Vegepet

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Vegepet is a line of dietary supplement products for dogs and cats being fed a vegan diet, sold by Compassion Circle.[1] Vegepet product redesigns provided early improvements to earlier meatless pet foods. Vegepet provided one of the two commercial vegetarian pet foods compared for nutritional adequacy in a 2004 Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association study.

History[edit]

Number and years of publication of studies involving dogs and cats fed vegan diets[2]

The choice to feed dogs a vegetarian diet was first introduced[when?] in a home-prepared fashion in various countries, notably India.[3] Since dogs are omnivores,[4][5][6][7][8] it was recognized that they can thrive on both a meat-based or vegetarian diet.[9] This diet choice was adapted to canines because of the ethical preferences of people who practice vegetarianism, as well as for pet owners seeking an alternative diet for pets suffering from food allergies, specifically animal-protein allergies.[10][need quotation to verify] Numerous vegetarian feeding plans for pets are documented and accessible.[11] With the rise in vegetarianism among pet owners, a growing number of commercial vegetarian and vegan pet food options have become available on the market.[12]

The Vegepet product lines were created by James Peden and his collaborators, starting in 1986 as Harbingers of a New Age.[13][14] Recognizing the dietary needs of pets, they developed formulations using plant-based ingredients to fulfill these nutritional requirements. Initially, they introduced Vegedog™, designed for adult dogs. Subsequently, the product line was expanded to include Vegepup™ for puppies and Vegecat™ for adult cats. This growth was fueled by the rising awareness and demand for vegan, cruelty-free pet food. Compassion Circle continues to improve these products, ensuring they meet pets' nutritional needs while promoting a plant-based diet. Although there were earlier versions of vegan pet food, the market has since grown to include many competitors. The predecessor company, Harbingers for a New Age, produced a newsletter, VegePet Gazette.[15][16]

VegePet has been mentioned or cited in various books and other publications, including:

  • The History of Vegan Dog Food by Sustainable Pet Food Association: provides extensive history of vegan dog food, including the early development of vegan dog food and mentions brands like "Happidog" which later became "V-dog", highlighting their role in the broader movement towards plant-based pet nutrition, but seems not to mention Peden's work.[22] VegePet and its in-house precursors may not be mentioned in that trade group's article.

Products[edit]

Compassion Circle provides lines of plant-based dietary supplement products for dogs and cats, including VegeYeast, Treats, Superfoods, and Herbs and Essences. The Vegepet product range features supplements tailored for different stages of pet development: Vegedog™ for mature dogs, Vegepup™ for puppies, and Vegecat™ for adult cats.[23]

Health benefits[edit]

Nutritional study[edit]

In 2004, a study published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association evaluated two commercial vegetarian pet foods for nutritional adequacy, which included Vegecat KibbleMix supplement. The study concluded that both Vegecat KibbleMix and the other vegetarian pet food had multiple nutritional inadequacies, particularly taurine, when compared against the AAFCO minimal nutrient profile for cat diets. Vitamin A level leaned high but was still within the AAFCO maximum safe intake.[24] In an apologetic reply, the manufacturer of Vegecat attributed the test results to a manufacturing error during the mixing process and an inaccurate nutrient profile of a food yeast, and said they were taking steps to correct the problems.[25]

Environmental impact of plant-based diets for pets[edit]

Results of veganizing pet diets[edit]

In 2023, The Guardian cited research at the University of Winchester that omnivorous dogs worldwide going vegan would reduce overall emissions by more than all emissions produced by the entire United Kingdom.[26].

Notability[edit]

Recognition of growing vegan pet food market[edit]

  • linkedin.com - Vegan Dog Food Market Size and Global Industry Report predicts that the market for vegan pet foods to grow over the next decade.[27]
  • databridgemarketresearch.com - Global Vegan Dog Food Market – Industry Trends predicts CAGR : 12.50%[28]
  • linkedin.com - Vegan Dog Food Market Size and Share[29]
  • medium.com - Vegan Pet Food Market — Business Outlook and Innovative Trends[30]
  • hackmd.io - Vegan Pet Food Market - Key Players, Size, Trends, Growth[31]
  • finance.yahoo.com - Global Vegan Dog Food Market Set to Grow to $147.61[32]

Vegedog and Vegecat were early improvements upon earlier meatless pet foods[edit]

  • Early Development: Vegan dog foods have a history dating back several decades, with pioneers developing meatless alternatives to meet the dietary needs of dogs.[33]
  • Evolution of Formulations: Over time, formulations like Vegedog and Vegecat emerged as more complete and balanced options, providing essential nutrients lacking in earlier iterations.
  • Growing Acceptance: The acceptance and popularity of vegan dog foods have grown steadily, fueled by increasing awareness of animal welfare, environmental concerns, and health benefits.

By addressing nutrient deficiencies, providing essential vitamins and minerals, and offering cruelty-free alternatives, Vegedog and Vegecat represented significant advancements upon even earlier meatless pet foods, contributing to the evolution and acceptance of vegan dog diets.[34]

  • Future of vegan pet foods: In a February 2024 article in Pets International Magazine, Anay Mridul discussed current trends and future outlook for vegan pet foods, highlighting increasing popularity of vegan pet food driven by consumer demand for healthier and more sustainable options. The sector is experiencing growth with the emergence of new brands and innovative products tailored to meet the nutritional needs of pets while aligning with ethical and environmental values. The article explores factors influencing the rise of vegan pet food, including pet owners' desire to provide alternative diets for their pets, concerns about animal welfare, and environmental sustainability.[35][36][37]

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ "The Basics". Compassion Circle. September 9, 2019.
  2. ^ Domínguez-Oliva, Adriana; Mota-Rojas, Daniel; Semendric, Ines; Whittaker, Alexandra L. (January 2023). "The Impact of Vegan Diets on Indicators of Health in Dogs and Cats: A Systematic Review". Veterinary Sciences. 10 (1): 52. doi:10.3390/vetsci10010052. ISSN 2306-7381. PMC 9860667. PMID 36669053.
  3. ^ O'Heare J. Vegan Dogs: Compassionate Nutrition, 2013 Edition. BehaveTech Publishing, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. 67 pp.
  4. ^ K. Carbo-Johnson. Can Dogs Be Vegan? 5/8/2024. Purina website.
  5. ^ Hernandez, Juan; Rhimi, Soufien; Kriaa, Aicha; Mariaule, Vincent; Boudaya, Houda; Drut, Amandine; Jablaoui, Amin; Mkaouar, Héla; Saidi, Amel; Biourge, Vincent; Borgi, Mohamed Ali; Rhimi, Moez; Maguin, Emmanuelle (May 2022). "Domestic Environment and Gut Microbiota: Lessons from Pet Dogs". Microorganisms. 10 (5): 949. doi:10.3390/microorganisms10050949. ISSN 2076-2607. PMC 9143008. PMID 35630391.
  6. ^ Oberbauer, Anita M.; Larsen, Jennifer A. (2021). "Amino Acids in Dog Nutrition and Health". Amino Acids in Nutrition and Health. Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology. Vol. 1285. Springer International Publishing. pp. 199–216. doi:10.1007/978-3-030-54462-1_10. ISBN 978-3-030-54461-4. PMID 33770408. S2CID 232375959.
  7. ^ Bosch, Guido; Hagen-Plantinga, Esther A.; Hendriks, Wouter H. (January 2015). "Dietary nutrient profiles of wild wolves: insights for optimal dog nutrition?". British Journal of Nutrition. 113 (S1): S40–S54. doi:10.1017/S0007114514002311. ISSN 0007-1145. PMID 25415597. S2CID 17359879.
  8. ^ Golder, Christina; Weemhoff, James L.; Jewell, Dennis E. (March 2020). "Cats Have Increased Protein Digestibility as Compared to Dogs and Improve Their Ability to Absorb Protein as Dietary Protein Intake Shifts from Animal to Plant Sources". Animals. 10 (3): 541. doi:10.3390/ani10030541. ISSN 2076-2615. PMC 7143243. PMID 32213956.
  9. ^ Wendy, P (2005). "Keep your pet healthy the natural way". Natural Life: 16.
  10. ^ Dogs & Cats go Vegetarian BL Peden, Harbinger House, 1988, Swisshome, Oregon. ISBN 9780941319010
  11. ^ PETA collection of meatless feeding options for cats and dogs: 381 'Most relevant results for Meatless Meals For Dogs And Cats'
  12. ^ Sustainable Pet Food Association - History Of Vegan Dog Food
  13. ^ Vegetarian Times - Sep 1989 - No. 145, Page 60. VegePet was then under Harbingers of a New Age, Swisshome, OR, then later of Troy, MT
  14. ^ Althoff S. Here, Kitty, Kitty, Kitty... Is a vegetarian diet right for your cat or dog? Vegetarian Timesm, Dec 1988, pp. 91-95.
  15. ^ History of Pet Food. Pet Food Institute
  16. ^ Eco Dogs And Cats home page
  17. ^ Archive.org - Full text of "The Vegan Sourcebook"
  18. ^ NCBI-Vegetarian versus Meat-Based Diets for Companion Animals. This article addresses various aspects of vegetarian and vegan diets for pets, evaluating their nutritional content and the health implications for companion animals.
  19. ^ Porecca K. Personal letter to James Peden re: Interview of University of California (Davis), North Carolina State University, and University of Guelph Researchers investigating the connection between dilated cardiomyopathy and diet, 1995. Recent studies suggest that pulse ingredients in dog food are not linked to heart problems, including DCM, according to research from the University of Guelph . Additionally, general discussions on vegetarian diets for pets and the controversy surrounding them are available in other sources.
  20. ^ Dokumen.pub - Vegetarian Cats and Dogs
  21. ^ Kirk, M., & Kirk, L. (2018). The Plant-Based Dog Food Revolution: With 50 Recipes. Countryman Press.
  22. ^ Sustainable Pet Food Association - History Of Vegan Dog Food
  23. ^ "The Basics". Compassion Circle. September 9, 2019.
  24. ^ Gray, CM; Sellon, RK; Freeman, LM. (2004). "Nutritional adequacy of two vegan diets for cats". JAVMA. 225 (11): 1670–5. doi:10.2460/javma.2004.225.1670. PMID 15626215.
  25. ^ "Manufacturer response: Evolution Diet and Harbingers of a New Age". vegepets.info. Archived from the original on November 27, 2005.
  26. ^ World’s dogs going vegan ‘would save more emissions than UK produces’. October 4, 2023. Guardian
  27. ^ Vegan Dog Food Market Size and Global Industry Report, 2024 -2032. Industry Outlook Report 2024.
  28. ^ Global Vegan Dog Food Market – Industry Trends and Forecast to 2029
  29. ^ Vegan Dog Food Market Size and Share: 2024 Comprehensive Overview and Forecast to 2031. Reports Insight Portfolio
  30. ^ Vegan Pet Food Market — Business Outlook and Innovative Trends
  31. ^ A. Shinde. Vegan Pet Food Market - Key Players, Size, Trends, Growth Opportunities, Analysis and Forecast. hackmd.io
  32. ^ Global Vegan Dog Food Market Set to Grow to $147.61 Million by 2028, Driven by Rising Demand for Organic and High-Quality Ingredients. PR Newswire. November 1, 2023.
  33. ^ History Of Vegan Dog Food. Sustainable Pet Foods Association (UK),
  34. ^ Mridul A. What's in store for vegan pet food in 2024? Pets International. February 2024.
  35. ^ by Anay Mridul . What's in store for vegan pet food in 2024? Pets International Magazine. February 2024.
  36. ^ S, Cave N, Abood SK, Shovelier A, Vergugghe A, An observational study of pet feeding practices and how these have changed between 2008 and 2018. June 19, 2020. The Veterinary record.
  37. ^ Dodd S., Cave NJ, Adolphe A, Verbrugghe A. Plant-based (vegan) diets for pets: A survey of pet owner attitudes and feeding practices. January 2019. PLOS ONE 14(1):e0210806. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0210806.

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