Plant-based proteins have become strong marketing claims for pet foods and treats. To take it a step further, non-meat or no-animal protein options are making their entry into pet food — especially dog foods. Traditionally, these foods have been positioned on the notion that the dog is a carnivore and needs animal-based ingredients to thrive. It is certainly easier to formulate a nutritionally complete diet for dogs using animal-based proteins and fats. However, the dog is an opportunistic omnivore and capable of surviving on a plant-based, vegetarian or vegan diet, especially our spoiled urban couch potato dogs. We do have the ability to formulate and produce these diets. How is this possible and what special ingredient considerations must be considered?
To find the answers, it is probably best to back our way into it. Based simply on the nutrient requirements of dogs and the composition of most plant sources for ingredients, one can determine likely shortcomings. Depending on the plant source, it might include one or more amino acids. Instances of lysine, methionine, arginine, threonine or tryptophan shortcomings have been identified, depending on the selection of ingredients included. Shortages of minerals such as calcium, phosphorus (available), potassium and iodine have been noted as well. Vitamins like riboflavin and B12 are obvious, and the long-chain omega-3 fatty acids like EPA and DHA are not produced by plants. A supplemental form, possibly synthetic, would need to be provided to bring diets up to par.
