An overview of plant-based dog food

Plant-based dog food is a growing trend in the industry as pet owners look for other ways to be sustainable and reduce their carbon footprint. As the trend booms in popularity, pet parents have become much more interested in learning more about plant-based options. After all, dogs need a certain amount of nutrients such as protein, fat, water, vitamins, minerals and carbohydrates, and consumers want to be sure that these needs are taken into account in herbal recipes.

Freshpet realizes that it’s important for pet parents to evaluate products to find the foods that best meet the needs of their furry friends. Here, we explore a brief overview of plant-based dog foods along with some commonly referenced benefits of these products.

Can dogs survive on all-plant-based dog food?

One of the biggest questions pet owners have about plant-based dog food is whether their dogs can meet their nutritional needs. This is an important question because we naturally want to provide our dogs with products that will allow them to live long, happy and healthy lives.

Many pet owners mistakenly believe that dogs are carnivores, which means they need meat as the mainstay of their diet to receive necessary nutrients. Experts have found that’s not the case, and dogs are actually omnivores who can get their nutrients from fruits and vegetables. This means that dogs can survive on plant-based dog food, but there are a few important things to keep in mind when evaluating plant-based products that don’t include animal protein in their diet. their recipes.

What’s the catch?

While dogs can get the nutrients they need from plant-based dog foods, finding the perfect balance can be difficult on strict vegan diets. Dogs need a certain amount of vitamins and minerals, which can vary depending on their breed, size and age. These requirements can make it difficult for them to get the right amount of each on a vegan diet alone. For this reason, experts recommend against giving your dog strict vegan products without first consulting a trusted veterinarian for dietary advice.

What is the difference between vegan and vegetarian dog food recipes?

When comparing vegetarian and vegan dog food options, it’s important to be aware of the key differences between these products. Vegan dog food is made entirely of plant proteins, fruits and vegetables formulated to ensure that dogs’ nutritional needs are met, but this balance can be difficult to achieve without the use of animal proteins, vitamins and minerals. associated with other products. .

Vegetarian pet foods differ from vegan products in that they generally contain eggs as a source of animal protein, along with fruits and vegetables. This minor distinction can make a huge difference in helping dogs get recommended amounts of vitamins and minerals while working to make the pet food industry more sustainable and inclusive. Freshpet recently entered the vegetarian dog food space with our Spring & Sprout line, which is 100% meat-free, uses cage-free eggs and includes protein-rich plant-based foods for a complete and balanced plant-based diet .

Are there any benefits to plant-based dog food?

As plant-based dog food options boom in popularity, experts and pet owners alike have conducted a lot of research to gauge the niche. Naturally, a popular question among pet parents is whether there are any benefits to feeding their dogs plant-based foods. Below are some of the most commonly cited potential benefits of plant-based diets for dogs.

Promotes sustainability in the pet food space

Sustainability has become a popular topic of discussion over the past few years and for good reason: protecting our planet for future generations is crucial. Many people subscribe to plant-based diets themselves because they realize that the meat production industry can have a negative environmental impact. Plant-based dog foods stand out as an effective way to reduce our dependence on meat production, which means huge amounts of water and energy can be saved while reducing waste production.

Provides potential solutions to allergies

Believe it or not, the most common food allergens for dogs are protein. Dogs that are fed a food that contains a high amount of protein to which they are allergic may exhibit a variety of symptoms, including itchy skin, vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, and lethargy. Foods that contain a blend of plant proteins may be a good choice for dogs with allergies to common animal protein sources and may help reduce symptoms associated with their allergies over time.

Contributes to healthy weight management

Dogs that have trouble digesting their food, due to allergies or otherwise, can often have issues that lead to them becoming overweight. An advantage of plant-based products is that plant-based diets are normally lean and contain easily digestible ingredients. This quality can help dogs maintain a healthy weight while helping them feel less weighed down and lethargic.

Includes anti-inflammatory and immune system boosting ingredients

Plant-based dog foods often contain fruits and vegetables with anti-inflammatory properties, which can help with certain inflammatory issues such as joint pain and arthritis commonly seen in older dogs as they age. age. This is because many fruits and vegetables contain antioxidants that protect dogs’ tissues from damage, reducing inflammatory responses that can impact their mobility. A bonus is that foods packed with antioxidants that are common ingredients in herbal products can also boost their immune system, providing a bit of protection against a host of conditions and diseases.

Considering a plant-based dog food for your four-legged friend?

Pet owners considering a plant-based diet for their dogs can rest assured that there are a variety of products formulated with their nutritional needs in mind. As with any other major change in a dog’s diet, pet owners will want to do the necessary research to make sure their choice is best for their furry friends. This due diligence should always include a visit to a trusted veterinarian who can be a great resource to learn more about their nutritional needs and whether a plant-based diet can properly accommodate them.