Can Dogs Thrive on Vegan Diets? A Closer Look at What the Science Says

As more people shift toward plant-based lifestyles, many dog owners are asking the same question: Can my dog be healthy on a vegan diet? A groundbreaking study published in PLOS ONE (Knight et al., 2022) offers some compelling insights—and challenges some long-held beliefs about canine nutrition.

In one of the largest studies of its kind, researchers surveyed more than 2,500 dog guardians from around the world to compare the health outcomes of dogs on vegan, conventional meat, and raw meat diets. The findings? Surprising to many—but encouraging to those exploring plant-based feeding options for their pets.

What the Study Looked At

The research team, led by Dr. Andrew Knight, conducted an international survey of 2,536 dog guardians. Participants reported what type of diet they fed their dogs and shared health-related information, such as:

• How often their dog visited the vet

• Whether their dog was on any medications

• Frequency of health disorders

• Perceived overall health

• Progression to serious illnesses

The diets were grouped into three categories:

1. Conventional meat-based diets (commercial kibble or wet food)

2. Raw meat diets (uncooked meat, often fed as part of a raw feeding trend)

3. Vegan diets (free from animal-derived ingredients, but nutritionally formulated)

Vegan Diets Show Promising Results

According to the study, dogs on vegan diets had slightly better overall health indicators than dogs fed conventional meat diets. These included:

• Fewer vet visits

• Less medication use

• Fewer reported health disorders

• Health conditions less likely to progress to serious illness

The researchers noted that vegan-fed dogs were less likely to suffer from common issues like skin irritations, allergies, and mobility problems.

The catch? The vegan diets must be nutritionally complete and properly formulated. Just like humans, dogs need a full range of essential nutrients—protein, fats, vitamins, and minerals—to stay healthy. Feeding your dog a homemade or poorly formulated vegan diet can lead to deficiencies.

What About Raw Meat Diets?

Interestingly, dogs on raw meat diets appeared to have the best health outcomes on several indicators, including reduced vet visits and fewer reported disorders. However, the researchers offered two major caveats:

1. Fewer vet visits don’t always mean better health—guardians feeding raw often avoid veterinarians due to skepticism of conventional medicine. This could mean some health issues are going undiagnosed.

2. Pathogen risk is significantly higher with raw meat diets. These diets can contain harmful bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli, posing risks not only to dogs but also to humans in the household—especially children and immunocompromised individuals.

So while raw-fed dogs seemed healthier on paper, the data may not tell the full story.

So, Can Dogs Be Vegan?

The study’s authors concluded that a nutritionally sound vegan diet is one of the healthiest dietary choices for dogs when properly formulated. Dogs, unlike cats, are facultative carnivores—they can digest and obtain nutrients from plant-based sources, as long as the amino acid, vitamin, and mineral profiles are complete.

Some of the healthiest diets in the study were commercial vegan formulas, not homemade meals. These formulas were specifically crafted to meet the nutritional requirements established by veterinary nutritionists and regulatory bodies like the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO).

Important Takeaways for Dog Owners

If you’re considering a vegan diet for your dog, here’s what you should keep in mind:

• Choose a reputable brand. Make sure the product is AAFCO-approved or meets FEDIAF standards.
• Consult your vet. Especially if your dog has specific medical conditions.
• Monitor for changes. Watch for signs of poor digestion, dull coat, or lethargy—and always do regular checkups.
• Don’t DIY unless you’re an expert. Homemade vegan diets can be risky unless formulated by a veterinary nutritionist.

Final Thoughts: Is Plant-Based the Future for Dogs?

While more research is needed—including long-term clinical trials—this large-scale study challenges the assumption that meat is the only path to good health for dogs. It shows that, with the right formulation, vegan dog food can support excellent health outcomes—and in some cases, even outperform conventional meat diets.

For many pet owners committed to sustainability and animal welfare, this research offers hope that their values and their pet’s health don’t have to be at odds.

Reference: Knight, A., Huang, E., Rai, N., & Brown, H. (2022). Vegan versus meat-based dog food: Guardian-reported indicators of health. PLOS ONE, 17(4), e0265662.