Plant-based diets for companion animals are a growing area of interest among animal welfare advocates, with evidence suggesting vegan dogs can thrive, while cats present more complex nutritional challenges.
The question of plant-based diets for companion animals intersects animal welfare for pets and for the farm animals in conventional pet food. Evidence is emerging that nutritionally complete plant-based diets can maintain good health in dogs. Cats require more careful nutritional management but may tolerate well-formulated plant-based diets. The welfare of the farm animals in conventional pet food is a legitimate consideration alongside the health of individual pets.