It’s time to rethink our dogs' diets. Here’s everything you need to know about upgrading your pet’s nutrition to plant-based foods- whether flexi or full-time.
● A third of pet owners would consider feeding their furry friends a vegan diet
● Vegan Collie called Bramble lived until she was 25 - one of the longest-living dogs of all time, according to the Guinness Book of Records.
● Lewis Hamilton, says that switching his British Bulldog Roscoe to a vegan diet has drastically improved his health
● A study of Siberian sprint racing huskies showed that those fed a plant-based diet performed just as well, and were just as healthy as those fed meat.
Studies have found that vegan dogs visit the vet less often and require fewer medications. Herbie Wilde is an ethically sourced, nutritionally complete, plant-based superfood for dogs, that is optimising the longevity and health of our furry friends.
In a world where conscious living is on the rise, the pet industry is witnessing a significant shift towards sustainable and ethical practices, even extending to the dietary choices of our beloved furry companions.
Recent statistics and scientific studies indicate that dogs can not only survive but thrive on a vegan diet, challenging conventional beliefs about canine nutrition.
Herbie Wilde is calling for dog owners to rethink the foods that we feed to our furry friends, or simply accept big-name brand labeling at face value, and feel this is enough to keep them happy and healthy for life.
What exactly do we mean by this?
Herbie Wilde founder Ella Daines-Smith originally embarked on a natural food journey for her beloved French bulldog, Bertie, as she was suffering from debilitating stomach issues due to intolerances.
She started looking into key allergens for dogs, and the ingredients used by established brands, but was shocked at what she discovered.
Pet food standards are much lower than human food, meaning the scraps that we can’t use can be used in both kibble and wet food, including hair, feathers, bones, beaks, digestive systems, and the remains of deceased animals.
With EU labeling laws being so lax, these connective tissues and off-cuts can simply be labeled as “meat derivatives,” with brands free to bulk up their “natural” pet food with this indigestible filler to cut costs.
Ella said: “Beaks, feathers, wool, hooves, and connective tissue may be 100% protein, but they are indigestible for dogs and cats and are extremely low in essential amino acids. The more indigestible a protein, the more stress it places on an animal's internal organs, like their kidneys.”
Can dogs really eat a flexi or full-time plant-based diet?
Vegan dog food is acceptable provided it contains all the essential nutrients including vitamins, minerals, proteins, carbohydrates, and fats that dogs need to be healthy and happy.
They don’t need meat to survive, unlike their wolf ancestors, and they have no problem digesting nutrients from fruits and vegetables.
A plant-based diet, whether flexi or full-time, may offer a healthier alternative, a sentiment echoed by scientists who view modern dogs as omnivores, rather than carnivores.
So, what is Herbie Wilde, and why should we choose it?
Backed by leading vets, canine nutritionists, and scientific research, Herbie Wilde has cooked up (literally) an ethically sourced, plant-based superfood for dogs, that goes way beyond FEDIAF standards.
The Herbie Wilde Kibble is available on the brand's website and is jam-packed with 39 natural ingredients, including sweet potato, fruits, greens, ancient grains, herbs, and botanicals.
It ensures that dogs receive all the essential proteins, nutrients, vitamins, and minerals they need to thrive, regardless of their dietary preferences - it is certified as nutritionally complete, and unlike other brands, it is 100% natural.
In contrast to conventional pet foods, Herbie Wilde's offerings are also naturally hypoallergenic, making them an ideal choice for dogs with allergies and food intolerances, including conditions like IBS.
The brand's commitment to quality is further emphasized through routine batch testing in its manufacturing laboratory, and independent verification at the University of Bologna.
Championing a Greener Future: Herbie Wilde's Sustainability Pledge.
The main reasons that owners cite when transitioning their pets to a vegan diet are environmental concerns, ethical considerations, and health benefits.
The growing awareness of the impact of traditional meat-based pet foods on the environment has fueled this trend, with pet owners actively seeking alternative, more sustainable options.
Beyond addressing the nutritional needs of pets, Herbie Wilde is committed to minimizing its environmental impact. Studies show that traditional meat-based pet foods have a major impact on the environment and contribute significantly to CO2 emissions and global meat consumption.
To counter this, Herbie Wilde sources locally, prioritizes transparency in its supply chain, and champions sustainability through recyclable packaging, biodegradable tape, and energy-efficient practices, including the use of solar panels and a ground source heat pump.
Ella Daines-Smith, lifelong dog lover and founder of Herbie Wilde, who developed the company after her sick puppy Bertie recovered through plant-based foods says: "We want to provide pet owners with not just a nutritious option for their dogs but also a sustainable and ethical choice. Our commitment to transparency, quality nutrition, and environmental responsibility sets Herbie Wilde apart as a leader in the pet food industry."
Ella’s top 5 tips for introducing your dog to a plant-based diet.
1. Use plant-based foods as a topper.
2. Gradual changes and additions.
3. Try Meat-Free Mondays and Flexi-Fridays.
4. Make it a positive experience and give praise - especially for fussy dogs.
5. Eventually, go full plant-based and reap the benefits.
