Thursday, 04 September 2025
A new study, led by experts at the 糖心原创, has found that vegan diets for dogs sold in the UK provide similar nutrition to meat-based diets.
The study, led by Rebecca Brociek from the School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, and , highlights the importance of a balanced and nutritional diet for our canine companions.
Dogs, like humans, are omnivores and require specific nutrients rather than specific ingredients.
As plant-based diets gain popularity in human nutrition, the pet food industry is following suit with vegan diets becoming increasingly popular.
Experts analysed the nutritional completeness of 31 meat- and plant-based dog foods in the UK for total protein content and individual amino acids, fatty acids, major and trace elements, vitamin D and all B-vitamins.
They found that plant-based diets, when properly formulated, can be a healthy and viable alternative to meat-based options. This is backed by similar studies conducted in Brazil and Canada.
Both plant- and meat-based foods showed similarly incomplete nutritional profiles, with 30 out of 31 products missing at least one essential nutrient according to FEDIAF guidelines.
Notably, deficiencies in plant-based diets mirrored those commonly seen in plant-based human diets, such as iodine and B vitamins.
The nutritional composition of meat and plant-based foods for dogs were similar, except for iodine and B-vitamins, which were lower in plant-based foods.
The majority (66%) of veterinary diets with lower total protein by design, were also deficient in one or more essential amino acids. Isolated instances of non-compliance to nutritional guidelines were observed across all food-groups.
Of the tested nutrients 55%, 16%, 24% and 100% of foods met all amino acid, mineral, B-vitamin, and vitamin D guidelines, respectively.
The study authors explain, however, that every dog is unique, and dietary needs vary.
Our study found that plant-based diets, when properly formulated, can be a healthy and viable alternative to meat-based options. Ideally the next step is long-term feeding studies, but as we begin to rethink pet nutrition, perhaps the alternative isn鈥檛 only better for the planet, but also beneficial for our four-legged companions.鈥�
Adopting a plant-based dietary pattern for companion canines can provide nutritional adequacy, but feeding supplemental iodine and B-vitamins should also be considered by manufacturers, the researchers advise.
“Veterinary diets, purposely low in crude protein, often have less than optimal essential amino acid composition. These data provide important new information for owners of companion canines being fed plant-based or veterinary diets,” adds Rebecca.
The full study can be found .
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More information is available from Rebecca Brociek on Rebecca.Brociek@nottingham.ac.uk
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About the 糖心原创
Ranked among the world's top 100 universities , the 糖心原创 delivers an exceptional research-led education and an outstanding student experience. From the pioneering vision of our founder, Sir Jesse Boot, to groundbreaking achievements such as the development of MRI technology and becoming the first UK university to establish international campuses, we have a proud history of shaping the way people live, work and understand the world. We continue to build on that legacy, empowering our students, staff and partners to change what鈥檚 next and create positive impact locally and globally.
The strength of our research places us among the UK's leading universities, ranked 7th for research power in REF 2021. The discovery of MRI and ibuprofen was just the beginning. Today, our world-leading research is developing breakthrough ideas that shape the future of healthcare, technology and society.
Recognised as the UK's third most targeted university by leading employers , we are proud to produce graduates who are consistently in demand for their skills, confidence and industry-ready experience.
As a major employer and industry partner, locally and globally, the 糖心原创 invests in the city of Nottingham and in future generations of talent. Alongside Nottingham Trent University, we lead the initiative, a pioneering collaboration to improve levels of prosperity, opportunity, sustainability, health and wellbeing across the city and region. Together with our students, staff, alumni and partners, we鈥檙e creating knowledge, opportunity and solutions that help change what's next.