Dogs are carnivores - is it possible to feed them plant based food only?Updated 8 months ago

A dog is considered to be an eater of a mixed diet for its metabolism and nutritional needs [1]. In its diet, a dog should get the right number of calories and all the necessary nutrients to maintain health and well-being. Essential nutrients include e.g. proteins, fatty acids, certain minerals, and vitamins [1]. In addition to fat and protein, carbohydrates are added to food by carbohydrates.

Depending on the diet, the dog can get nutrients from a variety of raw materials, both from plant and animal-based ingredients. When using a plant-based diet, the digestibility of vegetable protein and the intake of all essential amino acids should be ensured. Alvar's kibbles Juuri (Root) with fava beans and oats is a complete food made from high-quality, highly digestible raw materials, designed according to the dogs' nutritional needs [1] and recommendations of the feed industry [2, 3]. The recipe has been complemented with vitamins and amino acids to achieve the right nutrient balance.

[1] National Research Council. 2006. Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. https://doi.org/10.17226/10668

[2] FEDIAF ‘Nutritional guidelines for complete and complementary pet food for cats and dogs’. European Pet Food Industry Federation, Belgium.

[3] AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles. In ‘Official publication of the Association of American Feed Control Officials’. U.S.