<em>With Claire Lucie, Plant-Based Canine Nutritionist and Founder of The Vegan Dog Coach</em>

In this special interview, we speak with Claire Lucie, a certified canine nutritionist, vegan entrepreneur, and founder of The Vegan Dog Coach. She has dedicated her life to promoting the health benefits of plant-based diets for dogs and educating pet owners around the world. In this conversation, she shares her personal journey — from her childhood surrounded by animals to her experience in the pet food industry and how a plant-based diet saved both her life and the life of her beloved dog, Blacky.

Claire Lucie has been an active voice on the VegaVriend blog, providing insightful articles about plant-based nutrition for dogs. However, today’s interview takes a deeply personal turn, as Claire opens up about her own life-changing experiences with plant-based nutrition for both humans and canines.

Q: Claire Lucie, thank you so much for speaking with us today. Let’s start with a little about your background. You mentioned before that you grew up surrounded by animals. Could you tell us more about that?

A: I was born in Belgium, and we moved to Alsace, France, when I was five. My parents had a deep connection with nature, and I was raised in the heart of it, living on a mountain with my siblings and many animals. We had chickens, ducks, bunnies, horses, cats, dogs — and all of them were family, not food. Growing up this way taught me that animals are our companions, not things to be eaten. I was vegetarian for the first 25 years of my life before fully transitioning to a vegan lifestyle in 2021.

Q: That’s such a beautiful way to grow up. What led you to become so passionate about canine nutrition?

A: Well, it wasn’t just one thing — it was a series of events that shaped my path. I was always very close to Blacky, my brother’s dog, who had been in our family since 2008. In early 2021, Blacky was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a form of bone cancer. After surgery, we chose not to pursue aggressive treatments, which led us to try a different approach: switching him to a homemade plant-based diet.

To our astonishment, Blacky’s health dramatically improved. Not only did the cancer disappear, but his joint pain, kidney function, and even his cataracts improved. He was running and playing again, enjoying life at 13 years old! Witnessing these changes made me dive deeper into nutrition science, and I wanted to help other dog parents learn about the healing potential of a plant-based diet.

Q: That’s incredible. I understand that you didn’t just stop there. You became a certified canine nutritionist after that, right?

A: Yes, exactly. After seeing the profound impact that diet had on Blacky, I knew I had to do more. I started studying canine nutrition through the COE in the UK and earned my certification in March 2022, even while battling a serious health issue myself. My interest in plant-based nutrition was only deepened when I began reading and analyzing peer-reviewed studies on the gut microbiome and its influence on a dog’s health. This knowledge led to the creation of The Vegan Dog Coach in late 2021.

Q: You’ve mentioned that you also went through a life-threatening health crisis. How did that experience influence your work with plant-based diets?

A: In December 2021, I was diagnosed with an extremely rare, incurable vascular condition. It was so rare that there were fewer than 500 reported cases worldwide, and the only solution offered was a high-risk surgery with a 50% chance of survival. It was a terrifying time, but I refused to accept that outcome. Instead, I turned to nutrition — specifically, a raw plant-based diet and daily vegetable juices.

By the end of July 2022, I had made remarkable progress. I was able to hike again with my mother, a feat I thought would be impossible just months earlier. This experience made me even more passionate about the power of food as medicine, not just for humans but for dogs as well.

Q: That’s such an inspiring story. Let’s talk a little bit about your work with The Vegan Dog Coach. Can you tell us about how you’ve been educating dog parents globally?

A: Sure! Through The Vegan Dog Coach, I’ve been able to share knowledge with dog parents in over 65 countries. I provide free resources and information on the safety and health benefits of plant-based diets for dogs, using scientific research to back it up. My mission is to empower dog parents to make informed decisions about their pets’ health, and I’m committed to helping 10 million dogs transition to plant-based diets.

We also organize events, collaborate with vegan organizations, and I give talks at vegan summits and conferences across Europe, the U.S., and Canada. It’s been such a rewarding journey, and I’m so proud to have helped thousands of dogs improve their health and quality of life.

Q: You’ve seen firsthand the incredible results of plant-based diets. Can you share another success story with us?

A: Absolutely. One of my favorite stories is about Luna, my younger sister’s dog. Luna was rescued from a market in France back in 2016, and she’s been thriving on a whole-food, plant-based diet for over five years now. She’s never been sick, doesn’t have allergies, and has had exceptional bloodwork results every time we take her for a check-up. Her vet actually called her “the athlete’s heart” because of how healthy she is!

Her story is a great example of how a plant-based diet can prevent health issues and promote longevity. Luna’s life is full of energy and vitality — just like every dog deserves.

Q: In your experience, what do you think is the biggest misconception about feeding dogs a plant-based diet?

A: The biggest misconception is that dogs need meat to be healthy. But the truth is, dogs are omnivores, which means they can thrive on a balanced plant-based diet if it’s nutritionally complete. The key is to ensure they’re getting the right mix of protein, vitamins, and minerals, which is exactly what I focus on in my nutrition plans. The science and real-life examples show that a plant-based diet can be not only safe but incredibly beneficial for dogs.

Q: That’s so enlightening. As we wrap up, what advice do you have for dog parents who are considering switching their dog to a plant-based diet?

A: My biggest piece of advice is to educate yourself! There’s a lot of misinformation out there, but when you dive into the scientific research and listen to the testimonials of other dog parents who have made the switch, it’s clear that a plant-based diet can make a huge difference. And always consult with a certified canine nutritionist to ensure your dog’s diet is balanced and meets all their nutritional needs.

Plant-based nutrition isn’t a trend; it’s a movement, and I believe it’s the future of pet care. I encourage all dog parents to consider it as a way to give their pets the healthiest, most vibrant life possible.

Q: Thank you so much for sharing your story. It’s been inspiring to hear about your journey and the life-changing impact of plant-based nutrition.

A: Thank you for having me! It’s been an honor to share my story, and I hope it inspires others to consider the power of food for both their health and their dogs’ health.

Final Thoughts
Claire Lucie’s story is a powerful testament to the healing potential of plant-based nutrition — not just for humans, but for our beloved pets as well. Through The Vegan Dog Coach, she is helping thousands of dog parents worldwide make informed, compassionate choices about their pets’ health, and her mission to help 10 million dogs transition to plant-based diets is just beginning.

If you’re considering a plant-based diet for your dog, or if you have any questions, Claire encourages you to consult with a certified canine nutritionist or veterinarian who is knowledgeable about plant-based diets for dogs.