Plant-based diets contribute to your pet's health

A new study examined the health of 2,536 dogs fed conventional and raw meat, as well as plant-based diets for at least a year.

The study recorded and studied seven disease indicators as well as 22 specific health disorders. The results showed that dogs fed a plant-based diet had better health than those fed conventional meat on all seven measures, a difference described as "significant and statistically significant." Dogs fed a plant-based diet were also more than 50 percent less likely to develop six specific health disorders—weight problems, musculoskeletal problems, gastrointestinal problems, swollen anal glands, and dental or oral problems. Not a single common health disorder was found in dogs fed a plant-based diet.

Additionally, dogs in the plant-based diet group were 21% less likely to visit the veterinarian multiple times a year, 33% less likely to be considered unwell, and 33% less likely to take medications compared to dogs on a traditional meat-based diet. also significantly reduced.

Overall, dogs eating raw meat seemed to have better outcomes than dogs eating conventional food, but worse than dogs eating a plant-based diet. However, the study authors note that owners who fed raw meat were less likely to visit a veterinarian, meaning these dogs may be in much worse health than the results suggest. Additionally, they warn that a raw meat diet may harm health due to pathogen contamination and nutritional deficiencies.

A growing body of research shows that plant-based diets are good for dogs; in 2022, a peer-reviewed study by British pet food brand Omni found that dog owners reported several statistically significant changes after switching to Omni’s plant-based pet foods Changes include improvements in digestion and activity levels. Additionally, research conducted in Canada last year found that dogs fed plant-based and meat-based diets had equally good health outcomes. Torque also reported last year that a 12-month study conducted by clinical scientists at Western University of Health Sciences' College of Veterinary Medicine was the first comprehensive investigation into the long-term effects of a plant-based diet on adult dogs. Provides complete and balanced nutrition for adult dogs. Earlier this year, the British Veterinary Medical Association (BVA) also issued a statement changing its policy, acknowledging that "it is OK to feed dogs a plant-based diet".

?

?