Vegan Companion Animals
As the public becomes increasingly aware of the harmful consequences of animal agriculture against public health, animal welfare, and the environment, people are to opting to switch to a more vegetarian diet. For both ethical and health reasons, many people also choose to feed their companion animals vegetarian diets. Although the concept of feeding companion animals a vegan or vegetarian diet can be a controversial one, it remains veterinary consensus that dogs and (female) cats can not only be healthy, but thrive on such a diet [1]. As with any diet fed to companion animals, it is imperative that pet owners proceed under the guidance of a trained professional (their veterinarian) and select nutritionally complete pet foods that meet AAFCO guidelines.
Health Effects
Although there exists no long-term studies or systematic reviews of RCT's on vegan companion animals, there is a growing body of evidence (numerous controlled-feeding trials and population studies) indicating that dogs who are fed nutritionally complete and reasonably balanced vegan diets are just as healthy, and in some cases more healthy, than dogs being fed a conventional diet. For dogs, during standardized clinical examinations, no abnormalities are detected that are associated with a well-balanced vegetarian diet. Vegetarian show comparable levels of iron and B12 relative to dogs fed on conventional diets [2]. Some vegetarian are reported to have healthier and shinier coats. A study on sprint-racing Siberian huskies being fed an exclusively maize gluten and soybean diet found them to be in excellent physical condition, with none having developed anemia or other health problems[3].
Vegetarian Cats
While the research indicates that some cats can survive on a plant-based diet, veterinarians generally advise against it (particularly for male cats) until more thorough research is conducted. Although vegetarian and non-vegetarian dogs show comparable levels of nutrient profiles, vegetarian cats present abnormalities in significantly lower folic acid values, relative to cats fed a conventional diet [4], potentially putting them at increased risk of health problems. Because cats are obligate carnivores, they require all nine amino acid profiles, including arginine and taurine, which is found naturally in meat products and in supplements. Even cats (males in particular) who are being fed adequate plant-based diets are susceptible to developing feline lower urinary tract disease, due to the abnormally high alkaline pH of plant-based proteins relative to meat-based protein [5]. Vegetarian cat-owners should correct for urinary alkalinisation through appropriate dietary additives and make frequent check-ups with a veterinarian, should it occur.
AAFCO Feed
The Association of American Feed Control Officials is a non-profit organization that sets nutritional standards for both animal feeds and pet foods in the United States. For any dog or cat food to be considered “complete and balanced," it must meet the standards set by AAFCO. However, AAFCO neither enforces its standards nor 'certifies' pet food brands as generally nutritionally whole and complete, so it is dependent on the owner to purchase pet foods specially formulated to meet the standards of the AAFCO nutrient profiles.
