
Pet Food
Call for evidence-based positions on vegan diets
Summary
This technical letter, published in a leading UK veterinary journal, sheds light on some of the reason for the British Veterinary Association’s repeated opposition to vegan pet food – they appear to be crucially ignorant of key facts concerning this field. At least they’ve stated they will review their position in the future…
Knight A (2022). Call for evidence-based positions on vegan diets. Vet Times 52(29), p. 19.
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The weight-of-evidence position on vegan dog food
Summary
This technical letter, published in a leading UK veterinary journal, summarised the evidence extant by May 2022, about health outcomes of dogs on vegan vs meat-based diets. Four studies showed equivalent or superior health outcomes for dogs on vegan diets (compared to meat-based dog food), and one study (the oldest, smallest) showed a contrary result.
Knight A (2022). The weight-of-evidence position on vegan diets. Vet Times 52(21), 23.
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Vegan versus meat-based dog food: Guardian-reported indicators of health
Abstract
Knight A, Huang E, Rai N, Brown H (2022) Vegan versus meat-based dog food: Guardian-reported indicators of health. PLoS ONE 17(4): e0265662. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0265662.
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Vegan versus meat-based pet foods:
owner-reported palatability behaviours and implications for canine and feline welfare
Abstract
Consumer suspicion of conventional pet foods, along with perceived health benefits of alternative diets, are fuelling development of the latter. These include raw meat diets, in vitro meat products, and diets based on novel protein sources such as terrestrial and marine plants, insects, yeast and fungi. However, some claim vegan diets may be less palatable, or may compromise animal welfare. We surveyed 4,060 dog or cat guardians to determine the importance to them of pet food palatability, and the degree to which their animals displayed specific behavioural indicators of palatability at meal times. Guardians were asked to choose one dog or cat that had been within their household for at least one year, and not on a prescription or therapeutic diet. Of 3,976 respondents who played some role in pet diet decision-making, palatability was the third most important among 12 factors cited as important when choosing pet diets. For 1,585 respondents feeding conventional or raw meat diets, who stated they would realistically consider alternative diets, palatability was the fourth most important among 14 desired attributes. For the 2,308 dogs included, reported observations of 10 behavioural indicators of palatability at meal times reliably indicated significant effects of increased reports of appetitive behaviour by dogs on a raw meat diet, as opposed to a conventional diet. There was no consistent evidence of a difference between vegan diets and either the conventional or raw meat diets. For the 1,135 cats included, reported observations of 15 behavioural indicators indicated that diet made little difference to food-oriented behaviour. Based on these owner-reported behaviours, our results indicate that vegan pet foods are generally at least as palatable to dogs and cats as conventional meat or raw meat diets, and do not compromise their welfare, when other welfare determinants, such as nutritional requirements, are adequately provided.
Knight A and Satchell L, (2021). Vegan versus meat-based pet foods: owner-reported palatability behaviours and implications for canine and feline welfare. PLoS ONE 16(6): e0253292. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0253292.
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The nutritional soundness of meat-based and plant-based pet foods
Abstract
Knight A and Light N. (2021). The nutritional soundness of meat-based and plant-based pet foods. Revista Electronica De Veterinaria 22(1), 1 – 21.
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Vegetarian Versus Meat-based
Diets for Companion Animals
Summary
Knight, A. and Leitsberger, M. (2016). Vegetarian versus meat-based diets for companion animals. Animals 6, 57.
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Summaries
Vegan Diets for Companion Animals
Knight A (2018). Vegan diets for companion animals. The Healthy Pet Guide. Distributed with The Mail on Sunday, 14 Oct. 50 – 51.
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How to Safely Veganise Your Cat or Dog
Knight A (2018). How to safely veganise your cat or dog. Green for Life, winter. 16.
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Fishy Business?
Knight A (2008). Fishy business? Lifescape, May, 74-76.
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Vegan Animal Diets: Facts and Myths
Knight A (2015). Vegan animal diets: facts and myths. The Vegan Society [UK].
Debate About Vegan Cat Food
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