Episode 87: What does the science say about plant-based diets for dogs and cats and animal welfare, with Prof. Andrew Knight

Welcome to the Plant-Based Canada Podcast. In this episode we are joined by Prof. Andrew Knight to talk about the science behind plant-based diets for our animal companions. Andrew Knight is a veterinary Professor of Animal Welfare affiliated with the Murdoch University School of Veterinary Medicine and Griffith University, both in Australia, and with the University of Winchester in the UK. An experienced small animal veterinarian, he’s also a UK, European, American and New Zealand Veterinary Specialist in animal welfare. In 2024 he received a PhD focused on vegan food for animal companions (including investigation on aspects health, behavioural and environmental implications). He has around 150 academic and 80 popular publications, and an extensive series of social media videos and several websites on vegan companion animal diets, climate change and the livestock sector, invasive animal research, educational animal use, humane clinical and surgical skills training, and other animal welfare issues. His studies on vegan food for out animal companions are regularly reported in news outlets globally. He often works with animal advocacy charities and is frequently interviewed by the media. To add to this, he has received over 20 awards and research grants for this work. Resources:Prof. Knight’s recent publicationVegan vs Meat-Based veterinary nutritionShould dogs and cats be fed vegan diets?More of Prof. Knight’s ArticlesInfographic on environmentally sustainable diets for animal companionsSustainable foods for animal companionsProf. Andrew Knights’ Socials: YouTube Facebook WebsitePlant-Based Canada’s Socials:Instagram Facebook Website X / Twitter @PBC_orgBonus ContentCheck out University of Guelph's online Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate. Each 4-week course will guide you through essential plant-based topics including nutritional benefits, disease prevention, and environmental impacts. You can also customize your learning with unique courses such as Plant-Based Diets for Athletes and Implementing a Plant-Based Diet at Home. As the first university-level plant-based certificate in Canada, you’ll explore current research, learn from leading industry experts, and join a community of like-minded people. Use our exclusive discount code PBC2024 to save 10% on all Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate courses. uoguel.ph/pbn.Thank you for tuning in! Make sure to subscribe to the Plant-Based Canada Podcast so you get notified when new episodes are published.This episode was hosted by Stephanie Nishi RD, PhD. Support the show