Lewis Hamilton has been criticised by the Pet Food Manufacturer's Association after the six-time Formula One world champion revealed his dog has been "fully vegan" since July.
Hamilton claimed that his pet dog, Roscoe, had been suffering from skin allergies and breathing difficulties before switching to a plant-based diet, with Roscoe now acting "like a puppy again".
However, Hamilton has since been warned by animal nutritionists that meat-free diets can cause dogs to become deficient in vital vitamins.
Nicole Paley, deputy chief executive of the Pet Food Manufacturers' Association, said: "We advise that vegan diets – with no animal products – are carefully checked by a vet or animal nutritionist."
Meanwhile, television vet Dr Scott Miller claimed a vegan diet could be "extremely dangerous" for dogs.
"Dogs and cats have sharper teeth for catching meat," he said. "As much as it makes sense for you to be a vegan, when it comes to our pets it's going to prove problematic."
Hamilton has been vegan for several years and has often publicly promoted the benefits he has experienced.
He did warn any pet owners to consult their vet before following his example.
