A groundbreaking study conducted by researchers at the University of Nottingham has challenged long-held assumptions about canine nutrition, particularly concerning the viability of plant-based diets for dogs. Published in the renowned journal PLOS One, this novel research offers compelling evidence that vegan diets, when carefully formulated and balanced, can provide nutrition comparable to traditional meat-based dog foods widely available in the UK market. The findings could have far-reaching implications for pet owners, veterinarians, and the pet food industry as a whole, especially at a time when sustainability and ethical considerations are driving changes in both human and animal dietary practices.
Led by Rebecca Brociek from the School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, the study undertook a comprehensive nutritional analysis of 31 commercially available dry dog foods—both meat-based and plant-based. The research focused on an extensive spectrum of nutrients essential to canine health, including total protein content, individual amino acid profiles, fatty acids, major and trace minerals, vitamin D, and the complete range of B-vitamins. The comparative approach allowed for an in-depth assessment of whether plant-based formulations could meet the rigorous standards set by regulatory bodies such as the European Pet Food Industry Federation (FEDIAF).
Central to the researchers’ inquiry was the recognition that dogs are biologically omnivores; they require a variety of nutrients irrespective of their source. This challenges the often culturally entrenched notion that meat constitutes an indispensable part of a canine diet. Instead, the study emphasized nutrient presence and bioavailability as the critical factors, redirecting the focus toward formulating nutritionally complete diets that may or may not include animal-derived ingredients. The team further contextualized this shift by noting the progressive rise of plant-based eating patterns among humans, suggesting a parallel transformation in pet nutrition driven by ethical, environmental, and health considerations.
Analysis revealed that, when properly formulated, plant-based dog foods can indeed serve as a healthy and sustainable alternative to conventional meat-based products. Interestingly, the study identified that both categories of foods demonstrated certain nutritional gaps — with 30 out of the 31 analyzed products lacking at least one essential nutrient based on FEDIAF guidelines. This underscores the inherent challenge facing commercial pet food formulations regardless of their source material, highlighting the need for ongoing vigilance and reformulation by manufacturers to ensure comprehensive nutrient profiles.
The investigation also unveiled specific nutrient shortfalls that appear predominantly in plant-based diets, most notably deficiencies in iodine and various B-vitamins. These findings are reminiscent of similar nutritional concerns documented in human vegan diets, pointing to the intrinsic challenges in sourcing and supplementing these critical micronutrients exclusively from plant material. Given the vital roles of iodine in thyroid function and B-vitamins in metabolic processes, this aspect underscores the importance of careful supplementation and formulation in alternative pet food products.
Despite the observed deficits, the overall nutritional composition between meat- and plant-based dog foods was largely comparable. This parity, balancing macronutrients such as protein and amino acids with essential vitamins and minerals, speaks to the potential for well-designed plant-based diets to meet a dog’s dietary requirements. Nevertheless, the research highlighted that veterinary diets, which are often intentionally lower in crude protein to address specific health needs, frequently exhibited suboptimal essential amino acid concentrations. This revelation raises concerns about the adequacy of specialty therapeutic diets and their capacity to maintain nutritional balance.
Of the dog foods analyzed, compliance rates with nutrient guidelines varied: 55% of foods met all amino acid criteria, 16% complied with mineral requirements, only 24% satisfied B-vitamin thresholds, while every product achieved vitamin D adequacy. These statistics serve as a sobering reminder that nutrient completeness remains an unresolved issue across all categories of commercial pet foods. It further emphasizes the critical role of regulatory frameworks such as those from FEDIAF to guide manufacturers in bridging nutritional gaps and safeguarding canine health.
The researchers stressed that while the current study offers valuable insights into nutrient composition, it does not replace the necessity for long-term feeding trials. Every dog possesses unique metabolic demands influenced by age, breed, activity level, and health status, factors that necessitate personalized dietary considerations. Forward-looking studies that evaluate the physiological impacts, health outcomes, and welfare implications of sustained plant-based feeding regimens in dogs will be essential to fully validate the safety and efficacy of vegan diets in diverse canine populations.
Rebecca Brociek articulated an optimistic vision for the evolving landscape of pet nutrition: “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’t only better for the planet but also beneficial for our four-legged companions.” This statement encapsulates a growing acknowledgment that sustainable pet feeding practices need not compromise, and may even enhance, animal health and welfare.
From an industry perspective, the findings advocate for enhanced formulation strategies that address known nutrient deficiencies in plant-based diets, particularly the targeted supplementation of iodine and B-vitamins. Such fortification could mitigate risks associated with imbalanced micronutrient profiles and align with veterinary best practices. Moreover, the study raises a flag regarding veterinary diets purposefully designed with reduced crude protein; manufacturers and veterinary professionals must remain attentive to balancing these diets to avoid compromising essential amino acid intake.
Ultimately, this pioneering research paves the way for a paradigm shift in companion animal nutrition—a shift that embraces ecological responsibility without sacrificing nutritional adequacy. By illuminating the potential for nutritionally complete vegan dog foods, backed by robust analytical data, the study challenges pet owners and the industry to reevaluate entrenched dietary conventions. As consumer interest in ethical and sustainable products continues to rise, veterinary science and food technology are poised to advance innovative solutions that benefit dogs, their owners, and the planet alike.
Subject of Research: Animals
Article Title: Nutritional analysis of commercially available, complete plant- and meat-based dry dog foods in the UK
News Publication Date: 3-Sep-2025
Web References: DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0328506
Keywords: Dogs
