Are vegan dogs healthier?

There are endless dog food choices within the pet food aisles at your local stores. Generally, these products are conventional dog food.

Conventional dog food is nutritionally regulated and suitable for each stage of life.

Yet, valid concerns exist over whether it's the healthiest choice for our beloved pets.

What’s the problem with conventional and raw diets?

First, let’s cover conventional pet food. In 2019, sixteen brands associated with canine heart disease got recalled from the market. There’s a debate regarding grain-free pet food and other questionable ingredients added to dog food. Even with these dilemmas, the majority of conventional dog food is tried and true and safe for your pet.

Next, let's talk about the raw diet for dogs. At first glance, the raw diet seems incredibly health-conscious with the ability to control the ingredients you are exposing your pet to, but it is not without its risks.

Studies on raw diets show that “nearly 25% of the raw food samples tested positive for harmful bacteria, including Salmonella ssp. and Listeria monocytogenes. These bacteria can pose a health risk for the dogs who eat the raw food, as well as for the dog owners who handle the food while preparing it.”

The Pet Owner’s Search for the Best Dog Food

“An increasing number of pet owners choose their pet’s food based on food allergies or their own values, such as veganism,” according to Nielsen IQ.

A large survey study dived into the health benefits of vegan, raw, and conventional diets, ultimately suggesting vegan diets as the healthy option.

The study shows promise for vegan diets for dogs, but more in-depth research is needed to get the bigger picture.

The Outlook on Vegan Dog Food

It's plausible that vegan diets for dogs can be as nutritionally balanced and supportive of a healthy lifestyle as any other diet. However, research isn’t available to confirm or deny it.

Vegan dog food is available on the market, but skepticism exists about whether it's a safe choice since it doesn't have conclusive scientific research to support it. To reap the potential benefits of veganism, some people choose to detox their dogs once a week with a vegan meal.

The important thing is for dog food brands to carefully formulate vegan dog food (all dog food for that matter) to provide the nutritional balance that our pets need.