PLANT-BASED RESEARCH FOR DOGS - QUICK LINKS!
🌱 Plant-Based Diets for Dogs – What the Evidence Tells us
2025 saw the most headlines yet, for plant-based pet nutrition.
Bravo to the dedicated researchers and open-minded, pioneering veterinary professionals who are leading this much-needed evidence for the global pet industry.
As more research emerges and public interest grows, it's undeniable: plant-based diets (especially a NON-kibble diet like Virchew) when properly formulated, can support a dog's long-term health while reducing their environmental pawprint and harm to other animals.
Below is our special curated roundup of health research, environmental impact studies, and recent media coverage to help you explore the truth beyond the bowl.
✅ HEALTH BENEFITS – BACKED BY RESEARCH
2025 – "I fed my dog vegan kibble for a year. Why the switch is now permanent." - The Washington Post (includes links to credible research)
2025 – Different carbohydrate sources in dog foods supported overall health and cardiac function – Journal of Animal Science
2025 – Vegan dog food provides similar nutrients to meat-based diets – PLOS One
2025 – The fecal metabolomic signature of a plant-based (vegan) diet compared to an animal-based diet – Journal of Animal Science
2024 – Dogs fed vegan diets had the best overall health outcomes compared to conventional or raw diets, with fewer health disorders – Heliyon – ScienceDirect
2024 – A controlled trial confirmed dogs remained healthy on diets with up to 45% pulse inclusion (peas, lentils), replacing grains and meat – Journal of Nutritional Science
2023 – Dogs maintained excellent health for a full year on a complete plant-based diet featuring pea protein - Pet Food Industry
2022 – Survey by Omni (UK) found major health improvements in dogs fed a vegan diet, including better digestion, reduced anxiety, and improved coat health - Vegconomist
2022 – Peer-reviewed study of 1,201 dogs revealed plant-based fed dogs were less prone to health disorders and lived up to 1.5 years longer -
ScienceDaily summary | Fortune Journals PDF
2022 – Dogs on vegan diets had fewer vet visits and were less likely to suffer from gastrointestinal, skin, and age-related issues - Earth.com
2022 – Nutrient absorption on a vegan diet shown to be excellent with appropriate formulation - Vecado Study
2022 – Comprehensive meta-analysis of 16 peer-reviewed studies confirms plant-based diets are associated with equal or better health outcomes
Frontiers in Veterinary Science
2022 – British Veterinary Association ends opposition to vegan dog food, confirming it can meet nutritional needs - Plant Based News
2016–2020 – V-Dog blog compiles evidence showing reduced cancer, arthritis, allergies, and diabetes on vegan diets - V-Dog Blog
Ongoing – Survey of 1,189 North American guardians: dogs on vegan diets less likely to suffer GI, liver, and eye disorders; lived longer -
SustainablePetFood.info
2013 – Dogs genetically adapted to digest starch and thrive on plant-based foods, showing co-evolution with humans - Nature
🌍 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT – A GROWING CONCERN
2024 – In-depth op-ed on the massive carbon footprint of traditional pet food and the promise of plant-based alternatives
Plant Based News – Opinion Piece
2023 - The relative benefits for environmental sustainability of vegan diets for dogs, cats and people
2023 - The Environmental Impact of Pets: Working Towards Sustainable Pet Ownership
2022 – Illustrated breakdown of how feeding pets meat-based diets contributes significantly to climate change
Vox Comic Feature
2017 – Research estimates U.S. dogs and cats create 64 million tons of CO₂ annually due to meat-heavy diets
PLOS One Study
🗞️ RECENT MEDIA & POP CULTURE SPOTLIGHT
2025 – The Washington Post
"I fed my dog vegan kibble for a year. Why the switch is now permanent."
Read more here → (includes links to credible research)
2025 – EIN Presswire
“Plant-Based Dog Food is on the Rise—And That’s Good News for the Planet"
Analyzing 4,563 dog food products, the researchers found that plant-based options have grown dramatically, with new product launches rising from just nine in 2020 to 57 in 2024.
2025 – Globe and Mail Canada
“Plant-Powered Pups: New Study Shows Dramatic Environmental Gains From Plant-Based Dog Food in the UK
A new life cycle assessment of 31 dry dog foods in the UK reveals that plant-based diets consistently outperform meat-based alternatives across every major environmental measure.
2025 – Vet Times
“Plant-based canine diet has much less environmental impact – study" Red meat-based foods were found to be particularly impactful across the environmental metrics measured in the study.
2025 – The Netherlands - TV Programme
“The dietary ecological footprint of an average dog.”
A compelling article discussing ethics, veterinary support, and firsthand results.
Read or Watch it here → May have to translate to English or find it on Instagram
2024 – The Spectator
“Why My Dog is Vegan – And Yours Should Be Too”
A compelling article discussing ethics, veterinary support, and firsthand results.
2024 – Netflix: You Are What You Eat (Docuseries)
“Can Dogs Live on a Plant-Based Diet?”
A balanced, science-based episode exploring whether dogs can thrive without meat.
Ongoing – V-Dog blog details how agriculture and human co-evolution influenced canine digestion
How Agriculture Changed Dogs’ Diets – V-Dog