Six-time Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton has praised a vegan diet for drastically improving the life of his British Bulldog Roscoe. 

Roscoe first went on to the vegan diet in July, largely down to the variety of health conditions afflicting the dog at the time. 

And Hamilton has now taken to social media to give the diet credit for alleviating Roscoe's conditions.

“His breathing has always been bad, which meant he was never able to walk very far and his joints would hurt. He also had skin allergies.

“Three months ago, I decided to transition him to a vegan diet. It has changed his life. He now doesn’t have any breathing issues, his throat is no longer restricted, and he doesn’t overheat like he did before and he loves to run. He also has no allergy issues.

“He’s like a puppy again! It’s been amazing to see these changes in Roscoe and I’m so grateful to be able to share this.”

A 2019 global survey of 3,670 dog and cat owners found that 35% of owners would consider putting their animals on a vegan diet, while 27% of those, vegan themselves, had already done so.

However, many said they would need veterinarian approval before making this decision, to ensure their nutritional needs are met.

PETA have laid similar requirements for a plant-based diet for pets, stating: "It’s important to ensure that their nutritional requirements are met.

"Dogs require two amino acids, L-carnitine and taurine, which are usually added to vegan dog foods or can be added as supplements."

An example, the animal charity continued, is Bramble, a 27-year-old border collie whose vegan diet of rice, lentils, and organic vegetables earned her consideration by the Guinness Book of World Records as the world’s oldest living dog in 2002.