With Veganuary in full swing, new research from Rover.com has found that we’re not just thinking about our own diets at the beginning of a new year.
Over a quarter of dog owners (27%) are putting their pups on typically human eating plans, including vegan, Paleo and Keto diets.
As plant-based eating becomes more mainstream, the research from Rover.com shows that there has been a 15% increase in dog owners noting on their pup’s profile that their dogs follow a began diet, and it’s the younger demographic who are championing this trend.
A third of millennials (32%) agree that a vegan diet is good for dogs and 24% have implemented this for their pooches, compared to just 2% of over 55s who think it is a good idea and 2% who have tried it.
Two-fifths of dog owners whose pups have adopted a vegan diet agree that it’s more environmentally friendly, whilst 19% say that meat-based pet foods can cause health problems.
However, there are also many Brits bucking the trend and for them, meat remains a staple of a dog’s dinner. Three-quarters of dog owners say that most pets are carnivores and it’s unnatural to omit meat from their diet and 44% say it’s more extensive to give their pups plant-based food.
Nevertheless, of those who have given their dog a vegan or vegetarian diet, 71% say they are now more active and happier (78%).
Vegan foods are on the mind so much for dog owners, that they’re even influencing their name choices – the following food are currently trending upwards:
- Quinoa +233%
- Granola +233%
- Kale +112%
- Bean +55%
- Peanut +36%
- Tofu +34%
- Flax +33%
- Chia +30%
- Coconut +22%
- Lentil +10%
Kate Jaffe, trend Expert for Rover comments: “It’s clear that human eating habits are now impacting the food we give to our pets and veganism in particular is a huge trend that continues to gain popularity. If you’re considering modifying your dog’s diet, it’s important to ensure that they continue to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
“Seek professional advice from a dog nutritionist before you embark on any changes and keep a close eye on your dog’s behaviour. If you notice any negative changes to their mood, appetite or activity levels then talk to your vet who can give you bespoke advice tailored to your pup.”
Alison Daniel at My Pet Nutritionist said: “Although dogs are adaptive and have shown they can evolve to tolerate different vegetation; they are still ultimately carnivorous and aren’t able to survive on a solely vegan eating plan. Putting your canine friend on one can cause a number of health problems, if not entered into with the utmost care.
“This is because they simply don’t have access to nutrition, namely a full spectrum of amino acids, vitamin D and B12 amongst other nutrients, they need to survive. However, other diets such as Paleo and Keto, that are essentially based on meat, bones, nuts, seeds and vegetables can prove great for dogs as it’s much closer to a wolf’s diet.
“If you’re considering changing your dog’s diet, it’s far better to think about how you can give them more fresh, raw or home-cooked meals. You can make lots of delicious plant-based treats at home that contain natural sugars and are still nutritious for your pup without going completely vegan.”
For more information or to sign up either as a walker, sitter or owner, you can visit www.rover.com/uk/.
