Is the Vegan Diet a Healthy and Safe Option for Your Dog?

Nutritionally sound vegan diets may be healthier and less hazardous than conventional or raw meat-based diets for dogs, according to a new study published in journal PLOS ONE.

Many factors may influence dog guardians to choose unconventional diets for their pets, including concerns regarding the environment, the treatment of animals used as food, and the health of their pets.

Protein Power of Vegan Diet | Vegan Diets are Rich in Proteins
A Vegan diet eaten over the course of a day can meet the human dietary protein requirements and provide all essential amino acids, ensure adequate nitrogen retention and use in healthy adults.

‘A nutrient-rich vegan diet may be the healthiest and least hazardous choice for dogs considering the risk of pathogens.’

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However, research into the health effects of conventional versus unconventional dog diets has been limited.

To help clarify the potential health effects of different dog diets, researchers analyzed survey data from guardians of 2,536 dogs fed either conventional meat, raw meat, or vegan diet.

The survey included questions about the dogs’ health, including the number of veterinary visits, use of medications, and specific dog health disorders.

Comparison of Vegan Diet and Conventional Diabetic Diet on Glycemic Control of Type 2 Diabetics
A recent clinical trial shows that low-fat vegan diet is superior to a conventional diet in glycemic and lipid control of diabetic patients.

The survey results suggested that, overall, dogs on conventional diets were less healthy than dogs on raw meat or vegan diets. Dogs on raw meat diets appeared to be healthier than those on vegan diets. However, the researchers noted several factors that prevent a conclusion that raw meat diets are healthier.

For one, in the study, dogs on raw meat diets were significantly younger than dogs on vegan diets, which could help explain why they appeared to be healthier. Prior research also has indicated that guardians of dogs on raw meat diets are less likely to seek veterinary advice.

Do Plant-Based Vegetarian Diet Lower Cholesterol Levels?
Plant-based vegetarian diets, particularly vegan diets significantly lower total cholesterol, HDL and LDL cholesterol levels, reveals a new study.

Further research is needed to confirm whether raw meat or a vegan diet is associated with better dog health outcomes.

Researchers also suggest that large-scale, cross-sectional, and longitudinal studies of dogs, maintained on different diets, which utilize data such as results of veterinary clinical examinations and veterinary medical histories, could yield results of greater reliability.

Vegan Diet - Better Choice for Weight Loss Than Mediterranean Diet
A vegan diet is more effective for weight loss than a Mediterranean diet. Vegan diet is associated with a reduction in calorie intake and increase in fiber intake.

Considering the objective data, as well as owner opinions and reported veterinary assessments, a vegan diet is considered to be the healthiest and least hazardous dietary choice for dogs.

Source-Medindia