The confusion can stem from labels. Dogs are classified as Carnivora, which puts them in the same group as wolves and bears. However, that doesn’t automatically mean that modern domestic dogs are strictly meat eaters. 

In this blog, we’ll discuss whether dogs are carnivores or omnivores, plus a few tips on what dogs need for complete nutrition. 

Carnivores vs Omnivores

Before we explore whether dogs are carnivores or omnivores, let’s explain the terms first. 

Carnivores

A carnivore is an animal whose body is built to get most of its nutrition from animal sources like meat, organs, and fat. These animals digest protein very efficiently, and their teeth and jaws are suited for tearing down these sources. 

But carnivores have further grouping, meaning that there are other types of carnivores, including obligate and facultative. Obligate carnivores are those that rely completely on a meat-based diet. They need certain nutrients from animal sources in order to survive. Cats are the classic example of obligate carnivores. 

Facultative carnivores are those that can consume some plant foods too, but their diets should still be centered around animal-based sources. 

Omnivores

An omnivore is an animal that can digest and use nutrients from both animal and plant foods. Omnivores have more dietary flexibility, meaning they can handle a wider variety of ingredients. Their bodies are also specialized to handle the variety of foods they can consume. 

Are Dogs Carnivores or Omnivores?

Dogs are part of the Carnivora order, but are best classified as omnivores. This means that dogs can digest and use nutrients from both animal and plant sources. A dog’s ability to consume plant-based foods has largely been attributed to its adaptation during domestication. 

Dogs have more copies of the AMY2B gene, which is the gene responsible for producing amylase, an enzyme that breaks down starch. This is what allows them to digest plant-based carbohydrates more effectively compared to wolves and other carnivores. 

Plus, dogs have a longer small intestine when compared to other carnivores like cats. The longer tract provides more time for the body to absorb the nutrients from plant and animal matter. 

While dogs can technically survive on a plant-based diet, they need a carefully formulated dietary plan to meet all their needs. This includes nutrients such as taurine, L-carnitine, and certain omega-3s. In theory, it’s possible, but it’s quite challenging to do. 

A Dog’s Carnivorous Bias

But while dogs can consume and benefit from plant sources, they still have a strong carnivorous bias. This means that their bodies are designed to work best for animal-based nutrition. One big reason is simply what dogs evolved from, which is wolves. You can see this in how dogs are built. 

Dental Structure

Dogs have sharp and pointed teeth designed for tearing, ripping, and puncturing meat. The jaws also have strong vertical motion, but limited side-to-side movement. This is because dogs weren’t designed to grind fibrous plant sources. 

Lack of Amylase

Unlike true omnivores like humans, dogs don’t have amylase in their saliva. Their pancreas is the one that produces the enzyme, and the small intestine is usually where the digestion of plant-based sources starts.

Highly Acidic Stomach

A dog’s stomach is also highly acidic, meaning that it is effective at eliminating bacteria from raw meat diets and breaking down animal protein. 

Shorter Digestive Tract

While they do have a longer digestive tract compared to other carnivores, dogs have a shorter one compared to true omnivores. Short digestive tracts are for those that require faster digestion of meat.

Nutritional Requirements

Dogs have nutritional needs that are more easily met with animal products. So while they can also synthesize some of the nutrients they get from plant sources, their bodies are designed to mostly accommodate animal-based diets.