Dogs should go vegan with carrots and broccoli healthier than meat, study reveals

Forget giving your dog a bone, new research has revealed that feeding your dog greens may be healthier and safer than cooked meat.

The "largest study to date exploring health outcomes of dogs" examined 2,536 owners who fed their pets either a conventional meat, raw meat or vegan diet. 

Its findings suggest that "the healthiest and least hazardous dietary choices for dogs are nutritionally sound vegan diets".

This means we could see a surprising change in the foods owners feed their pets.

Veterinary Professor of Animal Welfare at the University of Winchester, Andrew Knight, and his colleagues, published the results of the study in the scientific journal PLOS ONE.

Vegan diets were found to be nutritionally sound (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

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Prof. Knight said: "Statistical analysis of the survey results suggested that, overall, dogs on conventional diets were less healthy than dogs on raw meat or vegan diets.

"Dogs on raw meat diets appeared to be healthier than those on vegan diets."

However, researchers noted several factors that prevent a conclusion that raw meat diets are healthier.

Dogs on raw meat diets were significantly younger than those on vegan diets, which could explain why they appeared to be healthier.

Dogs on raw meat diets were also less likely to be taken to a vet, and previous research has indicated that the owners of dogs on raw meat diets are less likely to seek veterinary advice.

Owners may change to unconventional diets (Getty Images/Westend61)

Previous studies have linked raw meat diets for dogs to increased risk of pathogens and nutritional deficiencies.

Prof. Knight believes further research is needed to confirm whether a raw meat or a vegan diet is associated with better dog health.

There are many factors that may influence dog owners to choose unconventional diets for their pets, including environmental concerns, the treatment of animals used as food and the health of their pets.

If you're thinking of introducing more vegan-friendly foods into your dog's diet, the following can be safely enjoyed according to Rover :

• Carrots, broccoli, and other veggies
• Rice
• Quinoa
• Lentils
• Certain types of beans (but keep in mind, for most dogs, beans = flatulence)
• Dark, leafy greens like spinach and kale

Do you have a dog story to tell? Contact nia.dalton@reachplc.com.