Are Dogs Omnivores or Carnivores - and does it matter?

Summary:
Are dogs carnivores or omnivores? It’s a common question that is searched more than 1,000 times per month — and with conflicting answers. Some say dogs are meat-loving carnivores. Others argue they’re omnivores that thrive on variety. But here’s the truth: biology doesn’t fit in a neat box. In this post, we break down the science behind your dog’s diet, clear up the confusion around canine classification, and explain what it really means when it comes to choosing the best food for your dog’s long-term health.

Why There’s So Much Confusion About the Canine Diet

You’ve probably seen debates online like:

“Are dogs obligate carnivores like cats?”
“Can dogs digest grains and vegetables?”
“Do dogs need a meat-only diet?”

It’s not just pet parents asking — even some vets and pet food companies disagree. Part of the confusion comes from how we define terms like "carnivore" and "omnivore" — and from the modern dog’s unique evolution.

So, what does the science actually say?

Are Dogs Carnivores or Omnivores? The Science Isn’t Binary

Let’s break it down using sources like AAFCO, VCA Hospitals, and My Pet Nutritionist.

AAFCO’s Perspective

According to AAFCO, dogs are classified as non-obligate carnivores. That means they prefer and thrive on meat, but they can digest and utilize nutrients from plant-based sources.

Dogs are not obligate carnivores like cats, who require nutrients only found in animal tissue. Dogs have evolved alongside humans for thousands of years — and their digestive systems have adapted accordingly.

VCA Hospital Guidelines

VCA Animal Hospitals explain that dogs need a balanced diet of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates, and that fiber and plant matter can play important roles in gut function and nutrient absorption.

Dogs can digest:

Cooked grains
Legumes
Vegetables
Fruits (in moderation)

They’re more flexible than strict carnivores — but that doesn’t mean all plant ingredients are beneficial.

My Pet Nutritionist’s Take

As My Pet Nutritionist puts it: dogs are “facultative carnivores.” They are biologically adapted to eat primarily meat, but have the capability to process non-meat food when necessary.

In other words — meat should be the foundation, but not the only component.

Biology Tells the Real Story

To answer “are dogs carnivores or omnivores?” you have to look at how they eat and digest food.

Teeth Like a Carnivore

Dogs have sharp canines and a strong jaw that moves up and down — designed to tear flesh, not grind plants.

Saliva Without Amylase

Unlike herbivores, dogs don’t produce amylase in their saliva (an enzyme that breaks down starches). Their bodies aren’t optimized to process large amounts of carbs at the mouth level.

Digestive Tract Length

Dogs have a short, acidic digestive tract, typical of meat-eaters. Food moves quickly — which is ideal for digesting proteins, not slowly fermenting fiber.

These biological traits point to a carnivore-based digestive system, not a starch-optimized one.

So… Are Dogs Carnivores or Omnivores? Yes — But It’s the Wrong Question

Trying to label dogs as strictly omnivore or carnivore misses the point.

Dogs are evolutionary hybrids — meat-loving animals with some digestive flexibility. They can eat grains or plants, but they thrive on meat-rich, biologically appropriate diets.

What really matters is how food affects their health — and especially their gut.

Why the Gut Is the Real Key to Your Dog’s Health

No matter how you classify your dog’s diet, gut health is what determines how well they absorb and use nutrients. That’s why Brothers Dog Food is built on a gut-health-first philosophy — regardless of labels.

A damaged gut leads to:

Allergies
Skin conditions
Chronic inflammation
Poor nutrient absorption

Whether you feed your dog a carnivore dog food, include plant ingredients, or aim for a carnivore diet for dogs, the most important thing is supporting their microbiome and avoiding inflammatory ingredients.

The Problem With Many “Meat-Only” or “Carnivore Diet for Dogs” Products

Many “meat only dog food” brands use that term for marketing, but still include:

High-glycemic fillers (like potatoes or peas)
Low-quality proteins
No gut-support ingredients

That’s where Brothers Complete stands apart.

All of our recipes include:

Over 90% animal-sourced protein
Low-glycemic carbohydrates
A proprietary enzyme + probiotic blend for digestion
Zero soy, corn, or wheat
Functional ingredients that matter — not just trendy labels

Why Brothers Dog Food Works — Whether You See Dogs as Carnivores or Omnivores

At Brothers, we don’t feed dogs based on theory — we feed based on results.

Our approach works for carnivore-leaning dogs and flexible omnivores alike because it:

Honors the biology of the dog
Prioritizes gut health
Uses meat as the foundation, not the filler
Supports immune health and longevity

Thousands of pet parents have seen skin issues, digestive problems, and allergy symptoms disappear after switching to Brothers — not because we picked a label, but because we followed the science and respected the dog.