"Plant-Based Diets and Canine Health: Owner Perceptions and Reported Benefits"
Introduction
Health and Wellbeing Comparisons:
Owners of dogs on plant-based diets reported fewer instances of ocular, gastrointestinal, and liver disorders compared to those feeding meat-based diets.
These dogs were also perceived to have greater longevity, indicating potential long-term health benefits of plant-based diets.
Interestingly, owners who chose plant-based diets for their dogs tended to consult veterinarians less frequently for nutrition advice.
Dog owners completed a detailed web-based questionnaire about their dogs’ health, diet type, and overall wellbeing. The data collected was analyzed using statistical methods to explore differences in health outcomes between dogs on plant-based and meat-based diets.
Read full study here@sciencedirect
Jun 11, 2022
Why it matters to you?
1. Perceived Health Advantages
According to owner reports, dogs on plant-based diets might enjoy better overall health and longer lives than their meat-eating counterparts. These observations suggest potential health benefits that could be explored further in rigorous studies.
2. Informed Dietary Decisions
The findings encourage pet parents to consider how diet might affect their dogs’ health and to make informed choices about what they feed their pets based on observed outcomes and personal values regarding diet.
3. Critical Need for Objective Research
While the survey provides valuable initial data, the study highlights the necessity for objective, scientific research to conclusively determine the effects of plant-based diets on canine health and to ensure that dietary recommendations are based on solid evidence.
Other Studies
"Evaluating the Health Impacts of Vegan Diets for Dogs: A Guardian’s Perspective"
General Health and Well-being: Most guardians reported no negative impact on their dogs’ appetite or body weight, suggesting that the vegan food was palatable and satisfying.
Statistically Significant Improvements: Improvements were noted in several areas, all statistically significant:
Increased activity levels and better fecal consistency.
Reduced frequency of defecation, less frequent and less smelly flatus.
Enhanced coat glossiness and reduced dandruff.
Decreased skin redness and itchiness.
Lowered anxiety levels in dogs.
Oct 27, 2022
"From Wolves to Dogs: Uncovering the Genetic Journey of Domestication"
Brain Function and Behavior: Nineteen genomic regions linked to brain function were identified, with eight involved in nervous system development—these may explain the behavioural adaptability of domestic dogs compared to their wild ancestors.
Dietary Adaptations: The study also found signals of selection in ten genes associated with starch digestion and fat metabolism, suggesting that early dogs evolved to digest starch more efficiently than wolves. This adaptation was crucial as it allowed dogs to thrive on a diet different from the strictly carnivorous one of their wolf ancestors.
Jan 1, 2023
"Exploring Vegan Diets for Pets: A Systematic Review"
The review found no conclusive evidence of adverse effects from feeding pets a vegan diet, and there were indications of some health benefits. However, the overall evidence was rated as low to very low in certainty, highlighting the complexity and variability in study designs and outcomes. This suggests that while vegan diets can be safe, the decision to switch should be approached with careful consideration of the animal’s nutritional needs.
Jan 12, 2023