They updated their fact sheet on vegan/vegetarian pet food, to reflect the body of new scientific evidence in this field with a well drafted PDF promoting the benefits of vegan/vegetarian pet food diets.
Statements in the factsheet included: “Appropriately designed vegetarian or vegan diets, formulated and made with the input of qualified professionals, that meet the nutritional and physiological requirements of the species, are a valid part of the product portfolio for today’s pet food industry.”
They go on to describe non-animal sources of key nutrients including Taurine (synthetic) and Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids (marine algae), etc. This represents a very positive change for the UK pet food industry…..HOWEVER…
UK Pet Foods removed the PDF and the page that originally linked to anything to do with Vegan/Vegetarian diets.
UK Pet Food are funded by UK pet manufacturers. There are major manufacturers not yet producing sustainable plant-based diets who probably fear loss of market share as this sector of the pet food market does well.
It is so important that the nutritional advice of the UK Pet Food association, is not compromised by commercial interests of some of its more influential members.
They contacted us in January 2023 with a link to say that they had revised the Factsheet and added it back into the website. Please note that Vegan/Vegetarian cannot be seen on the new website unless the words are entered in the search bars. Raw pet foods are given preference and appear on the homepage of UK Pet Foods with certification when there have been NO published studies proving that feeding raw pet food is safe.
The new factsheet omits all important details such as the use of marine Algae oil instead of fish oil and the use of arachidonic acid from fungus to ensure a truly novel and sustainable pet food diet. This omission in the new factsheet is very concerning that yet again the UK Pet Foods is now being influenced by members not producing sustainable pet foods without the valuable addition of sustainable Omega 3 Algae oil.
Will we see empty supermarket shelves of pet food in 2024?
As each country prepares to reach their zero carbon emissions agreement, we have meat-based pet food manufacturers panicking as Category 3 animal fat is also very valuable to the renewable diesel market
Cultivated Pet Food Market
Meatly to sell ‘first-ever’ cultivated pet food at Pets At Home
Successful Plant-Based Collaborations
Edgard & Cooper partners with Deliciously Ella for plant-based food launch
Peas, lentils and DCM in dogs
Dr Jo works for an independent vet practice in Devon and she asked some very valid questions during a lunch and learn about plant-based dog nutrition at her practice. Her main focus in practice is around treating dogs with atopic skin conditions due to sensitivities,...
First B Corp Certified Plant-Based Pet Food Company
In becoming a B Corp, THE PACK is the first fully plant-based pet food startup in Europe to join the B Corp movement
Give A Dog A Bean is Pea and Soya Free
The UK’s first true naturally hypoallergenic diet that is also extremely palatable
Pets At Home Commits To Net Zero Goals
There is reason to remain optimistic that in five to 10 years’ time, most dog owners will not think twice about regularly feeding plant-based products whether that is in the form of complete meals, treats or dental chews
Fascinating Raw Feeding Webinar by Prof Rob Foale
Prof Rob Foale is a Small Animal Medicine Specialist and in October 2023, he produced a very balanced and interesting webinar on raw feeding of our pets
Plant Powered Paws Podcast
Listen to Dr Arielle Griffiths being interviewed by Evan Davis from BBC 4 Radio
Published study confirming that cats can also be healthier on a vegan diet
As yet, there have been NO published studies of this kind looking at the benefits of high fish-based diets, raw food diets or even insect-based diets in cats, so this really is a step forward for sustainability and pet health
Lily’s Kitchen Vegan Dog Food Range in Sainsbury
Lily’s Kitchen Finds Success in Plant Power Meals and Treats for Dogs
The Great Protein Debate – Beef or Beans?
Dr Sue Paterson, RCVS President and Senior Vice President of the European Society of Veterinary Dermatologists interviews Dr Arielle Griffiths about Sustainable Pet Foods
Recommended sustainable pet foods
