Is it possible to feed your pet without meat? While vegetarian diets are often praised for their benefits to human health, the question arises as to whether they are suitable for cats and dogs.
Scientific research is providing some initial answers to this question, exploring the possibility of meat-free diets for our four-legged friends.
Not recommended for cats
The cat is a strictly carnivorous animal whose digestive system is uniquely adapted to animal proteins. As Dr Charlotte Devaux explained in 2018 to the French magazine Sciences et Avenir, “the cat is a strict carnivore that needs animal tissues in its diet to obtain the essential elements it needs”.
Nevertheless, a 2023 British study reported that “vegan” cats made fewer visits to the vet than those following a more conventional diet. They also tended to take less medication than their carnivorous counterparts, even if they were of a certain age or neutered.
Notably, spayed or neutered cats must follow a special diet to prevent them from becoming overweight and forming bladder stones.
However, despite these findings, the study data should be treated with caution. Firstly, because the subject requires further research, but also because, like humans, cats can suffer significant nutritional deficiencies.
Dr Justine Shotton, president of the British Veterinary Association, has commented on the subject, warning of the potential risks.
“While on paper, a vegan diet for cats may include supplements or alternatives to animal-based protein, for example, there is no guarantee that these would be bioavailable to the cat or that they wouldn’t interfere with the action of other nutrients,” she said.
It is, therefore, advisable to wait for more in-depth research on the subject and, above all, to consult a veterinarian before changing your cat’s diet.
More potential for dogs
Unlike cats, dogs are omnivores; they have become accustomed to eating leftovers from human diets. Their food intake is more varied, including meat, starchy foods, and vegetables.
A study from the University of Winchester, published in 2022, showed that dogs on a plant-based diet appeared to be healthier than those on a diet that included meat.
The study reported that dogs on a meat-free eating plan were four times less likely to require a visit to the vet than those on a conventional diet. In addition, these dogs generally showed better overall health and were less prone to digestive disorders.
Dogs with allergies or difficulty tolerating conventional kibbles may also benefit from a vegan diet.
Still, it’s important to remain vigilant about canines’ nutrient intake to avoid deficiencies. “Dogs are omnivorous animals, so they can cope with a vegan diet, as long as they get enough plant proteins,” says veterinarian Francis Périn.
“Even so, a dog needs more protein than humans (30-35%). It will also need to be provided with complementary vitamins and minerals,” the expert concluded.