Can cats and dogs thrive on a vegan diet? Kingston shares expert advice.

Every January, the Veganuary campaign encourages people across the UK to try plant-based eating. But does it work for pets too? To help pet owners in Surrey understand what diet is safe for their pets this January, our veterinary team have put together the following advice. 

Get tailored nutritional advice for your pet by confacting us to book an appointment with our experienced registered veterinary nurses at Kingston.

Choosing the right diet for your pet

Kingston's veterinary surgeons and registered veterinary nurses are highly trained when it comes to providing guidance on proper pet nutrition and care. While humans can choose dietary preferences, it's crucial to prioritise the wellbeing and health of our pets by providing them with diets that meet their nutritional and health requirements.

The protein in your pet's diet provides them with amino acids, and these are essentially the building blocks of your pet's body. Our team at Kingston can advise you on the protein sources and levels your pet needs, as well as all other aspects of pet nutrition. Each type of pet will need a slightly different diet based on their size, exercise levels, age and health condition. So, consulting with our team at Kingston is the best way to ensure your pet is receiving the right balance of nutrition for their individual needs.

Can dogs eat a vegan diet?

A dog's diet must provide the right balance of essential nutrients like proteins, vitamins, and fats. Unlike their ancestors, today's dogs are omnivores, able to gain nutrients from both animal and plant sources. It's important to be aware that insufficient nutrition may lead to health conditions impacting your dog's heart, skin, coat, and immune system. While animal proteins provide high-quality ‘complete' proteins with optimal amino acid ratios, plant proteins can be more complex. They often contain compounds like tannins, which can bind to the protein and make it harder for your dog to absorb. 

That said, it's all about getting the right balance for your dog's individual needs. If you're considering trying a diet that's very different, such as a plant-based diet, your vet at Kingston will work with you to ensure your dog's new diet contains everything they need for optimum health.

Can cats eat a vegan diet?

Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning their bodies are specifically adapted to thrive on a diet rich in animal-based protein - quite the opposite of the Veganuary challenge. They require nutrients found only in animal tissue, and insufficient intake of these nutrients can lead to serious health issues.

Cats need 11 essential amino acids in their diet, which they cannot produce on their own. These amino acids - lysine, arginine, phenylalanine, histidine, isoleucine, leucine, methionine, taurine, valine, tryptophan, and threonine - are crucial for various aspects of health, including vision, heart function, muscle growth, and hormone balance. Without adequate amounts of these nutrients, cats are at risk of health conditions like vision impairment, heart disease, hormonal imbalances, and overall malnutrition.

Due to this, Kingston highly recommends that cats should not eat a vegan diet, to avoid putting their health at risk.

To learn more about your pet's individual nutritional needs, contact us to book an appointment with our experienced veterinary nurses in Kingston-upon-Thames.

Talk to our nurses about pet nutrition