Analysis of 16 studies on the impact of vegan diets on cat and dog hea

Analysis of 16 studies on the impact of vegan diets on cat and dog health

Domínguez-Oliva et al. (2023) concluded, “there was no overwhelming evidence of adverse effects arising from use of these diets and there was some evidence of benefits.

Much of these data were acquired from guardians via survey-type studies, but these can be subject to selection biases, as well as subjectivity around the outcomes. However, these beneficial findings were relatively consistent across several studies and should, therefore, not be disregarded.”

They advised, “… if guardians wish to feed their companion animals vegan diets, a cautious approach should be taken using commercially produced diets which have been formulated considering the nutritional needs of the target species.” [i.e., that are nutritionally-sound*].

*Virchew diets have been formulated to meet or exceed AAFCO guidelines to be 'complete and balanced' by Board Certified Veterinary Nutritionists.

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Additional studies:

Dodd et al. (2022) collected dietary information from 1189 dog guardians, including 357 implementing solely vegan diets, who fed these diets for 3 years on average. Vegan dogs were reportedly more likely to experience very good health, and less likely to suffer ocular, gastrointestinal and hepatic disorders. No health disorders were more likely, and longevity of previously owned dogs was reportedly 1.5 years greater, when fed purely vegan diets. These reported differences were statistically significant.

Knight et al. (2022) studied 2536 dogs fed vegan or meat-based diets for at least one year. Included were guardian opinions of health—which are not always reliable—as well as a range of more objective data, such as prevalence of medication usage. Seven general health indicators were examined, along with the prevalence of 22 of the most common canine health disorders. The researchers concluded that the healthiest and least hazardous diets for dogs were nutritionally sound vegan diets. Some differences were statistically significant.

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