The Argument for Dogs Going Vegetarian

New research offers at least two good reasons for feeding dogs a plant-based diet, based on nutritional benefits and environmental concerns

Mango will eat just about anything. We did NOT serve her coffee, but here she shows the lengths she’ll go to for a meal. Photos by the author

Our beloved pooch, Mango, eats carrot peelings and just about any other human food we put in front of her. She’s not wild about apples, but she’ll eat an apple core now and then. Mostly she gets high-priced “science-based” dry dog food packed with beef and liver or chicken or whatever creature-based meat one might expect a dog must eat.

But here’s the thing: We used to think humans needed lots of meat, too. But countless studies find that leaning into plant-heavy diets is notably healthier than diets rich in red meat, especially lunch meats, hot dogs and other processed meats. Other research shows convincingly that plant-based human food has far less impact on the environment than meat-driven diets, given the far bigger footprint for land and water use and the contribution to climate change.

So I’ve long wondered if dogs could be vegetarians. New research provides compelling food for thought on what just might be a wise choice for dogs (based on nutrition), humans (in terms of cost) and the planet.