nature s balance vegan dog food
20 Best Vegan Dog Foods
If you believe in the benefits of a vegan diet, its natural to consider a plant-based diet for your dog as well. Contrary to popular belief, dogs can thrive and maintain great health on a vegan or vegetarian diet as long as you meet their nutritional requirements. Therefore, it is crucial to choose only the best vegan dog food if you want your dog to live a healthy and happy life as a vegan.
Whether youre looking for effective vegan dog food because youre a vegan yourself or want to make a switch because of certain health conditions or allergies, Ive got you covered.
After spending hours learning about a canines dietary requirements and investigating the best vegan dog foods available in the market, I have a list of recommended plant-based dog foods that check all the boxes.
So without further ado, lets dive into our top picks right away!
The Best Vegan Dog Foods
Top Products | Rating | What We Like |
---|---|---|
1. Natural Balance Vegetarian Formula Dry Dog Food | 4.7 | DHA and EPA, Vegetarian, Vegan |
2. Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Vegetarian Formula Dry Dog Food | 4.7 | Sensitive Digestion, Vegetarian, Pea-Free, Veterinary Diet, Chicken-Free |
3. V-Dog Kind Kibble Mini Bites Vegan Adult Dry Dog Food | 4.7 | Vegan, No Corn No Wheat No Soy, Gluten Free, Vegetarian |
4. Halo Holistic Garden of Vegan Adult Dry Dog Food | 4.5 | Vegan, Chicken-Free, Non-GMO Vegetables |
5. V-Dog Kind Kibble Vegan Adult Dry Dog Food | 4.6 | Vegan, No Corn No Wheat No Soy, Gluten Free, Vegetarian |
1. Natural Balance Vegetarian Formula Dry Dog Food
Protein (min.)18% |Fat (min.)8% |Fiber (max.)4% |Moisture (max.)10%
Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Brown Rice, 2. Oat Groats, 3. Barley, 4. Peas, 5. Potato Protein
What stands out about this vegan diet for dogs is that it is affordable even though it includes all high-quality ingredients. This Natural Balance diet is manufactured in the USA and consists of the best ingredients from around the world to ensure your pup gets top-quality vegan nutrition. The recipe contains barley, rice, oats, and peas as the primary ingredients to supply thenutrition that your pooch requires. In short, this diet hasall the nutrients found in food with meat as the protein source.
This tasty formula also includes EPA and DHA to aid in healthy and active brain functions. It has delicious flavors that your dog will love. The vegan diet is suitable for adult dogs of all breeds. Highly recommended!
2. Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Vegetarian Formula Dry Dog Food
Protein (min.)17% |Fat (min.)8% |Fiber (max.)5.3% |Moisture (max.)10%
Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Oat Groats, 2. Brewers Rice, 3. Potato Protein, 4. Coconut Oil, 5. Natural Flavors
This palatable option by Royal Canin is another vegan dog food that we highly recommend. Besides being meat and dairy-free, the recipe is suitable for dogs with a sensitive digestive system. This vegan dog food is also a veterinary diet designed to address food sensitivities in pups. Keep your dogs tummy troubles at bay with this light diet made from plant-based nutrients.
This complete and balanced diet promotes great health and features a nutrient blend that guarantees great health. It contains linoleic acid, biotin, and zinc to promote a shiny coat and healthy skin. Help your dog live a pain-free, happy life while enjoying the nutrients he deserves with this veterinary vegan option by Royal Canin.
3. V-Dog Kind Kibble Mini Bites Vegan Adult Dry Dog Food
Protein (min.)24% |Fat (min.)9% |Fiber (max.)5% |Moisture (max.)10%
Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Dried Peas, 2. Pea Protein, 3. Brown Rice, 4. Oatmeal, 5. Potato Protein
V-Dog Kind Kibbles gluten-free, vegan option offers plant-powered nutrition for your small, extra-small, and toy dog breeds. This one features mini-bites, so your little four-legged fella can get all the nutrition he needs to maintain great health. The recipe boasts all-natural and high-quality meat-free ingredients for your dog to stay healthy, lean, and more energetic. If your dog has a sensitive stomach or is prone to food allergies, this special recipe delivers better health by eliminating allergens, including soy, wheat, and corn.
Other benefits of feeding a vegan or vegetarian diet to your dog are improved oral hygiene, healthier coat and skin, and better weight management. This balanced diet features 100% healthy and delicious whole foods, including lentils, peas, brown rice, and quinoa.
4. Halo Holistic Garden of Vegan Adult Dry Dog Food
Protein (min.)20% |Fat (min.)10% |Fiber (max.)8.5% |Moisture (max.)10%
Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Green Peas, 2. Chickpeas, 3. Pearled Barley, 4. Oat Groats, 5. Pea Protein
Halo focuses on utilizing only the best and most nutritious whole ingredients in dog food recipes. This vegan dog food can be a little pricey compared to the other options, but if budget isnt a concern, this is one of the best vegan dog foods you can buy. This holistic diet is a wholesome blend of vegan ingredients, including non-GMO vegetables, chickpeas, and nourishing oils to offer complete and balanced nutrition to your beloved pooch. It is highly digestible, making it a great option for dogs with tummy sensitivities. It also includes a blend of essential minerals, vitamins, and trace nutrients to ensure your dog gets only the best.
Designed to keep up with your dogs nutritional requirements, you can rely on this meat and dairy-free diet for adequate nutrition for your dog. Beneficial omega fatty acids from sunflower oil and flaxseed promote lustrous coat and healthy skin.
5. V-Dog Kind Kibble Vegan Adult Dry Dog Food
Protein (min.)24% |Fat (min.)9% |Fiber (max.)5% |Moisture (max.)10%
Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Dried Peas, 2. Pea Protein, 3. Brown Rice, 4. Oatmeal, 5. Potato Protein
The dietary benefits of this option by V-Dog Kind Kibble are similar to the one mentioned above, but this one is for larger breeds. Your large breed dog can thrive on this vegan diet that includes all the essential nutrients they require to stay healthy. This pooch-and-planet-friendly dog food has all vegan-sourced ingredients to meet your big dogs nutritional requirements and to help them stay leaner, healthier, and more active. Feed your dog this trusted plant-based diet, which is also excellent for dogs with a sensitive stomach as it does not contain common allergens, such as poultry, wheat, soy, and corn.
Manufactured in California by a vegan-owned and operated family business, this diet is 100% vegan, delicious, and healthy. Your big dogwill love the taste that comes from a unique blend of high-quality whole foods like lentils, peas, and brown rice. There are no fillers or harmful additives in the kibble.
6. Natures Recipe Healthy Skin Vegetarian Recipe Dry Dog Food
Protein (min.)22% |Fat (min.)8% |Fiber (max.)4.4% |Moisture (max.)10%
Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Brewers Rice, 2. Soybean Meal, 3. Barley, 4. Canola Oil, 5. Calcium Carbonate
Provide your dog with a complete and balanced meal that guarantees great health and sustained energy with this nutritious vegan option by Natures Recipe. This chicken-free formula includes everything your dog needs to stay healthy and to thrive. Help your dog feel and look its best by relying on a rich diet that eliminates common allergens and comes from carefully selected ingredients. This special recipe will also maintain your dogs optimal skin health.
In addition to protein-rich soybean meal, canola oil, and omega fatty acids that help maintain strong muscles and support a shiny coat and healthy skin, the beta carotene in the recipe is excellent for the overall health of your dog. This healthy natural dog food is free from artificial flavors, colors, and harmful preservatives.
7. Dr. Harveys Veg-To-Bowl Grain-Free Dog Food Pre-Mix
Protein (min.)2% |Fat (min.)1% |Fiber (max.)12% |Moisture (max.)10%
Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Sweet Potatoes, Carrots, Potatoes, Broccoli, Peas
If youre looking for a vegan pre-mix dog food, you cant get better than this one by Dr. Harveys Veg-to-Bowl. However, this isnt a complete diet. It is a freeze-dried pre-mix that requires added protein and oil to make an all-naturaland complete dog food. The best part about this food option is that it gives you more control over what you like to feed your partner. This recipe contains a mixture of nine super-nutritious dehydrated vegetables, herbs, and a mineral and multi-vitamin supplement. If you wish to give your dog a complete vegan diet, add a suitable protein source and oils to the mix, and complete the dog food.
This healthy homemade meal does not contain soy, wheat, salt, or sugar. It is easy to prepare and works great for pups with food sensitivities. You can also serve this food on its own as an intermittent or supplemental feeding.
8. Wild Earth Clean Protein Formula Vegan Dry Adult Dog Food
Protein (min.)31% |Fat (min.)10.5% |Fiber (max.)5% |Moisture (max.)10%
Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Dried Yeast, 2. Chickpeas, 3. Oats, 4. Peas, 5. Pea Protein
Provide your dog with the wholesome goodness of this high-quality vegan dog food by Wild Earth. This adult dog formula is excellent for all breeds and is nutritionally complete to help your dog stay healthy. The recipe contains prebiotic fibers that promote a healthy microbiome for stronger immunity and resistance against certain diseases.
Feed a rich diet to your furry friend, including chickpeas, spinach, sweet potato, oats, and pumpkin. It is a 100% vegan formula with irresistible umami flavor without any fillers, animal by-products, additives, and artificial preservatives. And if youre worried about your big fellas protein requirement, the recipe contains 31% complete protein to help fuel muscles and maintain overall health.
9. Natural Balance Vegetarian Formula Canned Dog Food
Protein (min.)5% |Fat (min.)3% |Fiber (max.)1.5% |Moisture (max.)78%
Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Brown Rice, 2. Barley, 3. Oat Groats, 4. Canola Oil, 5. Carrots
Your vegan pup doesnt have to compromise on nutrition when you have such amazing vegan food options available. If your dog prefers a pate diet, this food by Natural Balance is the solution to your problem. The canned dog food is a 100% vegan option that offers complete and balanced nutrition for all breeds and sizes. Rich with ingredients like brown rice, barley, carrots, and oats, the chicken-free formula provides plenty of meatless protein to help your dog build and maintain muscles. Additionally, these plant-based ingredients also ensure theres an adequate level of complex carbs for your pup to give him the energy he needs to stay active and thriving throughout the day.
This unique blend of essential nutrition is a highly digestible formula when served on its own. You can use it as a food topper to add more flavor and nutrition to your dogs daily food. The highlight of this unique dog food is Yucca Schidigera extract, which helps with the gastrointestinal system and reduces odor in the stool.
10. Wysong Vegan Dry Dog & Cat Food
Protein (min.)26% |Fat (min.)10% |Fiber (max.)5% |Moisture (max.)10%
Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Brown Rice, 2. Corn, 3. Extruded Soybeans, 4. Pea Protein, 5. Potato Protein
This dog food by Wysong is a very interesting pet food because not only its suitable for dogs, but you can also feed it to your vegan cats. The recipe is excellent for eliminating protocols associated with meat sources. It is a holistic vegan food for cats and dogs,inspiring the loyalty and trust of pet owners for over thirty years. Created by a veterinarian, this unique formula contains the best vegan ingredients and utilizes advanced processing methods to preserve its natural value.
Despite having no meat sources, the protein-rich recipe has 26% plant-based protein, high levels of fat, and a comprehensive spectrum of micronutrients to take care of your poochs overall health. The probiotics, prebiotics, essential omegas, enzymes, and antioxidants in the blend make it a reliable vegan dog food for your buddy.
11. Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets HA Hydrolyzed Formula Dry Dog Food
Protein (min.)18% |Fat (min.)8% |Fiber (max.)4% |Moisture (max.)10%
Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Corn Starch, 2. Hydrolyzed Soy Protein Isolate, 3. Vegetable Oil, 4. Dicalcium Phosphate, 5. Partially Hydrogenated Canola Oil
Does your dog have a sensitive stomach? This veterinary diet by Purina Pro Plan is the solution for you. Eliminate all the possible allergens and all meat and dairy sources from your dogs diet and promote healthy digestion and optimal nutrient absorption in dogs by opting for vegan dog food. The special HA Hydrolyzed canine formula,created in collaboration with researchers, animal nutritionists, and veterinarians,ensures your dog gets only the best and single-sourced nutrition for great health.
This great-tasting kibble is perfect for dogs of all breeds and ages and offers complete nutrition without the risk of food reactions. This specialized dog food requires a prescription from your veterinarian before you can purchase it.
12. Halo Holistic Garden of Vegan Recipe Adult Canned Dog Food
Protein (min.)5.75% |Fat (min.)3.5% |Fiber (max.)2% |Moisture (max.)78%
Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Vegetable Broth, 2. Chickpeas, 3. Potatoes, 4. Pea Protein, 5. Carrots
Witness your dog jump with joy as you fill up his bowl with his favorite vegan meal. This canned food by Halo is a holistic diet that your four-legged friend cannot resist. The wholesome formula contains the best nutrient-rich ingredients, including chickpeas. Additionally, it contains non-GMO garden vegetables and nourishing oils to complete the meal.
This food is an excellent choice for pups with sensitive stomachs as it is highly digestible and includes a special vegan blend of essential minerals, vitamins, and trace nutrients. Crafted to keep your dog happy and healthy, this is an ideal food to nourish your dog inside and out.
13. AvoDerm Vegetarian Recipe Adult Canned Dog Food
Protein (min.)7.5% |Fat (min.)4% |Fiber (max.)2% |Moisture (max.)74%
Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Soybean Meal, 2. Rice, 3. Canola Oil, 4. Barley, 5. Peas
If your pup gets tummy troubles with animal-based ingredients, this meat-free, vegan recipe is an excellent choice. The palatable option is rich in nutrients and contains recognizable and high-quality ingredients like carrots, barley, cranberries, blueberries, and omega-rich avocados. The omegas in thisrecipe promote a lustrous coat and healthy skin. The added minerals and vitamins are great for your dogs overall health.
The canned food by AvoDerm is a protein-rich diet loaded with antioxidant nutrients to strengthen your dogs immune system. It is also naturally preserved using mixed tocopherols for extra freshness and great taste. Whats more is that this canned food does not contain unnecessary fillers, soy, wheat, or corn, known to cause stomach problems in some dogs.
14. Walk About Canine Exotics Vegan Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
Protein (min.)21% |Fat (min.)8% |Fiber (max.)8% |Moisture (max.)12%
Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Pea, 2. Sweet Potato, 3. Pea Protein, 4. Pea Starch, 5. Lentils
This super-premium dog food by Walk About contains real healthy ingredients because your dog deserves nothing but the best. There are many reasons to be excited about this dog food because, in addition to being vegan, the recipe is also free of gluten and grain. The delicious kibble containsnatural vegetables, including sweet potatoes, peas, and lentils, to ensure your dog gets the wholesome nutrition he requires to stay healthy and happy.
The adult recipe is suitable for all breeds and works wonders for dogs who are also allergic to grains. Other than vegetables, the recipe also includes flaxseed meal, which helps in digestion, making it suitable for dogs with sensitive tummies. The essential omegas in the formula support healthy joints, coat, and skin.
15. Gather Endless Valley Vegan Dry Dog Food
Protein (min.)22% |Fat (min.)11% |Fiber (max.)4% |Moisture (max.)10%
Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Organic Peas, Organic Barley, Organic Oats, Lentils, Organic Sunflower Oil
Gathers vegan option is fortified with essential nutrients andincludes only hand-selected, high-quality ingredients to ensure your dog gets only the best. Whether you want to make your dog vegan by choice or whether a vegan diet results from certain health conditions, this dog food wont disappoint you. Provide the best possible nutrition to your dog with this blend of delicious and sustainably-grown vegetables and fruits, including organic lentils, blueberries, potatoes, kale, cranberries, and carrots. It also includes various wholesome grains such as quinoa, oats, and barley to ensure a highly-nutritious, complete and balanced food for your beloved pooch.
Feed your dog the wholesome goodness of this meat-free and organic recipe thats also free from common allergens and fillers. The formuladoes not contain corn, soy, wheat, preservatives, or artificial flavors or colors.
16. Health Extension Vegetarian Entree Canned Dog Food
Protein (min.)7% |Fat (min.)2% |Fiber (max.)3% |Moisture (max.) 76%
Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Sweet Potatoes, 2. Butternut Squash, 3. Water Sufficient for Processing, 4. Brown Rice, 5. Carrots
This vegetable entre by Health Extension is a delicious canned dog food that your pup cant resist. Super palatable, the taste, texture, and nutrition profile of this smooth pate is everything your dog needs to thrive. The delicious blend has nutritious ingredients like butternut squash, sweet potatoes, peas, carrots, kale, cranberries, and blueberries. In addition to being a delicious vegan diet, this recipe is popular for several other reasons. It is great for sensitive digestion and includes only limited ingredients so that your dog gets all the essential nutrition without any risk of allergens.
The vegetarian diet is also gluten and grain-free and does not include any meat, meat-by products, carrageenan, or added sugar. Provide your dog a fulfilling diet that takes care of their protein requirement and gives essential moisture to prevent dehydration and keep up with great urinary tract health.
17. PetGuard Vegetarian Feast Dinner Canned Dog Food
Protein (min.)8% |Fat (min.)5.5% |Fiber (max.)2% |Moisture (max.)76%
Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Soybean Meal, 2. Soybean Oil, 3. Brown Rice, 4. Oatmeal, 5. Peas
The protein-rich canned food by PetGuard is a vegan feast for your pup. The smooth pate is made from ethically sourced ingredients to ensure high-quality and the best handling conditions. The recipe is 100% free of artificial preservatives, fillers, added flavors, sweeteners, artificial colors, by-products, and dairy. Soybean is the primary ingredient in this meat-less recipe to give your dog adequate nutrition. Additionally, it also includes various other healthy ingredients like carrots, peas, oatmeal, and potatoes. Avoid all possible allergens that could complicate your dogs health condition with this suitable vegan recipe rich in chelated minerals, vitamins, and healthy omegas.
Nutritionally complete and balanced, the delicious recipe guarantees only super-premium vegetables and fruits and is popularly recommended by veterinarians if youre trying to switch your dog to a vegan diet.
18. V-Dog Breathbones Rawhide-Free Regular Dental Dog Treats, 6 count
Protein (min.)6% |Fat (min.)1.5% |Fiber (max.)2% |Moisture (max.)15%
Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Brown Rice Flour, 2. Rice Flour, 3. Vegetable Glycerin, 4. Tapioca Starch, 5. Sweet Potatoes
Does your dog have sensitive digestion? You might need more than just vegan dog food. Opting for vegan treats fulfills the purpose of switching your dogs diet to vegan and is also great to help fight your fellas stinky breath. The bone-shaped treats are made with chia seed, sweet potatoes, broccoli and boast flavors that will keep your dog wagging his tail for more. V-Dogs chews are great for your dogs dental health as high-quality ingredients will help reduce inflammation.
Rawhide-free, the V-Dog Breathbones Regular Dog Chews is loaded with plant-based nutrition and does not contain soy, corn, or wheat. Let your pup enjoy treats made from human-grade ingredients to keep them and their dental health in the best condition.
19. Halo Healthsome Vegan Biscuits with Peanut n Pumpkin Grain-Free Dog Treats
Protein (min.)13% |Fat (min.)6% |Fiber (max.)5% |Moisture (max.)12%
Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Ground Peas, 2. Ground Peanuts, 3. Chickpeas, 4. Potato Flour, 5. Pumpkin
This biscuit is another great dog treat if youre looking for more than one option to keep your beloved pooch happy and entertained. Healthfully prepared to offer additional nutrition to your dog; the delicious snack is oven-baked to perfection. The recipe contains healthy vegetables and fruits to give the veg-biscuits the perfect crunchiness and the right flavors.
Provide your dog with these nutritious vegan treats made from natural, wholesome ingredients loaded with protein and fiber. Your dog will love these healthy rewards made without corn, fillers, artificial colors and flavors, and added sugar and molasses.
20. Zukes Crunchy Naturals 10s Baked With Peanut Butter & Bananas Dog Treats
Protein (min.)24% |Fat (min.)14% |Fiber (max.)5% |Moisture (max.)10%
Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Oatmeal, 2. Pearled Barley, 3. Rice Bran, 4. Peanut Butter, 5. Bananas
If your dog likes the peanut butter flavors, hes surely going to love these treats! Baked with real bananas and peanut butter, these dog treats by Zukes Crunchy Naturals is formulated with the best ingredients to provide the best flavors and added nutrition your dog deserves. Besides peanut butter and bananas, the flavorful recipe includes barley, oatmeal, potatoes, rice bran, and sweetener from cane molasses to offer 100% vegan and deliciously wholesome treats to your dog.
Each biscuit is less than 10 calories and serves as a delectable vegan treat to reward your dog.
Related:
Buyers Guide
Why Do You Need to Buy Vegan Food for Your Dog
If youre a vegan yourself, it may be important to feed your dog the way you eat. But before you make that switch, speak with the vet to know about your dogsspecific nutritional needs. Some dogs require additional supplements to go with their regular food to give them the nutrition they require according to their lifestage, gender, breed, and activity level.
It is particularly important to consult your veterinarian if your dog has any health problems, is lactating or pregnant, is too young or senior, and may need additional nutritional support.
You may consider buying vegan dog food if your dog has a very sensitive stomach or allergies. Not all proteins are created equally, and therefore, some dogs may not be able to digest some protein forms. If your dog is one of them, going with a nutritious plant-based diet is a great idea. Also, if your dog is allergic to grains, you may even look for grain-free vegan food options for your dog to help them stay happy and healthy for longer.
What Makes A Vegan Diet Option Better Than Another?
Finding the best vegan dog food can be a little challenging, especially with all the readily available options you have today. But since your dog deserves only the best, it is important to compare your options and determine if one food is better than others and why.
Two main factorsshould be considered. First, the cost!
Costis a simple factor to compare and can help you narrow down your options based on your budget.
The second factor is the nutritional adequacy. Your dog is a part of your family. You cannot put his health at risk by keeping him nutritionally deficient.
Contrary to popular belief, dogs can survive and thrive on a well-planned vegan diet. They do not necessarily require meat protein, especially if they have any health conditions or food sensitivities. Somestudiessuggest that a vegan diet can be good enough for dogshowever, quality matters. If you switch from traditional dog food to a vegan option, make sure it matches the quality and nutritional adequacy as per your dogs requirement.
According to one study, husky sled dogs fed vegan diets for sixteen weekswere assessed as being in excellent health and physical condition, without any traces of anemia or other possible health conditions.
Find out what a doctor has to say about a vegan diet for dogs:
Vegan Diets May Not Be Nutritionally Sufficient Things to Watch Out
There are many reliable and good vegan dog foods such as the list covered in this guide but there are some bad ones too. Not every vegan dog food is created equally, and some may contain ingredients that could be harmful to your dogs health.
According to research, foods that do not contain the following nutrients can be nutritionally insufficient for your dog:
- Adequate levels of protein (sometimes specific amino acids such as cysteine and methionine)
- Potassium
- Sodium
- Vitamin B12 (just like human-grade vegan foods)
Theresearchwas carried out to determine if the commercially available vegan dog foods were nutritionally sufficient. The test included twenty-four different food varieties made by 12 different manufacturers. Six out of twenty-four foods did not meet the minimum amino acid requirement.
However, it also indicated that the remaining 75% of vegan foods were adequately nutritious for dogs. Therefore, it is crucial to check the labels, compare your options, and avoid the cheapest ones with low-quality ingredients.
Is a Vegan Diet Safe for Dogs?
My short answer would be YES!
But if youre planning to switch from a traditional diet, it isnt a small change and shouldnt be taken lightly. Always speak to your vet to monitor your pet throughout the transition. Monitoring is important because the switch to a vegan lifestyle for dogs isnt as straight forward as it is for humans.
However, theres enough information on dogs going vegan that warrants giving it a try for ethical and health-related reasons.
Potential Risks
The only potential risk of going vegan for dogs is the formation of urinary stones. A plant-based diet may cause the development of crystals. But since there isnt any documented evidence to claim this, just monitoring the urine while your dog is on a vegan diet should prevent the risk.
What About Vegan Puppy Food
There are many vegan options for adult dogs now, but you will rarely come across a vegan diet for puppies. Thats because of the high nutritional requirements of puppies in their development stage.
But if youre adamant about a vegan lifestyle for your pup, it is best to speak to your vet for recommendations about any adult vegan food appropriate for a puppy.
Factors to Consider When Buying the Best Vegan Dog Food
A few factors would help you buy the best vegan dog foods for your precious pawtner. Check out these important factors below:
Wet Canned Food or Dry Food
Most dogs prefer one form of food over another. Others like it more when their dry food and canned food are mixed. From a budget perspective, dry dog food is comparatively more affordable than wet food. The key is to ensure that all the ingredients are vegan, and you can choose a form that your dog prefers more.
If your dog has dental problems or is prone to becoming dehydrated because of less water consumption, then wet food works as a better choice. Otherwise, you can opt for a suitable kibble for your furry friend.
Ingredients
Keep a close check on the ingredients that the food contains. While all vegan options will eliminate animal products, it may still contain ingredients to which your dog is allergic. For instance, vegan food containing grain would be a problem if your dog is sensitive to certain grains. So make sure you pick the right formula with the most suitable blend of ingredients.
Taste
Dogs accustomed to eating beef, chicken, turkey, salmon, and other meat-based foods may find it difficult to adjust to the new vegan flavors. To make a smooth switch, you may need to try out different vegan diets to see what your dog prefers more.
FAQs The Best Vegan Dog Foods
What exactly is a vegan diet for dogs?
To put it in simple words, a vegan diet for dogs does not contain any animal products. And this is not limited to meat. Vegan dog food will also be free from gelatin (often sourced from pork bones), dairy products, and eggs. It is important to note that a vegetarian diet is different from a vegan diet. A vegetarian diet will eliminate meat but may contain other animal products such as eggs or dairy.
Is vegan food healthy for my dog?
As far as you take care of your dogs daily nutritional needs, a vegan diet can be as healthy as a regular meat-based diet. The best way to ensure this is to consult your veterinarian before switching to vegan dog food.
Readily available vegan dog food may contain what a dog may need in general, but every dog has individual requirements, and some may require additional supplementation. To ensure your dog is healthy and thriving on a vegan diet, they must get all the essential nutrients, including adequate protein levels.
Is it true that dogs who are vegan live longer?
While theres no proven study to support that claim, there are various anecdotes about dogs improving their health by switching to a vegan diet. Sometimes a veterinarian will recommend a vegan diet for dogs with certain health conditions.
Is it even possible for dogs to thrive on a meatless diet?
The right diet for your dog is the one that offers adequate nutrition as per their specific requirement. If the vegan food is fulfilling your dogsnutritional needs and keeps them healthy, active, and happy, youre good to go.
In simple words,your dog can thrive on a meatless diet. However, it is also important to note here that some commercial vegan diets may lack the required protein content. Ensure the food contains vegan protein sources so your dog can live a full and active life without relying on animal products.
How much should I feed my vegan dog?
Stick to your dogs daily dietary requirements based on their age, gender, size, breed, and activity level. Readjust the amount of food youre feeding your pal according to the new vegan diets calorie count. Check out the packaging for more details.
How do I figure out if my dog has food allergies?
Food-related allergies in dogs can be determined from the following symptoms:
- Regular flatulence
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Inflamed, itchy, or red skin
- Hair loss
- Frequent scratching
- Poor growth in young dogs
- Chronic ear problems
- Sneezing, wheezing, and coughing
- Loss of appetite
For a proper diagnosis, your vet may recommend a RAST or radioallergosorbent test, a blood test to determine skin manifestations of inhalant allergy in dogs.
Is the vegan diet also grain-free?
If you have a sensitive stomach that cannot tolerate meat, meat by-products, as well as grains, you should look for a diet thats both vegan and grain-free. However, if going vegan, the only concern you have for your pup, then a regular vegan and grain-inclusive diet will work just fine.