Have you ever thought about the many animals who could be saved by feeding companion dogs a vegan diet? What about the positive effect it would have on the environment? Compassionate CEO Diana Laverdure-Dunetz has made it her mission to show the world that not only are vegan canines lessening the suffering of other animals and the environment, they can also thrive without consuming any meat. PETA Prime had the opportunity to ask her a few questions about her inspiration, starting a compassionate business, and handling the “haters.”

What motivated you to start the Plant-Powered Dog Food Summit?

As a canine nutritionist, I love helping dogs live longer, healthier lives through diet. As a vegan, I love spreading compassion for all animals. I can’t think of a better way to marry these passions than with a plant-based dog food summit! My mission is to educate people about the benefits of feeding their canine companions a nutritious, balanced, plant-based diet as a healthy, kind, sustainable solution to the challenges we face regarding the treatment of other animals and the future of our planet. The Plant-Powered Dog Food Summit is part of my Plant-Powered Dog movement—a vegan brand that provides dog guardians with the tools and resources to make healthy, thoughtful choices that nurture their dogs’ health with respect for all animals and our beautiful Earth.

Why do you think it’s important for people to attend the summit?

For decades, special interest groups have been spending a lot of time and money convincing people that companion dogs are household versions of wolves who need meat—and lots of it—to thrive. Because of this, many people think that they have to choose between their compassion for all animals and their dogs’ health. I have heard from vegans who believe that dogs are carnivores who need to eat meat. Even though companion dogs are getting chronic diseases like cancer at younger and younger ages, special interest groups work tirelessly to persuade people to keep feeding dogs animal-based diets. By watching this summit, dog guardians will be able to take a fresh look at what’s in their dogs’ bowls and connect the dots to the ways it’s affecting their health. I expect a lot of “Aha!” moments as people discover shocking truths about both animal-based and plant-based ingredients. And the best part is that they will walk away with specific changes they can make to help their dogs thrive while also creating a brighter future for all animals and the planet.

What do you think will be the biggest trend in the companion-animal food industry this year?

Pet food trends mirror trends in human food, and plant-based proteins are hot for 2019. We’re already seeing pet food companies using innovations in food technology to produce healthy, tasty plant-based protein alternatives. I predict this trend will continue to grow in the coming years as record numbers of millennials and younger generations identify as vegan and will want to share their dietary values with their companion dogs.

What aspect of the summit are you most excited about sharing with others?

I can’t wait for dog guardians to discover how simple, fun, and healthy it can be to feed their dogs a compassionate, plant-based diet!

How do you share your compassion with others who aren’t so animal-friendly?

I try to find a message that resonates with them. Dog lovers will typically go to great lengths to ensure their dog is healthy, so if I can’t tap into a sense of compassion, I’ll point out ways that animal products may be harming their dog. My end goal is to save animals by persuading people to feed more plant-based foods to their dogs, so I’ll work with whatever motivates them. Of course, there are people I come across who are completely closed off to the message of veganism. I simply wish those people a good day and move on to the ones I can positively affect.

Any advice for someone wanting to start a vegan business?

I say, do it! There’s no better feeling than building a successful business around doing good. Veganism is the future, and vegan businesses have the opportunity to provide value to a rapidly growing segment of society. Just realize that a vegan business is like any other business in that you have to do your homework, identify your target market, ensure that your idea is sound, and make a plan to move toward profitability. And be sure you’re committed because you are going to put in a lot of hours to make your dream business a reality!

Join the Plant-Powered Dog Food Summit for Free

Diana Laverdure-Dunetz, M.S., has a master’s degree in animal science and is an award-winning canine health writer, nutritionist, and healthy pet-food advocate. As a vegan and animal-welfare activist, Diana created Plant-Powered Dog to give dog guardians worldwide the tools and resources to raise healthy, thriving canine companions through a nutritious, compassionate plant-based lifestyle that has a positive impact on the well-being of all animals and the planet. Diana lives in Palm Beach County, Florida, with her husband, Rodney, and their two rescued cats, Boots and Danny.

Learn more, and register for the FREE online Plant-Powered Dog Food Summit—taking place March 12–19, 2019, at www.plantpowereddogfoodsummit.com.