Canine nutrition study results support plant-based diet

A year-long study has found that a nutritionally complete plant-based diet can provide complete and balanced nutrition (K9PBN) for dogs during adult maintenance life stage. This first comprehensive study on the long-term effects of a plant-based diet for dogs was completed by clinician-scientists at Western University of Health Sciences' College of Veterinary Medicine. Results were announced earlier this week, during the 2023 Western Veterinary Conference in Las Vegas, Nevada.¹

Conducted by independent clinical researchers using K9BPN v-dog products1, the study enrolled 15 clinically healthy adult dogs. These dogs were evaluated with clinical, hematological, and nutritional parameters at 0 months, 6 months, and 12 months into the study.²

According to v-dog, which did not commission the research, the study represents an important contribution to the ongoing conversation about the health and environmental benefits of plant-based diets for companion animals. "[The study] demonstrates that a nutritionally complete plant-based diet can maximize the health and quality of life for dogs and reduce carbon paw-prints,” said Darren Middlesworth, president and CEO of the v-dog and v-planet brands, in an organizational release.¹

The study aimed to raise awareness about the efficacy of plant-based nutrition for dogs and the impact of dogs' dietary choices on the ecosystem. “The research underscores that a healthier, cruelty-free option for pet owners also has the potential to positively impact the environment and other animals. As ethical vegans first and a company second, we couldn't be prouder to offer v-dog and v-planet as an innovative solution to these pressing issues," Middlesworth added.¹

The study’s findings also included the following¹:

• Pet food is responsible for nearly 1/3 of the environmental impacts from industrial animal production in terms of land use, water consumption, fossil fuel use, biocide production, and waste production.
• Evolutionary adaptations enable dogs to optimize carbohydrate metabolism.
• Commercially available K9PBN products in the US provide all the necessary nutrients for a well-balanced diet for adult companion dogs today.
• Canine endurance athletes were proven to maintain optimal performance on a meat-free diet.
  
  

This alternative diet demonstrates the health benefits for dogs with a significant, positive impact on the environment, according to v-dog. "As animal lovers ourselves, we're thrilled to offer a complete and balanced plant-based diet for dogs that is backed by independent clinical research,” said Lindsay Rubin Carvalho, VP of v-planet, in the release^.1 “This study reinforces what we've known all along—that a nutritionally complete plant-based diet can extensively provide health benefits and protection for dogs. Our mission is to offer the best nutrition for our furry family members while also promoting a more sustainable and compassionate world for all animals."

According to the release, v-dog and v-planet are in the business to save animals and preserve the planet. The brands are committed to ensuring their products meet the dietary standards and guidelines set forth by the Association of American Feed Control Officials for healthy dogs^.1

References

1. V-dog study challenges conventional wisdom on canine nutrition. News release. V-dog. February 22, 2023.
2. Linde A, Lahiff, M, Krantz A, Sharp N, Ng TT, Melgarejo T. Domestic dogs maintain positive clinical, nutritional, and hematological health outcomes when fed a commercial plant-based diet for a year. bioRxiv. February 21, 2023. Accessed February 23, 2023. https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.02.18.525405v1.full