Dogs fed a vegan diet are actually HEALTHIER, experts have discovered. A study analysed 2,536 pets who were given plant based diets or standard carniverous ones.
Veterinary Professor Andrew Knight, of the University of Winchester, said: “We believe our study is the largest to date, exploring health outcomes of dogs fed vegan and meat-based diets.
“It analysed a range of objective data, as well as owner opinions and reported veterinary assessments of health. It revealed that the heathiest and least hazardous dietary choices for dogs, are nutritionally sound vegan diets.”
READ MORETeacher awarded nearly £1million compensation after assault by pupil
Justine Shotton, the president of the British Veterinary Association, said: “There is a lot of ongoing research in the field of vegan dog diets and this paper adds to the body of evidence supporting its benefits. However, there is currently a lack of robust data mapping the health consequences of feeding a vegan diet to a large number of dogs over many years, so we look forward to seeing further research on whether this can meet a dog’s dietary requirements over the long term.”
“Although we would not recommend it, it is theoretically possible to feed a dog a vegetarian diet, but owners would need to take expert veterinary advice to avoid dietary deficiencies and associated disease,” she said.
Stay up to date with all the latest news and opinion on days out, nights out, shopping and plenty more with our Daily What’s On Email update newsletter – and it’s completely free.
