Along with the growing trend of people making more ethical and environmentally sound choices in transport and diet is the emergence of a movement for lower impact companion animals.

Part of this is feeding cats and dogs alternative diets that could even extend to vegetarian or vegan. The topic was presented at the recent Companion Animals NZ Conference, of which PD Insurance was the main sponsor.

Now, says the pet insurance specialist’s Chief Operating Officer Michelle Le Long, while that may seem a little odd since cats are ‘obligate carnivores’ (while dogs are omnivores, much like many people), it doesn’t necessarily mean animals receiving such diets aren’t getting properly fed.

“On the face of it, a vegan diet does seem inappropriate. However, the situation is a little more nuanced, with modified vegetable proteins and laboratory-grown meat providing previously unavailable nutritional options compatible with the environmentally conscious pet parent,” she says.

“Still, a detailed discussion with your vet is a hugely important step to take before heading down this path with your pet.”

Climate change and environmental concerns

Le Long says much attention is focused on climate change and the impact on human and animal health, welfare and safety. “We’ve seen recent weather events driving home the necessity for careful preparations for natural disasters and emergencies – and those preparations should extend to your companion animals too.”

Environmental responsibility, which can include using more efficient transport, choosing products based on the use of recycled or repurposed packaging, and making conscious food choices are all small actions that, cumulatively, can have a major impact.

“And now, there are movements encouraging similar choices for companion animals – the type of food, source of food, and packaging with a biodegradable product rather than a plastic one, means reducing the environmental impact of caring for these animals,” she explains.

Le Long stresses that these choices must be informed and shouldn’t harm the animals in question. “It’s really worth speaking to the experts on this subject.”

The vet’s view

One such expert is Veterinarians for Animal Welfare managing director Dr. Helen Beattie.

“There’s plenty of research on vegan diets for cats and dogs,” she says. “The starting point is probably ‘can it be done, while keeping animals healthy?’ And the answer, I think, is yes.”

One such example of that research is industry body UK Pet Food. It has published a fact sheet[1] which notes that ‘manufactured vegetarian and vegan diets are now available for both cats and dogs. With advancing technology and research, nutrients that were previously only available from animal-based ingredients can now be made synthetically or be sourced from novel ingredients.’

However, the fact sheet also recommends an abundance of caution: ‘Whilst it is technically possible to make complete and balanced vegetarian and vegan diets for dogs and cats, these require careful formulation by highly qualified animal nutritionists to ensure that they meet the needs of pets at their various life stages, as well as addressing the particular needs of the species concerned’.

Beattie raises a further caveat. “There is an additional aspect: What do the animals prefer? We ought not assume that vegan ethics reflect what our animals want.”

Describing this issue as ‘a rabbit hole of complexity’, Dr. Beattie says philosophical and ethical questions arise which are best addressed by individual companion animal parents. “There are competing aspects around agency, positive welfare, naturalness, and more.”

She does advocate holistic views on sustainability including moving towards farming systems shift to low energy, high diversity, light-footprinted ones, for ‘people and animal’ food.

“We need to live within the ecological limits of the planet, which will mean less of us and fewer companion and farmed animals overall. To do so, we need to consume less energy in everything we do, including how we farm and feed our animals.”

Beattie notes that artificial monocultures – whether they are animal or plant – do not support ecological health, and urges caution in thinking plant based is better.

“The impact of the whole system needs to be considered, including inputs like herbicides and pesticides, and the impact of a plant monoculture on biodiversity. There is no quick fix; systems’ thinking and an holistic approach is what is needed,” she implores.

An interesting notion worth considering

Without advising or discouraging vegetarian or vegan diets for companion animals, Le Long says the concept is fascinating particularly as it is enabled by emerging technology, which in turn allows the production of ‘meat like’ proteins suitable as animal feed.

“As always, being informed is invaluable, and your local vet is the best source of advice specific to your cat or dog. And that most definitely goes for anyone considering any adjustments or changes to their companion’s diet,” Le Long concludes.

[1] https://www.ukpetfood.org/resource/vegetarian-and-vegan-diets-factsheet.html

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Leandri Smith – The Mail Room 
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