Can a dog – a descendant of the wolf – be fed a meat-free diet?
Even on a genetic level, the dog is no longer a wolf. As early as 2013, a study led by the Swedish researcher Erik Axelsson proved that dogs have adapted to human food over the course of domestication. For a very long time, this consisted primarily of plant-based components. Meat was a luxury good. Thus, throughout history, the dog has never received as much meat as it does today. This adaptation can be seen by comparing the genome of the dog and the wolf. This genetic change is responsible for the dog's ability to metabolize starch.
How can meat be replaced by plant-based ingredients?
According to animal nutrition experts, dogs are therefore able to obtain the nutrients contained in meat from other appropriate raw materials. They just need to be provided in a suitable form (learn more about our ingredients). Lupine, lentils, peas, and soy are currently the highest-quality proteins among plant-based feeds. In vegan dog food, they ensure the basic supply of essential amino acids. Essential fatty acids, such as omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, can be provided by various oils, among other sources. A complete vegan food—i.e., a food that is entirely nutritionally balanced—should include the addition of carnitine, taurine, vitamin B12, copper, and zinc, as well as raw materials containing EPA and DHA (other omega-3 fatty acids). According to animal nutrition experts, however, additives are necessary in any complete food, whether it is meat-based or plant-based. But why should you feed your dog a vegan diet at all? In addition to the case of food intolerance already explained, a vegan diet is also recommended for other conditions. One example is the disease leishmaniasis, which requires treatment. In this case, dogs benefit from a particularly low-purine diet.
For healthy dogs, vegan dog food can be a great way to do something good not only for your own dog but also for other animals. You don't necessarily have to feed your dog a vegan diet seven days a week. Even one, two, or three days a week help not only to provide the dog with a healthier diet but also to reduce mass meat consumption and, consequently, protect the environment. So, why not?
You can find more detailed information about the feasibility in our Nutrition ABC.