Can dogs and cats thrive on vegan diets? And what does pet food have to do with the climate crisis? ??
In this powerful episode of our 2 part series in Caffelogue with Naga, I sit down with @AndrewKnight Dr. Andrew Knight — Professor of Animal Welfare & Ethics at the University of Winchester, Fellow of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, and one of the world’s leading researchers on sustainable pet nutrition and animal welfare.
Dr. Knight has conducted some of the largest studies on plant-based diets in pets, including surveys of 2,500+ dogs, showing that those on nutritionally sound vegan diets often enjoy:
✅ Fewer health problems
✅ Less need for medication
✅ Improved overall wellbeing
But beyond pet health, we discuss the hidden environmental footprint of pet food, which contributes to 25–30% of the environmental impact of global meat production. Shifting toward sustainable, plant-based alternatives could have massive benefits for both animals and the planet.
? In this episode, we explore:
? The science behind vegan diets for dogs and cats
? Myths vs. facts about plant-based pet food
? The environmental cost of traditional pet food
? What the latest research really shows
⚖️ The ethical and policy implications for the future
Whether you’re a pet parent, sustainability advocate, or curious about the future of Pet food industry, this conversation will challenge assumptions and open new perspectives on how compassion and science can go hand in hand.
⏱️ Chapters:
00:00 ? Sneak Peek & Intro
06:54 ?⚕️ Dr. Andrew Knight’s journey into animal rights, veterinary research & sustainable vegan pet foods
20:03 ⚖️ The paradox of vets consuming meat & the human-centric lens of animal advocacy
27:00 ❌? Myth-busting pet food: How Dr. Knight debunks “pets must eat meat” arguments
36:01 ? Challenging cultural habits: Personal moments that validated his mission
39:14 ? PLOS One study: Why dogs on vegan diets show better health & longevity
51:04 ? “Unnatural?” — Addressing critics of plant-based pet diets with science & ethics
59:38 ? Sneak Peek into Part 2 with Dr. Andrew Knight
Reference Links:
? Visit and learn about Dr. Andrew Knight's work and contributions in Animal Rights Advocacy and Sustainable Pet Foods Research
https://www.andrewknight.info
? Learn more:
https://sustainablepetfood.info for all your questions on Pet Food needs and product listings.
Routledge Handbook of Animal Welfare:
www.aknight.info/AW-book
https://www.routledge.com/Routledge-H...
Sustainable Pet Food Companies recommended by Dr. Andrew Knight in this conversation:
1)
https://omni.pet/
Pioneered By Vets, Backed By The Dragons
Delicious, allergy friendly food and supplements that dogs crave. Created by loving vets, rooted in evidence based health benefits.
2)
https://thepackpet.com/
Delicious, Healthy & Planet Friendly Dog Food
3)
https://calysta.com/
Sustainable protein ingredients for feed and food
4)
https://sustainablepetfoodassociation...
Microbell Bacterial Fermentation Dog Food
Special Features of MicroBell Biotic Protein Dry Food for Dogs
Innovative protein source: Microbial protein that is bio-identical to animal protein but uses NO animals cells and is cruelty-free and vegan.
High nutrient density: Supports vitality, strengthens the immune system, and promotes digestion.
Contains sweet potatoes as an easily digestible carbohydrate source.
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