dogs. Proteins and fats are far more important to your dog’s health. Carbohydrates only need to take up a minor portion of their diet. 

You only need to do surface-level research to discover that the commercial pet food industry is completely unethical. Pets are reduced to eating animal byproducts, which means anything leftover that humans don’t use. This ‘meat’ can include everything from tumours to beaks and, as you can imagine, does not provide much nutritional value to your dog. There is a severe lack of quality control in the pet food industry as they are literally consuming meat that is not good enough for us. 

THE PACK recently launched a range of environmentally conscious vegan wet dog food cans. They have investors such as Ian Theasby and Henry David Firth, founders of BOSH! and Olivia Wollenberg, founder of Livias. The brand has been a hit, further proving how many pet owners are interested in reducing meat products in their dogs’ diets. THE PACK uses the term ‘flexi-dogian’ to describe a new era of pup diets that are primarily plant-based but still incorporate some animal proteins in their meals. It takes people years to go from meat-eater to fully vegan, so it’s entirely reasonable for pets to take their time too!