Pros and Cons of Feeding Your Dog a Lacto-Ovo Diet

Of all the subjects surrounding canine care, diet and food are some of the most debated topics. Many pet parents wonder whether feeding a dog a lacto-ovo diet—a vegetarian diet including dairy and eggs but excluding meat and fish—is truly safe and healthy. In this article, you’ll discover the main pros and cons of this diet for your dog, with expert advice to help you decide if it’s right for your furry friend.

What is a Lacto-Ovo Diet?

A lacto-ovo diet is a vegetarian eating plan that incorporates some animal products such as eggs and dairy but excludes meat and fish. Key ingredients often include:

• Vegetables
• Grains
• Fruit
• Seeds and Nuts (with caution)
• Eggs
• Dairy Produce

This diet is popular among humans for various health benefits, including better heart health and weight management. However, dogs have different nutritional needs and physiology, so the question remains: can dogs thrive on this diet?

Pros of Feeding Your Dog a Lacto-Ovo Diet

Dogs are facultative carnivores but have evolved to digest a range of foods. This adaptability means a lacto-ovo diet can be sustained when carefully planned:

• High-Quality Protein from Eggs and Dairy: Eggs offer rich, bioavailable protein essential for canine health, and dairy adds valuable nutrients when tolerated.
• Reduced Risk of Meat Protein Allergies: Some dogs suffer skin issues or digestive upset related to meat allergies. A vegetarian diet may alleviate such problems.
• Potential Health Benefits: Just like humans, dogs on a plant-focused diet may have reduced risks of liver disease, kidney issues, and obesity.
• Ethical and Environmental Considerations: Owners motivated by animal welfare or environmental sustainability may choose this diet for their pets, aligning with personal values.
• Fresh and Controlled Ingredients: Preparing homemade vegetarian meals allows you to control quality and freshness.

It’s important to note that the British Veterinary Association now recognises that well-formulated vegetarian diets, including lacto-ovo, may be acceptable under veterinary guidance. This reflects a significant and cautious shift in the UK’s veterinary perspective in 2025.

Cons of Feeding Your Dog a Lacto-Ovo Diet

While possible, switching your dog to a lacto-ovo vegetarian diet presents challenges and risks:

• Risk of Nutritional Deficiencies: Dogs require certain nutrients abundant in meat that may be scarce in vegetarian diets, such as taurine, vitamin B12, vitamin D3, and omega-3 fatty acids (especially DHA). These often require supplementation to avoid health problems.
• Digestive Issues and Food Acceptability: Some dogs may reject vegetarian meals or experience gastrointestinal upset due to high fibre or unfamiliar ingredients.
• Limited Food Variety: Feeding options are narrowed, which can make diets repetitive and costly, especially for larger breeds.
• Lactose Intolerance and Toxic Ingredients: Many dogs are lactose intolerant, limiting dairy inclusion. Also, seeds and nuts can be hazardous, and some vegetables are toxic to dogs, requiring careful selection.
• Need for Expert Formulation and Monitoring: Veterinary nutritionist input is strongly recommended to design balanced meals and to regularly check your dog's health and nutrient status.

How to Safely Feed Your Dog a Lacto-Ovo Diet

Step 1: Consult a Vet or Veterinary Nutritionist

Before making any dietary change, especially to a lacto-ovo plan, seek professional advice to craft a nutritionally complete diet tailored to your dog’s age, breed, activity level, and health.

Step 2: Use Commercial Vegetarian Dog Food or Carefully Plan Homemade Meals

Choose high-quality, commercially prepared vegetarian dog foods where available, or develop homemade meal plans with expert guidance. Include sufficient protein from eggs and dairy and combine plant-based proteins such as legumes, soy products, quinoa, and vegetables to ensure a complete amino acid profile.

Step 3: Supplement Wisely

Supplement key nutrients that are difficult to obtain from vegetarian sources, including:

• Taurine
• Vitamin B12
• Vitamin D2/D3
• Omega-3 fatty acids (DHA from algae sources)
• Calcium, phosphorus, and zinc

Step 4: Monitor Your Dog’s Health Closely

Watch for changes in appetite, energy, coat quality, and stool consistency. Schedule regular vet check-ups to assess nutritional adequacy and adjust the diet accordingly.

Addressing Common Questions

Can Dogs Thrive on a Vegetarian Lacto-Ovo Diet?

Quick Answer: Yes, dogs can thrive on a vegetarian lacto-ovo diet if it is precisely balanced, supplemented appropriately, and overseen by veterinary professionals.

Dogs are omnivorous in nature and capable of digesting plant-based foods alongside animal-derived products such as eggs and dairy. When the diet is carefully planned to meet essential amino acid, vitamin, and mineral requirements, dogs can maintain good health and energy levels on a lacto-ovo diet. Owners must ensure that any nutrient shortfalls typical of vegetarian diets are addressed, especially taurine, vitamin B12, vitamin D, and omega-3 fatty acids. Many commercial vegetarian dog foods now exist to simplify this, but homemade diets require expert formulation. Veterinary monitoring is key to long-term success and wellbeing on this diet.

What Supplements Are Recommended for Dogs on Lacto-Ovo Diets?

Quick Answer: Taurine, vitamin B12, vitamin D2 or D3, DHA from algae, and essential minerals like calcium and zinc are crucial supplements for dogs on lacto-ovo diets to ensure full nutritional balance.

Lacto-ovo vegetarian diets naturally lack some nutrients primarily found in meat and fish. Taurine and certain amino acids like methionine and lysine may need supplementation or precise dietary formulation. Vitamin B12 is only found in animal tissues, so supplementation is essential. Vitamin D can be supplemented through vitamin D2 (plant-derived) or D3 forms, with D3 usually more effective. Omega-3 fatty acids, especially DHA critical for brain and eye development, can be provided via algae-based supplements. Minerals must also be balanced to maintain strong bones, immune function, and overall health. Regular nutritional assessments by a vet nutritionist help tailor supplementation to your dog’s needs.

Conclusion

Feeding your dog a lacto-ovo diet is a nuanced choice that is increasingly recognised by UK veterinary experts as possible under carefully managed and supervised conditions. The benefits include potential allergy relief, ethical peace of mind, and health advantages seen in humans on similar diets. However, the risks of nutritional deficiencies, limited food variety, and acceptability challenges require serious consideration and active management.

For those intrigued by this diet, start by consulting your vet or a qualified canine nutritionist to create a balanced meal plan. Prioritise your dog’s happiness and wellbeing by monitoring their reaction closely and adjusting as necessary. Ultimately, the best diet is one that keeps your dog healthy, thriving and content.

For those interested in finding a suitable dog, consider looking into puppies from reputable breeders or adoption centres who can suit your lifestyle.