Absolutely, novel proteins like those derived from yeasts, plants, algae etc. are able to provide puppies with all the essential protein building blocks (amino acids) they need to live long healthy lives.

Puppies are in fact nutritional omnivores as demonstrated by a robust scientific study published in the reputable journal, Nature (1,2) in which it was shown that they have 30 copies of the AMY2B gene responsible for digesting plant-based foods.

They have also evolved relatively long intestines (21) (almost as long as humans) and relatively flat surfaces on their molars (22, 31) which they use for digesting and chewing a whole range of foods. Puppies also have other hallmarks of an omnivore such as producing salivary amylase (61), high levels of glucokinase (62) ,and having Type D tastebuds (63).

The common misconception that dogs are carnivores probably arises from the fact that they are classified in the order Carnivora but so are plenty of other species like bears, skunks, racoons who are omnivores and even the giant panda who thrives on a plant-based diet (20).

Absolutely yes, studies which have looked at how much protein puppies can absorb from plant-based and fungi-based foods like soya and yeast demonstrated over 75% digestibility which is on par with meat-based foods (23, 24, 25, 34, 35, 64-69). Both these protein sources also contain all 10 essential amino acids (36, 37) that puppies need to thrive.

The average amount of fibre in a commercial dog food diet is between 2-4%. Omni’s plant-powered recipe has a fibre content of 3% which is on par with meat- based diets. In our taste test trials with over 200 puppy guardians, 100% of participants reported that their dog’s stool consistency was either ‘normal’ or ‘perfect’ and there were no reports of any digestive upsets*. Additionally, recent peer reviewed research that was published in a scientific journal showed that out of 100 puppies eating the Omni diet for up to a year, 90% with watery faeces saw an improvement after switching from a meat-based diet to Omni and 86% of puppies with soft faeces became more firm/normal after switching to Omni (59).

We are proud that our recipes are nutritionally complete and so include everything your puppy needs to thrive. This means Omni can be fed as a sole ration. For those not quite ready to go fully plant-based, we also fully support a ‘flexitarian approach’ like meat free lunches or using Omni as a mixer. Every little helps to bring some of the health and environmental benefits of plant-power to meal times.

All the essential fats and oils that puppies need, including omegas 3 and 6 are found in a variety of both meat and plant-based foods (28, 31). Omni’s recipe is rich in plant-based sources of these nutrients so provides the necessary essential fatty acids required to thrive.