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Lewis Hamilton has praised his dog’s vegan diet during his first U.K interview since earning his seventh Formula 1 title.
The athlete was recently victorious at the Turkish Grand Prix. Now, he is being described as the world’s ‘most successful racing driver’.
Hamilton discussed his dog Roscoe, who follows a plant-based diet, to BBC presenter Sally Nugent. He told her that Roscoe used to weigh 30 kilos, but is now a healthier weight and enjoys long walks.
“Now you see, fit as a vegan dog. He’s great!” Nugent added.
‘It has changed his life’
Hamilton has spoken about Roscoe’s diet before on social media, crediting veganism for ‘changing’ his life.
“This is Roscoe, I’ve had him for eight years now,” the star wrote on Instagram. “He ate normal dog food all of his life, as well as food with meat in it.
“His breathing has always been bad. [It] meant he was never able to walk very far and his joints would hurt. He also had skin allergies.
“Three months ago, I decided to transition him to a vegan diet. It has changed his life. He now doesn’t have any breathing issues. His throat is no longer restricted, and he doesn’t overheat like he did before and he loves to run. He also has no allergy issues.
“He’s like a puppy again! It’s been amazing to see these changes in Roscoe and I’m so grateful to be able to share this.”
Hamilton added that he recommends consulting with a vet before changing a pet’s diet to ‘ensure their nutritional needs are being met’.
Can dogs follow a vegan diet?
According to animal rights charity PETA, with ‘the right planning and care’, dogs can be plant-based, adding that ‘it’s important to ensure that their nutritional requirements are met’.
“Dogs require two amino acids, L-carnitine and taurine, which are usually added to vegan dog foods or can be added as supplements,” the charity said.
“Many vegan…dogs enjoy excellent health. One remarkable example is that of Bramble, a 27-year-old border collie whose vegan diet of rice, lentils, and organic vegetables earned her consideration by the Guinness Book of World Records as the world’s oldest living dog in 2002.”
