Broadcaster, naturalist and environmental campaigner Chris Packham has revealed what he calls his ‘dirtiest secret’: despite going vegan in Veganuary 2019, he has continued to feed his two beloved poodles, Sid and Nancy, a raw meat diet, something he knows has a significant and damaging impact on the planet.
This Veganuary, Chris is confronting that contradiction by embarking on a carefully monitored 90-day transition of Sid and Nancy to a nutritionally complete plant-based diet, documenting the impact on their health, behaviour, and overall wellbeing.
The move speaks directly to the research reported in the news last week, which revealed that canine food accounts for a measurable slice of greenhouse gas emissions (1 per cent of the UK total), while pets consume an estimated 20 per cent of the world’s meat. The combined impact is equivalent to 13.6 million cars on the road each year.
The transition will take place gradually over one to two weeks, allowing the dogs’ digestive systems to adjust comfortably, before continuing on a fully plant-based diet (including wet food, dry food, treats and supplements) for the remainder of the trial. Throughout the 90 days, Chris will diary the journey, tracking energy levels, digestion, dental health and behaviour changes.
Chris Packham’s Confession
Chris Packham said, ‘I have a confession to make. Despite eating a plant-based diet for years, I’ve continued to feed my poodles, Sid and Nancy, meat, something I know has a serious impact on the planet and has made me feel very guilty. ‘
Studies estimate that companion animals fed diets rich in animal products contribute approximately 25 to 30 percent of the environmental impacts associated with animal agriculture, which means most commercial pet food has a terrible pawprint on the planet.
‘I love my dogs more than anything and would never do something that could compromise their wellbeing,’ he adds. ‘The truth is that dogs are omnivores, not carnivores. They can eat both plant- and animal-based foods, and research from Nottingham University and veterinary scientist Dr Andrew Knight shows that plant-based diets can match the nutrients provided by meat-based diets. ‘
‘So, starting this Veganuary, I’m transitioning my dogs to a plant-based diet over 90 days. I am incredibly close to my dogs, so I will carefully watch how the diet affects their health, behaviour and wellbeing, and share our experience to help other dog owners feel confident doing the same. My dogs were also lockdown puppies, so I’m keen to see whether a plant-based diet helps reduce their stress and anxiety.’
B Corp Vegan Pet Food
Chris Packham and his dogs will be supported throughout the transition by veterinarian Dr Guy Sandelosky, who co-founded B corp certified the pet food & supplement brand, Omni, backed on Dragons Den by Deborah Meaden and Steven Bartlett. Omni’s recipes are made from high-quality novel proteins derived from yeasts, algae and pulses, combined with vegetables such as sweet potato, butternut squash, carrots and broccoli, and are vet formulated and research backed to provide all the amino acids, fats, vitamins and minerals dogs need to thrive.
Deborah Meaden, leading business investor, said: ‘My dogs did the due diligence on Omni before I officially signed the contract to become an investor, and they absolutely wolfed down those plant-based goodies. I’m delighted that Chris Packham has decided to transition his dogs, too. The collective action of more than 13 million UK dog owners following Chris and me would have an enormous impact on the planet. Imagine what we could achieve if more people transitioned their dogs away from meat, a diet that has been shown to be just as healthy, if not better. Chris and I have also eaten the products ourselves and we think they’re very whoofable, as do our dogs.’
Dr Guy Sandelowsky, vet and co-founder of Omni said: ‘Ninety days is where meaningful change can be observed by dog owners. That period allows us to properly assess the impact of a dietary transition on key health markers including digestion, skin and coat condition, allergies and stress related behaviour. Research into the canine gut–brain connection, suggests that diets supporting a healthy gut microbiome can play a role in stabilising mood and reducing stress responses so we will be carefully monitoring the impact this diet has on Sid and Nancy’s anxiety.’
Throughout the 90-day period, Chris will share regular updates on Sid and Nancy’s progress on his social media channels, offering an open, evidence-led look at whether a plant-based diet can support dogs’ health and happiness, while also reducing their pawprint on the planet.
