Kleinheubach. Vegetable diet has long been more than just a trend in human nutrition. Interest in this is also increasing in the pet area. A current examination of seven plant -based dry food varieties available in Germany shows: Dogs can be fed full and balanced with vegetable -fitted food, provided the recipes have been carefully developed and checked.
Meatless alternatives also for dogs
While herbal dog nutrition has so far been a niche segment, interest has been growing continuously for several years. Similar to human diet, animal welfare, health aspects and environmental friendliness play an increasingly important role in choosing feed.
Study mostly provides positive results
For the examination, seven commercial, fully declared, vegetable dry feeds were checked for their nutrient content and with the recommendations of the Fediaf (European Pet Food Industry Federation) compensated. The study was carried out in cooperation with the Institute for Animal Nutrition, Nutritional Damage and Dietetics at the University of Leipzig. Seven feeds were blindly examined for their respective ingredients.
The result was mostly positive: all tested products met the protein recommendations for adult dogs and were enriched with Taurin. Three products also contained the valuable omega-3 fatty acid DHA-one of them even in an amount that meets the requirements for reproduction and early growth. There were minor deviations with a vitamin, trace elements as well as methionine and choline. A total of four of the seven feed fulfilled the Fediaf recommendations completely, while the rest offer a very good basis that can be optimized by targeted supplementation.
Quality decides on balance
“Our investigation shows that a full -fledged, plant -based dog nutrition is already a reality today,” explains Dr. Christine Jensen, co -author of the study. “Green Petfood is a good example here: With innovative recipes, alternative protein sources and strict quality controls, the brand shows how a plant -based diet can be implemented up to date and balanced.”
“Research results like this encourage us to consistently develop our brand,” said Rafael Rybandt, Head of Brand Marketing at Green Petfood. “According to our Claim 'Change Starts in the Bowl', we would like to rethink animal nutrition and make a contribution to the vitality of dogs and cats.”
About the study
The investigation “Nutritional Adequacy of Plant-Based Dry Dog Food Available in Germany” was made by Dr. Christine Jensen (Food Family Agency GmbH & Co. KG), Jule Tschiskale (Agrolab Lufa GmbH) and Prof. Dr. Ingrid Vervuert (University of Leipzig) presented as part of the 2025 ESVCN Congress in Leipzig.
About Green Petfood
Green Petfood is a brand of the Erbacher The Food Family and has specialized in the development and manufacture of full -fledged pet food for dogs and cats since 2013. Green Petfood's products stand for high and sustainable quality and are currently exported to 38 countries. The goal is a balanced diet that takes into account current nutritional knowledge and the needs of the animals. Green Petfood uses alternative proteins and make sure that the food is particularly suitable for sensitive animals and allergy sufferers.
Green Petfood has been honored several times for his commitment in the areas of environment and resource protection – including the Green Brands Award and the German Sustainability Award 2024 in the feed and pet food category. More information at www .green-Pet food .de.