Overview

• University of Nottingham researchers analyzed 31 UK dry foods labeled “complete” (19 meat-based, 6 plant-based, 6 veterinary low‑protein) and published the results in PLOS ONE on September 3.
• Plant-based products matched meat-based options on protein and essential amino acids but commonly fell short on iodine and B‑vitamin levels under FEDIAF guidelines.
• No product met every FEDIAF requirement; 55% met all amino acid targets, 16% met mineral targets, 24% met B‑vitamin targets, and 100% met vitamin D targets.
• About two thirds of the veterinary low‑protein diets lacked one or more essential amino acids despite being marketed for dogs with kidney conditions.
• The authors urge manufacturers to reformulate or supplement key shortfalls and call for long‑term feeding and bioavailability studies; funding came from the BBSRC, with disclosed conflicts of interest noted.