In 2022, I stepped completely out of my comfort zone and I booked a stand at the London Vet Show and I gave a talk about the health benefits of vegan dog foods. Every year, the British Veterinary Association (BVA) announced to all the vets in the UK that it was not recommended to feed dogs a vegan diet, as the company that sponsors them (Mars Petcare who owns Royal Canin) were opposed to it with Royal Canin owning no plant-based options and even going so far as being possibly the least ethical and sustainable of all the pet foods as shown by this article.
I returned again to the London Vet show in 2023, as this time, I was determined to get the President of the BVA Dr Anna Judson to come and listen to my talk - surely being an environmental vet, and the same age as me would have some sway?
I remember how anxious I felt that day going up to her with my heart racing and inviting her to my talk about sustainable and kind plant-based dog food, and why every veterinary practice should stock it.
She brushed me off very quickly as she had to give a talk herself about the XL-Bully attacks, and my heart sank. I gave my talk and held back the tears as I spoke of the devastation of the meat industry on our environment and the harm of these high animal fat pet foods on our dogs. I had a large number of vets who listened to the talk, but I so hoped that somehow all of this information would filter through to the most important person there who made such bold decisions and announcements to the veterinary community.
š I see it daily how plant-based diets enhance the health of dogs and each one I get blows my mind and I just cannot understand how vets will not listen....well hopefully now they will!!
I received an email from Prof Knight yesterday which filled me with such overwhelming hope for the future and for the way that we feed our pets. With all his studies and those of other key individuals in this field, the BVA have finally given vegan dog food the green light and announced that YES IT IS SAFE TO FEED DOGS A NUTRITIONALLY COMPLETE PLANT-BASED DIET!! š
I want to shout it from the rooftops, I cannot be happier!! How grateful I feel for Prof Knight having done all his studies that have influenced every decision made, as well as all of you who have believed in the food from the start (like me!)
Yet another astounding fact that the BVA noted in their announcement, was that 42% of companion animal vets reported they had clients who fed their dogs meat-free diets (an astoundingly high percentage!) The switch to such diets is being driven by concerns about the health, environmental, and farmed animal welfare impacts of meat-based diets.
Ā Read more about the BVA decision here.
(PS: Maybe my constant postsĀ on LinkedIn of Lee Mack vouching for vegan dog food diets have helped too!!! Listen to Lee Mack saying how his vet recommends a vegan diet here)
Ā
What has been your response to the recent news?
"Dear Arielle
I was so pleased to receive your email with the news that the BVA have finally seen sense and agrees that nutritionally sound vegan diets are safe for dogs.
My vegan journey with my dogs (golden retrievers) began over 20 years ago with a change in that period from vegetarian to vegan.Ā
I used to worry how and if I should discuss their diets whenever I needed to take them to the vet.
It has also been a no go discussion area with puppy breeders who in my experience have opted mainly for raw meat so I hope this news will change this too.Ā
Todayās news also feels a vindication of my own belief but it is especially the vindication of your efforts, thank you for helping to get this development with the BVA.
Take care and best wishes Christine"
Ā
āIf nobody changes then nothing changes, but if somebody changes then everything changesā
š Dr Arielle Griffiths Vegan Vet and Plant Powered dog Ruff (Read about Dr Arielle here
