Today, more and more people adapting to a vegan lifestyle have led them to avoid any products that are derived from animals directly or indirectly in any state, even if it is for their pets. Pet parents are very particular about their fur baby’s health and diet, they tend to go to any extent for their wellbeing.
The same goes for pet parents who are vegans, as their conscience does not allow them to consume any animal-based food or lifestyle product; they follow the same rules for their pets.
What is Vegan Dog Food?
Plant-based dog food, which is an alternative to traditional dog food, is called vegan dog food. Traditional dog food sources protein and other nutrients from chicken, beef, or fish whereas vegan dog food derives its nutrients from a variety of plant-based sources like soy, peas, lentils, etc.
When it comes to nutrition from meat-based foods, vegan dog food can provide healthy plant-based alternatives ideal for dogs with food allergies. Vegan dog food is low in fat and high in carbohydrates, generating just the perfect number of calories for the dog. It is very important to select the right brand for your dog’s daily dose of protein as there is a tendency for vegan dog food to be less nutritious like protein, calcium, and minerals.
Can dogs be vegan?
Yes, dogs can be vegan too!
Traditionally, dogs were considered to be carnivorous. Over time, dogs have been able to digest and derive their nutritional requirements from plants. Today vegan dog food brands have developed vegan diets for our furry friends which are nutritional and balanced.
Dogs can be vegan but you have to be very careful about the nutrition your dogs would need in their diet.
Is vegan dog food healthy for dogs?
Every dog is unique and so is their nutritional requirement which can be based on their age, breed, sex, and health conditions. It is very important to consult a veterinarian before switching your dog’s diet to a vegan diet.
Vegan dog foods can be healthy for your dog but you will need to plan and formulate their diet in a way that they don’t suffer from any vitamins or minerals deficiency. A vegan diet, if planned well for your dog, can be rich in protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals. Vegan dog food contains plant-based nutrients which are comparatively healthier and work best for dogs prone to food allergies, indigestion, etc.
Studies show that dogs who are on a vegan diet live longer and healthier.
Protein in Vegan Dog Foods?
Protein is a very important nutrient for dogs’ muscle growth and overall development. Vegan dog foods derive protein from plant-based sources like peas, flax seeds, soy, etc. It is very important to pick a vegan dog food brand after checking the protein content.
What factors should you keep in mind before picking a vegan dog food brand?
There are two factors to be considered before picking a vegan dog food brand
- Cost
- Nutrition Value
It is important to compare the cost of readily available vegan dog food brands in stores. The best practice is to always check for the ingredients before making a purchase.
Dogs are an important and integral part of our family, their nutrition should be our prime concern when we plan to shift them to a vegan diet. Always check for vegan dog food brands that provide a balanced diet, nutritionally.
Taste is another factor but we cannot practically comment on that, the only way to understand if the dog likes the taste of their vegan food is by observing behavior when the food is served. If they love the taste they will gobble it, if they don’t they will ignore or growl.
Overview of Vegan dog food brands
Prior to the detailed description of Vegan dog food brands, given below is a quick summary of a few important points of Vegan dog food in a tabular form.
| Brand name | Flavors available | Protein present | Pet Parents Ratings | Cost |
| Vegan recipes with organic peas | The Cowbell, The Roost | 11% in Cowbell and 12.5% in Roost | 4/5 | $9.50 |
| Halo Pets | Holistic Adult Dog – Garden of Vegan Recipe | 5.75% | 4.6/5 | $29.99 |
| Gather Endless Valley | Golden Rotisserie, Classic Roast, Veggie Chicken Kabob Flavour | 22% | 4.7/5 | $83.20 |
| V-Dog | Kind Kibble, Happy Harvest, Kind Jerky, Peanut Butter wiggle biscuits | 6%-24% | 2.5/5 | $13-$89 |
| Wild Earth | Golden Rotisserie, Classic roast, Veggie Chicken Kabob Flavour | 23%-28% | 4.4/5 | $48-$69 |
10 best vegan dog food brands
1. PawCo Food
PawCo Foods allows you to feed your dog like a plant-based regal!
Four new recipes catered to your dog’s needs are available from the subscription-based vegan dog food brand. To select the ideal food plan, simply respond to a few questions about your pet, and PawCo Foods will assist you.
Board-certified animal nutritionists created each of their recipes, which include pea protein, fruits, vegetables, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals.
The best thing is that because PawCo Foods is a subscription-based business, you don’t have to worry about running out of food to place another order.
Flavors you can look for are Vitamin-rich with green mix and carrots, high protein and fats with peanut butter and apple, anti-inflammatory with pumpkin and cranberries, Antioxidant antioxidant-rich with blueberries and veggies.
Cost: $1.40 per meal (subscription based)
Nutritional Value:
| Protein | 13.50% |
| Fat | 4.30% |
| Fiber | 3% |
| Moisture | 10%-12% |
Pet Parents Ratings: 3.2/5
2. Bramble Pets
Their ingredients are fresh and made with a lot of love for your tail wagers. Their brand focuses on nutrition and sustainability, designed in small portions with wholesome foods and no preservatives that will leave your dog asking for more.
Flavors you can look for The Cowbell, The Roost
Cost:
- The Cowbell – $9.50
- The Roost- $9.50
Nutritional Value:
| The Cowbell | The Roost |
| Protein: 11% | Protein: 12.5% |
| Fat: 7% | Fat: 8% |
| Fiber: 1% | Fiber: 1% |
| Moisture: 65% | Moisture: 65% |
Pet Parents Ratings: 4/5
3. Halo Pets
There are many vegan options available in Halo Pets’ holistic dog food line, including two dry kibble formulations, one wet food flavor, and an abundance of treats. Holistic Plant-Based with Superfoods Vegan Dog Food is a regular dry kibble that contains omega fatty acids, pre-, pro-, and post-biotics, antioxidant-rich vitamins, and minerals.
Flavors you can look for Holistic Adult Dog – Garden of Vegan Recipe
Cost: $29.99
Nutritional Value:
| Protein | 5.75% |
| Fat | 3.50% |
| Fibre | 2% |
| Moisture | 10% |
Pet Parents Ratings: 4.6/5
4. Gather Endless Valley
Your dog’s endless nutrition supply search ends here. Their non-GMO ingredient recipe is protein and Omega 3-based, derived from sunflower seeds, flax seeds, and peas. 100% vegan dog food that perfectly blends nutrition and quality along with amazing flavors.
Flavors you can look for vegan recipes with organic peas
Cost: $83.20
Nutritional Value:
| Protein | 22% |
| Fat | 11% |
| Fibre | 4% |
| Moisture | 10% |
Pet Parents Ratings: 4.7/5
5. V-Dog
A vegan dog food brand that has reinvented vegan recipes just to encourage a healthy and sustainable diet for your tail-wagging babies. While they are nourishing your pet at the same time they are saving other animals and the environment. Their plant-based dog food recipes are loaded with valuable nutrients extracted from quinoa, corn, wheat, and soy.
Flavors you can look for kind Kibble, Happy Harvest, Kind Jerky, Peanut Butter wiggle biscuits
Cost:
- Kind kibble starts at $89.99
- Happy Harvest starts at $15.99
- Kind Jerky starts at $13.99
- Wiggle Biscuits starts at $13.99
Nutritional Value:
| Kind kibble (per cup) | Happy Harvest (per can) | Kind Jerky (per treat) | Wiggle Biscuits (per treat) |
| Protein: 24% | Protein: 6% | Protein: 24% | Protein: 10% |
| Fat: 9% | Fat: 2.5% | Fat: 5% | Fat: 10% |
| Fiber: 5% | Fiber: 2% | Fiber: 5% | Fiber: 2% |
| Moisture: 10% | Moisture: 78% | Moisture: 21% | Moisture: 24% |
Pet Parents Ratings: 2.5/5
6. Wild Earth
A protein powerhouse recipe derived from plants that leave your dog drooling over. Every ingredient is hand-picked by a team of veterinarians and dog food scientists so that your dog gets a balanced healthy diet topped with nutrition that they would enjoy to bits.
Flavors you can look for are Golden Rotisserie, Classic Roast, Veggie Chicken Kabob Flavour
Cost:
- Golden Rotisserie (12.5 lbs)- $48.30
- Classic roast (12.5 lbs)- $48.30
- Veggie Chicken Kabob Flavour (18 lb)- $69.30
Nutritional Value:
| Golden Rotisserie (12.5 lbs) | Classic roast (12.5 lbs) | Veggie Chicken Kabob Flavour |
| Protein: 23% | Protein: 23% | Protein: 28% |
| Fat: 9% | Fat: 9% | Fat: 11% |
| Fiber: 5% | Fiber: 5% | Fiber: 5% |
| Moisture: 10% | Moisture: 10% | Moisture: 10% |
Pet Parents Ratings: 4.4/5
7. Benevo
A brand that focuses on solving every vegan’s ethical problem of how to help them with their dog food. They created a curtly free vegan dog food recipe suitable for adult dogs as well as puppies. They developed a revolutionary recipe rich in vitamins, minerals, and plant-based taurine which could be served to both cats as well as dogs.
Flavors you can look for Benevo Duo Vegan Cat and Dog, Benevo vegetable feast with mixed herbs, and Benevo Original Vegan Dog Food.
Cost:
- Benevo Duo Vegan Cat and Dog 354g- £14.99
- Benevo vegetable feast with mixed herbs 395g – £3.29
- Benevo Original Vegan Dog Food 2kg – £15.99
Nutritional Value:
| Benevo Duo Vegan Cat & Dog | Benevo vegetable feast with mixed herbs | Benevo Original Vegan Dog Food |
| Protein: 8% | Protein: 6% | Protein: 27% |
| Fat: 3% | Fat: 5% | Fat: 12% |
| Fiber: 3% | Fiber: 0.5% | Fiber:4. 5% |
| Moisture: 76% | Moisture: 70% | Moisture: 8% |
Pet Parents Ratings: 4.5/5
8. Lord Jameson
Lord Jameson Dog treats from Golden Health Vegetarians are a healthy and delectable way to delight your pet!
Only natural ingredients, including superfoods like coconut and flax seeds, go into making these tasty snacks. Plus, the age-old turmeric plant is used in the creation of each delight.
Golden Health Lord Jameson Dog treats made entirely of vegetables are a great choice for pets that frequently have allergies to animal proteins. They are also a well-liked option for pet owners who wish to lessen the carbon footprint of their animals. This dish is USDA-certified organic and devoid of wheat and soy. Also, it doesn’t include any artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives.
Flavors you can look for are Berry Best, Blue Bliss, Celebration Bash, Coco Crush, and Savory Sweet
Cost:
- Berry Best: $12.99
- Blue Bliss: $16.99
- Celebration Bash: $12.99
- Coco Crush: $12.99
- Savory Sweet: $12.99
Nutritional Value:
| Protein | 13.50% |
| Fat | 4.30% |
| Fibre | 3% |
| Moisture | 15% |
Pet Parents Ratings: 4/5
9. Petaluma
Petaluma provides a comprehensive explanation of its status as the greenest vegan dog food brand, catering to pet parents who prioritize sustainability in their decision-making process. Food from Petaluma is supplied from biodiverse organic farms, baked in solar-powered facilities, packaged in compostable materials, and, of course, entirely plant-based with no support from industrial farming.
Flavors you can look for Roasted Peanut Butter and Sweet Potato flavor
Cost: $94
Nutritional Value:
| Protein | 13.50% |
| Fat | 4.30% |
| Fibre | 3% |
| Moisture | 10% |
Pet Parents Ratings: 4.5/5
10. Pupums
Pupums Organic Dog Treats are the best dog treats for delicate stomachs. Suitable for ingestion by humans, it utilizes organic, non-GMO, human-grade ingredients that are completely devoid of preservatives, BHA, BHT, and artificial flavors.
In the USA, it is thoroughly handcrafted. Small-scale domestic production cuts down on lead time, meaning our dogs always get a crunchy treat that is freshly made. Dogs with sensitive stomachs or allergies can benefit from the nutritional balance and healthy digestion that these plant-based treats offer. Veterinary professionals and animal nutritionists have also authorized this formula.
Flavors you can look for Crispy Oatmeal Chips, Peanut Butter Crunch, and Sweet Potato Pie
Cost: $27.99
Pet Parents Ratings: 4.5/5
FAQ’s
What is vegan dog food?
Completely plant-based dog food is known as vegan dog food. It can be homemade as well as processed, the ones available in store
Is vegan dog food healthy for dogs?
Yes, vegan dog food is healthy for your dogs as it is rich in nutrients and free from food allergens
Can a dog survive on vegan dog food?
Yes, a dog can survive on vegan dog food, provided it consists of all the nutrients.
What are the benefits of vegan dog food?
Plant-based dog foods have nutritional value. A balanced diet is a must!
There are a lot of benefits in feeding your dog with vegan foods.
1. Reduces the risk of food allergies
2. Helps in maintaining their weight
3. Reduces bad breath
4. Maintains a healthy fur coat
Is it cruel to feed a dog a vegan diet?
No, it isn’t cruel to keep your dog on a vegan diet as long as it is enriched with nutrients that your dog needs.
Are vegan dog foods vegan?
Vegan dog foods are plant-based, these foods contain nutrients derived from plants including protein and calcium.
What was the first vegetarian food for dogs?
The first vegetarian food for dogs which was commercially produced was Happi Dog in 1980.
Is V-dog vegan?
Formerly known as Happi Dog, they are one of the first vegan dog food brands. It is free from food allergens and additives.
Is Wild Earth vegan dog food good for dogs?
Wild Earth vegan dog food is one of the most loved vegan dog food brands. Their ingredients are non-GMO and rich in amino and omega fatty acids.
How can I safely transition my dog to a vegan diet?
The transition to a vegan diet for your dog has to be done gradually. To begin with, mix small portions of vegan dog food into their meals and slowly increase the portion from time to time till your dog gets accustomed to the taste. This would also reduce the risk of an upset stomach.
Will my dog get enough protein from vegan dog foods?
Yes, vegan dog foods derive protein from plants or plant-based sources like peas, flax seeds, and soy. Plan-based protein is easy to digest and healthy.
Is vegan dog food expensive?
It depends from brand to brand. Homemade vegan dog food is also a good way to maintain a vegan diet for your dog.
Are vegan dog treats available?
Many brands make some amazing vegan dog treats that will surely be loved by your dog to binge on.
Is a vegan diet good for your pet’s fur coat?
As per research, about 38% of dogs showed healthier and shinier fur coats after following a vegan diet for about 6 months.
Can I switch my dog to a vegan diet?
It’s always advisable to start your dog’s vegan journey with commercial vegan foods available in stores. To begin with, add small vegan food portions to their regular meals and gradually shift them to vegan foods.
Do vegan dogs live longer?
There is no such research that confirms vegan dog food helps dogs live longer, but they live healthier than those dogs who have meat-based diets.
Do vets recommend vegan dog food?
Dogs consume both meat and plant-based foods since they are omnivores. Although it is technically feasible, the British Veterinary Association does not recommend feeding a dog a vegetarian or vegan diet because a complete vegan diet will disturb the balance of essential nutrients in them.
What is the best vegetarian food to feed a dog?
For dogs to thrive, they need high-quality protein. Although plant-based protein sources such as quinoa, lentils, chickpeas, and soy can be used, they might not contain all of the needed amino acids in the proper amounts. Mixing several plant-based protein sources could be one way to deal with this problem.
Summary
It’s important to do a thorough check on what vegan dog food brand will be best suitable for your dog. Any diet shift has to be gradual as they can be sensitive to the stomach. Vegan dog food brands that are approved by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) are the best choice for your fur babies. AAFCO has all the necessary nutritional guidelines laid out for vegan food brands, making them best suited to opt for.
As long as vegan dog food is planned and formulated into a balanced diet, vegan dog food can be one healthy option for your dog. It surely can provide essential nutrients without the use of animal-based ingredients or products.
However, it is very important to note that before switching to a vegan dietary plan, veterinary consultation is extremely important to ensure that your dog’s nutritional needs are being taken care of. A veterinarian can help you select the right vegan dog food brand in case the dog needs any specific nutrient.
