Feeding the dog - a descendant of the wolf - a meatless diet?

Even on a genetic level, the dog is no longer a wolf. As early as 2013, a study by Swedish researcher Erik Axelsson proved that dogs have adapted to the diet of humans over the course of domestication. For a very long time, this consisted primarily of plant-based components. Meat was a luxury good. Throughout history, dogs have never had as much meat as they do today. This adaptation can be recognized by comparing the genetic make-up of dogs and wolves. This genetic change is responsible for the dog's ability to metabolize starch.

How can meat be replaced by plant-based substances?

According to animal nutrition experts, dogs are therefore able to obtain the nutrients contained in meat from other corresponding raw materials. You just have to provide it in a suitable form (find out more about our ingredients). Lupin, lentils, peas and soy are currently the highest quality proteins among plant-based foods. They guarantee the basic supply of essential amino acids in vegan dog food. Essential fatty acids, such as omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, can u.a. be provided by various oils. A complete vegan feed, d.h. a feed that completely covers the requirements, should contain the addition of carnithine, taurine, vitamin B12, copper, zinc and raw materials that contain EPA and DHA (other omega-3 fatty acids). However, according to animal nutrition experts, additives are necessary for every complete feed. It doesn't matter whether the feed contains meat or plants. But why should you feed your dog a vegan diet at all? In addition to the case of food intolerance already explained, a vegan diet is also recommended for other diseases. One example would be the disease leishmaniasis, which requires treatment. In this case, dogs benefit from a particularly low-purine diet.

For healthy dogs, vegan dog food can be a good way to do something good not only for your own dog, but also for other animals. You don't necessarily have to feed your dog a vegan diet seven days a week. Even one, two or three days a week not only helps to feed your dog a healthier diet, but also to reduce meat consumption and thus protect the environment. So why not?

You can find out more about how to do this in our Food ABC.