They’re usually found begging for a sausage or a bit of chicken from your dinner plate.

But giving your dog a chunk of meat – or even a bone to chew on – might soon be a thing of the past, according to a new study.

Experts have discovered that vegan options for dogs sold in the UK provide similar nutrition to meat–based diets.

And they argue that plant–based meals can be a ‘healthy and viable’ alternative for our four–legged friends.

‘Our study found that plant-based diets, when properly formulated, can be a healthy and viable alternative to meat-based options,’ lead author Rebecca Brociek, from the University of Nottingham’s School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, said.

‘Ideally, the next step is long-term feeding studies, but as we begin to rethink pet nutrition, perhaps the alternative isn’t only better for the planet, but also beneficial for our four-legged companions.’

As plant–based diets gain popularity in human nutrition, the pet food industry is following suit with vegan diets becoming increasingly common.

This shift might mean that instead of eating food made from chicken, lamb, and beef, more dogs will soon be consuming meals made from sweet potato, carrot flakes, and pea protein.

The researchers said that plant–based diets can be a reasonable alternative to traditional meat options (stock image)

Dogs, like humans, are omnivores and require certain nutrients rather than specific ingredients.

During the study, the team examined the nutritional profiles of 31 meat and plant-based dog foods available in the UK, focusing on levels of proteins, individual amino acids, fatty acids, vitamin D, and all B-vitamins.

Overall, they found that plant–based diets, when properly formulated, can be a reasonable alternative to meat–based options.

The nutritional composition of meat and plant-based foods for dogs was similar, except for iodine and B-vitamins, which were lower in plant-based foods.

The team said adopting a vegan diet for canine companions can provide adequate nutrients, but that supplements should be considered.

‘Many of us assume that dogs need meat to stay healthy, but in fact, what they really need are the right nutrients,’ Ms Brociek added.

‘What I found was surprising – these foods stacked up more closely to meat–based diets than expected, with all showing some nutritional gaps.

‘With more studies on plant–based pet foods emerging every year, I’m excited to help move this conversation forward.’

Giving your dog a chunk of meat – or even a bone to chew on – might soon be a thing of the past, according to a new study (stock image)

Some experts however, urged caution for owners thinking of switching their dog to a vegan diet. 

British Veterinary Association President Dr. Elizabeth Mullineaux stated: ‘While in theory, it’s possible for dogs to have a vegan or vegetarian diet, it can be challenging to get the balance of essential nutrients right.’

‘Vets are cautious about these diets, and more long-term, controlled trials are needed which prove they can meet a dog’s nutritional requirements throughout their life.  

‘If you are considering switching your dog’s diet for any reason, speak to your vet first.’

The number of self–declared vegans in the UK has rocketed in recent years, and quadrupled between 2014 and 2019, from 150,000 to 600,000.

The study, published in the journal Plos One, reads: ‘Veganism is increasingly becoming a popular dietary choice for many people, whether it be for health reasons or concerns for animal welfare and/or the environment.

‘Owners of companion animals, who identify as vegetarian or vegan, therefore face an ethical dilemma – should they feed animals to their animals?’

It concludes: ‘Adopting a plant–based dietary pattern for your companion canine can provide nutritional adequacy with respect to the majority of macro– and micronutrients, with the exception of iodine and B–vitamins, which could easily be supplemented.’