Rebecca Manzi Lewis Hamilton has decided to collaborate with Bramble, a company that offers 100% plant-based fresh dog food, to raise awareness of the importance of these foods
@lewishamilton/Instagram
We all know how Lewis Hamilton-a seven-time Formula 1 champion and very vocal advocate of a plant-based lifestyle-is attached to his dog, Roscoe, who has become a mascot not only for Hamilton himself but for the whole F1 paddock.
Keeping Roscoe’s best interest in mind, Hamilton teamed up with Bramble-a company that sells 100% plant-based, fresh dog food-to be their brand ambassador. Bramble is specialized in high-protein meals, using food items such as lentils, sweet potatoes, peas, chickpeas, and other superfoods developed into nutritionally complete meals.
Hamilton was inspired about Bramble after he saw a dramatic turn in Roscoe’s health when he transitioned into plant-based meals in 2020. Roscoe went from being a dog with zero energy to one full of it after being fed these nutrient-rich diets.
Hamilton says that Roscoe’s coat now shines, his general health has improved, and he is acting like a puppy again. Social media posts for this new partnership feature Roscoe, Bramble’s “chief taste officer“.
Plant-based diets may improve dogs’ overall health
As one of the most loved public figures, Hamilton rallies with experts to change minds on how plant-based diets help pets increase their life span and maintain health, just as in the case of human beings.
The F1 winner hopes to encourage people who share their life with dogs to switch to plant-based food for their beloved companion to analyze the long-term benefits. Various research studies have shown that plant-based dog food might be beneficial for the health of dogs in general by helping gut bacteria thrive and lowering cholesterol.
Besides promoting a much healthier lifestyle for pets, plant-based food marries well into Hamilton’s bigger picture of environmental and ethical values as he has continued to campaign for sustainability and welfare for our fur babies.
This is not Hamilton’s first foray into the plant-based world; he has also invested in forward-thinking food brands, supporting vegan fast-food chain Neat, plant-based food operator NotCo, and vertical farming startup Bowery.
While promising, plant-based diets also raise debate among veterinarians and food animal nutritionists. Dogs, as omnivores, use both animal and plant-based proteins. Active research is still needed to know whether a fully plant-based diet can provide all the essential nutrients in the long run. Critics also say that certain amino acids like taurine and L-carnitine, along with some micronutrients, are generally found in animal products.
It is still a very debated and complex issue that has split the veterinary world, as there is no hard scientific evidence for or against. For vegans, placing animal-based foods into their dogs can be considered going against their very ethos, but it needs to be remembered that canines have completely different nutritional needs compared to humans. It is best to consult with your veterinarian to ensure that all nutrients are adequately included in a balanced manner.
