Published Overviews

Vegan Canine and Feline Diets

These publications provide interesting overviews of vegan companion animal diets, and of a large number of meat-based and vegan diets, respectively.

Lawton G (2022). Meat-free mutts and moggies. New Scientist, 24 Sep. 44-48. 

Extensive coverage of vegan pet food research by Andrew Knight. Also includes coverage of research by Sarah Dodd et al, and opinions of the British Vet Assoc, and mentions the use of ingredients such as yeast and in vitro meat.

Knight A (2008). Fishy business? Lifescape; May: 74-76.

A humorous, thought-provoking examination of the controversial issue of vegan diets for cats and dogs. Includes a discussion of the health hazards and benefits of meat-based and vegan diets, a discussion of natural feeding behaviour, and advice for guardians of vegan animals on safeguarding their health.

Meat-based and Vegan Canine and Feline Diets

Knight A (2015). Vegan animal diets: facts and myths.

A summary published on the Vegan Society website.

Knight, A. & Leitsberger, M. (2016). Vegetarian versus meat-based diets for companion animalsAnimals 6, 57. 20 pp. (645 kb).

A review of the existing evidence concerning the nutritional soundness of vegetarian and meat-based diets for cats and dogs, and the health status of both groups. Additional information is sourced from the manufacturers of vegetarian companion animal diets. This lengthy article provides the most comprehensive peer-reviewed examination of these topics, as of Sep. 2016.

All Companion Animal Diets

Brown K (2010; Mar. – Apr.). A nation of animal lovers? Ethical consumer 12-75.