27/06/2025
THIS JUST IN - DOGS LIKE MEAT
OBJECTIVE: to (1) determine whether dogs display a preference for animal ingredient-based diets when compared with vegetable ingredient-based diets and (2) examine whether dogs experience neophobia when presented with a novel diet.
METHODS: Animal-based and vegetable-based diets were compared. Time to consume feed, distraction, hesitation, level of anticipation pre-consumption, and interest post-consumption were recorded
RESULTS: Hold on to your hats here guys: Neophobia was demonstrated by increased hesitation and slower rate of consumption on the first day of each new diet but the level of interest post-consumption was highest when dogs consumed the animal-based ingredients (p < 0.05), increasing with time spent on the diet.
CONCLUSIONS: Dogs prefer meat.
Ground breaking, eh?
The attached trial was paid for by Champion Pet Foods who, you can see from the introduction, are intent on calling the dog omnivorous, suggesting plant ingredients are normal for dogs and that plant protein is actually a GREAT source of protein for dogs, stating "vegetable-based ingredients in pet foods have a more consistent composition and macronutrient/micronutrient digestibility than animal-based ingredients".
This is Mars Inc here, in writing, suggesting that fibrous plant matter is not only more digestible but more nutritious than meat for dogs and cats.
But we KNOW that's patently untrue. Studies show dogs can digest meat FAR better than plant matter, releasing more nutrient from said meal than when it is plant based.
They go on;
"In fact, many free-ranging dogs consume diets high in carbohydrates, and RARELY HUNT for protein-rich animal-based food sources".
But no study has EVER suggested such a thing and certainly not the one they link to to support that statement. The free-roaming dogs that consume diets higher in plant matter are fed that material by their relatively poorer owners (as opposed to raiding wheat fields, bakeries and managing to roll pasta with no opposable thumbs). ALL such studies clearly state the dogs pursue ultra-carnivorous lifestyles when allowed to roam during the day (to "top up failing protein reserves").
The one thing truthful in this write-up was the fact that dogs choose food items based on the energy profile and macronutrient balance. Correct. They do. Dozens of ad-lib taste trials show that, rather than choosing carbohydrates, dogs choose wet over dry, protein and fat over carbs and always meat over veg.
Studies further show dogs work significantly harder—exerting more effort and performing more trials—for higher-quality (meat-based) treats than non-meat / kibble rewards. Others show that higher-quality, meat-based treats produce stronger motivation, more rapid learning, and greater persistence at tasks.
So, to recap, dogs love meat and don't like dry diets based on carbs, plant matter and fibre.
"My dogs loves his vegan kibble".
Does he, yeah?
About as much as starving inmates LOVE stale bread.
