Whether dogs are carnivores is a hotly debated question. On the one hand, they belong to the Carnivora order and descend from meat-eating wolves. On the other hand, they can process carbohydrate nutrition and have even developed some omnivorous traits as part of survival.
Discover what makes an animal carnivorous or omnivorous and why dogs have their current classification. You can also discover whether dogs can live on a meat-free diet and if we could ever consider them herbivores.
Dogs Consume a Varied Diet
Dogs belong to the Canidae family, in the order “Carnivora”. Still, this is not an absolute reflection of their feeding preferences and behaviors.
Dogs might prefer the taste of meat in comparison to plants or veggies, but this doesn’t mean that they’re carnivores. Dogs can and do eat both meat and plant-based foods. And their ancestors, wolves, also consume a diet that is around 40% plant-based, according to Ranger Planet.
With the ability to digest carbohydrates, dogs can benefit from the vitamins, minerals, and energy many plants contain. Canines do not require a meat-rich diet to survive, so technically speaking, they are omnivores for thrive on a mixed diet of meat and plant-based food.
Why Are Dogs Classified as Omnivores?
While many believe that dogs are carnivores, a well-balanced doggy diet includes grains and meat. Even in the wild, wolves derive their nutrition from a mixture of animal and plant sources.
It’s easy to mistake an animal for a carnivore based on specific behaviors, but when we look at the entire picture, we get a somewhat different view.
For example, we think of animals such as coyotes as carnivores, but they feed on several different food sources. Along with birds and small mammals, they enjoy supplementing their diet with fruit and the feces of herbivorous creatures.
Just because dogs may prefer to eat meat does not make them carnivorous. Instead, we must look at their diet as a whole to determine exactly what their requirements are.
What Omnivorous Qualities Does a Dog Possess?
There are several qualities that separate carnivores and omnivores based on physical and behavioral traits. Here are some of the characteristics that define a dog as an omnivore:
- A dog’s molars possess a relatively flat surface designed for grinding up various foodstuffs, including bones and plant material.
- Dogs can digest 100% of the carbohydrates that they eat.
- The dog’s small intestine occupies around 23% of the total gastrointestinal volume. This is consistent with a range of other omnivores and significantly higher than the small intestine of a carnivore, such as a cat, which only occupies around 15% of the total volume.
- Dogs can use the nutrients present in plants. For example, they can use beta-carotene to produce vitamin A.
Can Dogs Live on a Meat-Only Diet?
No, your dog cannot live on a meat-only diet, which is why they are considered omnivores. Instead, your canine requires several different vitamins and minerals, which meat alone cannot offer.
The American Kennel Club (AKC) states that vegetables provide a great source of essential fiber and minerals for dogs. Indeed, high-quality dog food contains a bunch of grains, vegetables, and fruit, alongside their meaty ingredients.
Studies have demonstrated that the evolution of dogs has made them even more adapted to processing grains. Researchers discovered that dogs have three specific genes related to the digestion of starch and glucose. Meanwhile, their wild cousins do not possess these genes.
Many argue that dogs are not true omnivores, though, as they find it more challenging to digest plant-based proteins when compared to meat-based alternatives.
Can Dogs Be Herbivores?
Dogs can be herbivores and thrive on a diet that does not include meat, but they will need a properly balanced vegetarian diet to ensure that all their nutritional needs are met. It’s easy for a vegetarian to succumb to protein or vitamin deficiency if their diet is not adequately supplemented – and the same is true for dogs.
In many cases, yes, your dog could survive on a meat-free or raw food diet. That doesn’t mean they should, though, and it’s essential that you consult with a vet before making any significant changes to your dog’s diet.
If you opt for a vegetarian diet, ensure you monitor your dog’s process and watch out for signs that they are not adapting to plant-based meals. These include:
- Weight loss
- Disinterest in their food
- Lack of energy
