Raw Diets vs. Plant-Based Supplements: A One Health View
Understanding the One Health Framework
The One Health approach emphasizes that the health of people, animals, plants, and the environment are deeply interdependent. This perspective is especially relevant in pet nutrition, where choices ripple outward—affecting food systems, disease transmission, and sustainability.
New Jersey has taken a leadership role in this movement. Governor Phil Murphy proclaimed November 3 as One Health Day in New Jersey, aligning the state with an international campaign that highlights cross-disciplinary collaboration. The New Jersey One Health Task Force now brings together veterinarians, physicians, environmental scientists, and policymakers to address issues at the intersection of animal, human, and environmental health.
So, how do raw diets and plant-based supplements fit into this bigger picture?
Raw Diets: Benefits and Risks
Raw feeding—typically consisting of uncooked meat, bones, and organs—has gained popularity among pet owners seeking a “natural” approach.
Potential Benefits:
Nutrient density: Raw diets can provide high-quality protein, amino acids, and fats in their unprocessed form.
Palatability: Many pets find raw food highly appealing, which can help with picky eaters.
Digestive health: Some owners report shinier coats, improved stool quality, and better energy levels.
Risks and Challenges:
Pathogen exposure: Raw meat can harbor Salmonella, E. coli, or Listeria, posing risks not only to pets but also to humans handling the food.
Nutritional imbalances: Without careful formulation, raw diets may lack essential vitamins, minerals, or fiber.
Environmental footprint: Meat-heavy diets contribute to greenhouse gas emissions and resource-intensive livestock farming.
From a One Health perspective, the pathogen risk is particularly concerning. Zoonotic bacteria can spread from pets to humans, especially in households with children, elderly individuals, or immunocompromised members.
Plant-Based Supplements: A Growing Alternative
Plant-based supplements—ranging from antioxidant blends to omega-rich oils and immune-support powders—are increasingly used to complement or partially replace animal-based diets.
Potential Benefits:
Sustainability: Plant-based ingredients generally have a lower environmental impact compared to meat production.
Functional nutrition: Botanicals like turmeric, spirulina, and medicinal mushrooms can provide anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immune-modulating effects.
Digestive support: Fiber-rich plant ingredients can promote gut health and microbiome balance.
Risks and Challenges:
Bioavailability: Not all plant nutrients are easily absorbed by pets, requiring careful formulation.
Incomplete protein: Dogs and cats have specific amino acid requirements that plants alone may not fully meet.
Regulatory oversight: Supplements vary widely in quality, and not all are backed by rigorous testing.
From a One Health lens, plant-based supplements can reduce reliance on intensive animal agriculture while still supporting pet health. However, they must be integrated thoughtfully to avoid nutritional gaps.
The One Health Balance: Integration, Not Opposition
Rather than framing raw diets and plant-based supplements as mutually exclusive, the One Health perspective encourages integration and balance.
Hybrid approaches: A raw or lightly cooked base diet can be fortified with plant-based supplements to ensure micronutrient coverage and immune support.
Risk mitigation: Safe handling practices, pathogen testing, and regulatory oversight can reduce the risks of raw feeding.
Sustainability gains: Incorporating plant-based supplements reduces the overall environmental footprint of pet diets.
This integrated approach reflects the One Health ethos: solutions that protect animal well-being, safeguard human health, and preserve environmental resources.
Why November 3 Matters in New Jersey
On November 3, New Jersey celebrates One Health Day, joining a global movement that underscores the importance of cross-sector collaboration. The state has been a pioneer, establishing the New Jersey One Health Task Force to address challenges like zoonotic disease monitoring, sustainable agriculture, and veterinary-public health partnerships.
For pet owners, this means that choices about nutrition are not just personal—they are part of a broader ecosystem of health. By considering both raw diets and plant-based supplements through a One Health lens, New Jerseyans can align their pet care practices with the state’s forward-looking commitment to interconnected well-being.
Practical Takeaways for Pet Owners
Consult professionals: Work with veterinarians who understand both raw feeding and supplementation to design balanced diets.
Prioritize safety: If feeding raw, follow strict hygiene protocols to protect both pets and humans.
Leverage supplements: Use plant-based blends to fill nutritional gaps, support immunity, and reduce environmental impact.
Think systemically: Remember that your pet’s diet choices affect not just their health, but also your household and the planet.
Conclusion
The debate between raw diets and plant-based supplements is not about choosing sides—it’s about finding synergy. Through the lens of One Health, pet nutrition becomes a shared responsibility that links our animals’ vitality to human safety and environmental sustainability.
As New Jersey highlights on One Health Day, November 3, the future of health lies in collaboration. For pet owners, that means embracing dietary strategies that nourish pets while respecting the delicate balance of our interconnected world.
Sources: Governor Murphy’s proclamation of November 3 as One Health Day in New Jersey.
: https://dep.nj.gov/newsrel/25_01030/
: https://www.morningagclips.com/gov-murphy-proclaims-nov-3-2025-as-one-health-day-in-new-jersey/
