As pet owners, we all want to provide the best nutrition for our dogs. Historically, dogs were fed leftovers from human meals, but the introduction of commercial dog food in 1860 by James Spratt revolutionized pet nutrition. Spratt’s product was a simple mix of wheat, vegetables, and beef blood, laying the groundwork for modern dog food. Today, the majority of dog food still relies heavily on meat, raising concerns about environmental impact and ingredient quality. This leads us to a pressing question: can dogs be vegan? What do the experts say?
The Issues with Conventional Dog Food
Modern pet food aisles are filled with meat-based options, including chicken, beef, lamb, and more, with variations like grain-free, high-protein, and organic. However, these choices have come under scrutiny for their ingredient transparency and quality.
In the U.S., the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) sets nutritional standards for pet food. However, some of the approved ingredients are alarming. For instance, “meat meal” can include various animal parts not typically consumed by humans, such as organs and even hair and horns. This lack of transparency is troubling for pet owners who want to ensure their dogs receive the highest quality nutrition.
Abril Estrada, co-founder of Wild Earth, a vegan pet food brand, points out that the pet food industry’s narrow focus on meat-based ingredients contributes significantly to environmental issues. Industrial animal agriculture accounts for about 15% of human-caused greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, safety concerns arise from incidents like the 2018 recall of beef tallow contaminated with the euthanasia drug pentobarbital.
The Environmental Impact of Pet Food
The pet food industry’s carbon footprint is significant. A 2017 study in PLOS One found that pet food contributes to about a quarter of the environmental impact of meat production. If the entire $95.8 billion U.S. pet food industry switched to human-grade meats, the environmental strain would be immense, further exacerbating climate change and deforestation.
Ryan Bethencourt, co-founder and CEO of Wild Earth, emphasizes that sustainable pet food practices are essential for reducing our pets’ environmental footprint. A shift towards plant-based diets for pets could play a crucial role in combating climate change.
Can Dogs Be Vegan?
Despite common misconceptions, dogs are not strict carnivores. Tiffany Ruiz Dasilva, VMD, explains that domestic dogs are omnivores, capable of digesting starches thanks to specific genetic adaptations. Research supports that dogs can thrive on a plant-based diet, potentially leading to better health outcomes compared to conventional or raw meat diets.
A recent study found that dogs on a balanced vegan diet had fewer health issues and longer lifespans. Another study highlighted that vegan diets could reduce common allergens found in traditional dog food, such as eggs, dairy, and certain meats.
What Makes Vegan Dog Food Healthy?
The key to a healthy vegan diet for dogs lies in meeting their nutritional needs. According to AAFCO, dog food must include essential nutrients like crude protein, fats, minerals, and vitamins. Wild Earth’s vegan dog food, recognized by VegNews, achieves this through ingredients like chickpeas, nutritional yeast, and peas, providing necessary proteins and amino acids.
Wild Earth also incorporates ingredients like oats, blueberries, spinach, and pumpkin to deliver a balanced mix of carbohydrates, vitamins, and antioxidants. These ingredients support various health aspects, from digestion to skin health. The addition of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids further enhances skin and coat quality.
Conclusion
Our understanding of dog nutrition has evolved, and so should our approach to feeding them. The traditional meat-heavy diet not only poses health risks but also significantly impacts the environment. Vegan dog food, formulated to meet all nutritional requirements, offers a viable and sustainable alternative.
Bethencourt asserts that Wild Earth aims to create the best possible food for our pets without compromising their health or the planet. As pet owners, it’s our responsibility to consider the broader impact of our choices and ensure our dogs receive the best nutrition possible.
Switching to a vegan diet for your dog could be a step towards better health for your pet and a healthier planet. So, are you ready to make the change?
Thank you to Wild Earth for supporting independent media and partnering with us on this journey towards sustainable pet nutrition.
