Best Vegan Dog Food that’s what you are looking for? Your search ends up here.
While it makes sense that both humans and dogs are omnivores (they eat both meat and vegetables), it is still quite rare for most dog owners to feed their beloved pets with vegetables, as most dogs love animal food.
This can be explained by the fact that dogs are mostly carnivores being omnivores which means they will eat more meat than vegetables in general.
Dana Humphrey, public relations manager at Kalebs Organic Dog Treats, says today’s commercial pet foods are jeopardizing the health of our pets.
Believe it or not, these foods are often composed of ground components from animals that U.S. Department of Agriculture inspectors have found unfit for human consumption. This would include meat from animals that fall into one of these categories: dead, dying sick, or disabled.
Many pet foods contain the same hormones, pesticides, poisonous ingredients, and antibiotics found in commercial human meat products.
Furthermore, studies have shown that the same dangers associated with the consumption of meat in humans, for example, tumors, allergies, heart, kidney, and bone problems; can also affect many pets.
Vegan Diet For Dogs
At best, a dog will end up being vegan or vegetarian because his owner can also be vegetarian or vegan so that he feeds exactly the same thing for his pets. This has led some owners to believe that a dog going vegetarian or vegan is in no way necessary.
Can Dogs Be Vegetarian And Healthy Equally?
Vegetarians and vegans have argued that dogs can get all the nutrients they get without consuming meat, just because they are still omnivorous. The amino acids they can get from plant-based foods should be enough if you completely avoid meat products.
In fact, some dogs may even live longer if they are fed up with the ideal balance between vegetables and meat-free diets. Combining organic vegan foods and vegetables with rice, beans and the like can make for a great food source for your dog (or growing puppy, see the section below for dogs).
Likewise, some dog owners may also be disappointed when their dog has
allergic reactions to particular meats or animal products. In this case, a vegan or vegetarian diet will likely be fine for your pet, as it has been recommended by the regional vet.
Contrasts Between A Vegetarian And A Vegan Diet For Dogs
Many people don’t know that vegetarian and vegan are two distinct things.
People (and dogs) who follow a vegetarian diet simply avoid animal meat products such as poultry, pork, beef, and so on. But vegans also avoid products of animal origin, such as eggs and milk. In the case of a daily dog meal, opting for a vegetarian diet is fine, but heading towards the vegetarian route is more difficult. This is because your dog must prevent anything involving dairy products other than meat.
Can There Be A Particular Vegetarian Diet For Puppies?
While puppies and mature dogs are both omnivores, it may be riskier to feed your puppy a vegetarian diet as many nutrients may be insufficient, such as protein, which can be a must for your puppy’s diet.
But you can simply get protein resources from vegan foods like corn, soy, whole grains, and beans that can help your pup stay fit. Adding coconut or flax oil to a puppy meal is an excellent source of healthy natural fats.
10 Best Vegan Dog Food Reviewed
All dog foods included on this list meet the recommended AAFCO nutrient profile guidelines for dogs. Always consult with your veterinarian before making changes to your dog’s diet
1. Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Diet
Product Detail –
| Flavor | Brown Rice, oat Groats, Barley, Peas |
| Top 5 Ingredients | Brown Rice, oat Groats, Barley, Peas |
| Item Form | Dry |
| Breed Recommendation | All Breed Sizes |
Reasons to suggest–
- You have got a question Why we have chosen this product as the first Vegan Dog Food? This product is the most liked & most purchased product by a customer who is looking for Vegan Dog Food for their dog.
- If you need a vegetarian formula for your dog, Natural Balance Vegetarian is a good choice because it provides the same essential nutrients as formulas that include meat.
- The dry formula is popular with many because it contains a complete and balanced diet without meat and dairy products.
- Omega fatty acids are added to keep your dog’s skin and coat healthy. The main ingredients are brown rice, rolled oats, barley, and peas.
- You will also find plenty of fruits and vegetables that work together to keep your dog healthy.
- There are no artificial flavors or colors and it has a high fiber content to keep the digestive tract functioning properly.
- The main source of fat is canola oil, which some oppose its use, and tomato pomace, which is another debated ingredient.
- This formula is not suitable for puppies but is suitable for all adult dog breeds. Most dogs appreciate the flavor profile and are enthusiastic about mealtime.
2. Halo Vegan Adult Dry Dog Food, Plant-Based
Product Detail –
| Flavor | Garden of Vegan |
| Top 5 Ingredients | Ground peas, chickpeas, pearled barley, oat groats, pea protein. |
| Item Form | Dry |
| Breed Recommendation | All Breed Sizes |
Reasons to suggest–
- This is our second best Vegan Dog Food product based on customer reviews and purchases.
- This recipe is the best for those Pet dogs who need food allergy control and weight management. This is a completely plant-based recipe so Synthetic preservatives. No coloring or fragrance has been added.
- The best part of this recipe is, it is 100% plant-derived food with consideration for allergies This food is made only from plant-derived ingredients such as peas, chickpeas, refined barley, and wheat that are rich in protein.
- Halo has not used meat, fish, dairy products, wheat, corn, or rice, so it is suitable for pet dogs who are allergic to these ingredients. You can get enough nutrition for adult dogs as well as protein.
- By reducing the fat content by about 41% and calories by about 10% (compared to Hello Dog Adult Small Flat Breed Chicken), it is suitable for weight management of adult dogs that tend to be obese or after contraception/castration.
- This recipe is Non-GMO (GMO-free) vegetables and fruits (blueberries, cranberries, carrots, etc.) have been used to make this awesome product.
- Halo has used omega-6 fatty acids and omega-3 fatty acids in this recipe which is useful to maintain the health of the skin and coat as well as Contains taurine to maintain eye and heart health.
3. Wild Earth Healthy Vegan Pet Food
Product Detail –
| Flavor | Vegetable |
| Top 5 Ingredients | Dried Yeast, Chickpeas, Oats, Peas, Potato Protein. |
| Item Form | Dry |
| Breed Recommendation | All Breed Sizes |
Reasons to suggest–
- This recipe contained chickpeas, sweet potatoes, oats, and yeast. These all ingredients are mostly known for making Wild Earth foods. These kinds of ingredients provide most of the proteins without adding meat fillers or meat items.
- Wild earth does not use any kind of artificial flavors or preservatives. The main ingredients include fruits and vegetables which are natural sources of minerals & vitamins.
- If your dog has any Sensitive Stomach problems then we can proudly say this recipe is the best one that you can add to your shopping list for your dog food.
- This recipe has been created by veterinarians and scientists, so you can make sure that your dog is having a good diet. The recipe is good for all adult dogs.
- This recipe is also contained whole-grain ingredients like oats which are digestible carbohydrates that provide energy to your dog. as well as contain omega fatty acids which are good for your dog’s skin and coat health.
- Most dog foods are always dependent on fish oil for omega-3 fatty acids, but this recipe is completely plant-based sources like flaxseed which is a healthy fat for your dog.
4. V-Dog Vegan Dry Dog Food with Plant-Based Protein
Product Detail –
| Flavor | Vegetable |
| Top 5 Ingredients | Dried Peas, Brown Rice, Pea Protein, Oats, Sorghum, |
| Item Form | Dry |
| Breed Recommendation | Large Breeds |
Reasons to suggest–
- This recipe is made without fillers, this vegan dog food is filled with healthy vegetables and consists of 100% plant-based.
- With over 24 percent protein material, this vegan dog food is made of great quality in both palatability and nutrition.
- Peas are a huge part of vegan kibble due to their great protein, while peanuts, quinoa, brown rice, and canola oil round out the great ingredient list of this superior quality dog food for vegan dogs.
- The list of components that are NOT contained in V-Dog Vegan Kibble is long, so this premium kibble excludes, soy, wheat, corn, animal products, by-products, and additives. Also, V-Dog does not use any industrially farmed products from what I know from their advertising.
- Dogs are omnivores and can be fine on a plant-based diet, but you need to be very careful with the nutrients the diet provides. V-Dog knows this and makes sure its vegan dry dog food is balanced and complete.
5. Nature’s Recipe Healthy Skin Vegetarian Recipe
Product Detail –
| Flavor | Vegetarian (updated formula) |
| Main Ingredients | Brewers rice, soybean meal, barley, canola oil |
| Item Form | Dry |
| Breed Recommendation | All Breed Sizes |
Reasons to suggest–
- We consider this incredible price for a high-quality and respected dog food brand that is completely free of animal ingredients.
- Completely dairy and meat-free, Nature’s Recipe Vegan Kibble is healthy dry food for vegetarian and vegan dogs who want uncompromising premium quality.
- This recipe contains zinc and fatty acids to keep your dog’s skin along with its perfectly shaped Coat.
- It’s a bit pricey, but it’s also free from artificial colors, preservatives, and flavors.
- Linoleic acid, whole ground flaxseed, vitamin E, biotin, and algae are assembled into a premium formula that promotes the well-being of your dog’s coat and skin.
- The protein is derived from soy flour, a choice of meat that has been used for centuries.
- A total of tasty bulky fiber to help your grown dog feel full between foods, this Organic Balance Vegan Dog Food is more balanced, holistic, and 100% rated.
- It is among the very popular vegetarian dog food manufacturers and highly recommended by dog owners everywhere & it does not include artificial additions to taste or dye this food.
- It provides that adult dog that has a whopping 21 percent protein a perfect figure for mature dogs, as claimed by the AFCO!
How to select the best vegan food for dog?
When a dog gets too little protein, calcium, or vitamin D, his health can be compromised. It is important to do your research before switching your dog to a vegan diet and do it slowly.
There are many recipes and supplements available so that you can make your own vegan dog food and track exactly what is added to each meal.
Also, when deciding on the best vegan dog food, you should consider these factors before going ahead and purchasing or preparing it for your pet.
Calories And Micronutrients–
It is highly recommended that your dog only get 25 grams of protein or less per 1,000 calories of running. Although protein is mostly found on meat, it can also be found on soy along with some wheat-based products. Not knowing how much protein you feed your dog can endanger your pets’ health.
Essential proteins and amino acids –
Amino acids such as L-carnitine and taurine may not be digested easily or are not found in most meat-free and dairy-free diets, for both humans and dogs.
Your pet may not only have an imbalance (or perhaps a reduction) in protein, but also a lack of taurine. Both of these amino acids are naturally present in meat-based foods but can be added to the diet via easily obtainable synthetic supplements.
When a dog has a taurine deficiency, he may suffer from heart problems in the future such
as dilated cardiomyopathy or a disease in which the dog’s heart is abnormally enlarged.
While dogs can produce taurine within their own bodies (compared to cats who have zero ability to do so), dogs can still suffer from a lack of that micronutrient.
In fact, there is evidence that soy, wheat, corn, and other grains take a little longer to digest than dog meat and fish.
This specifically suggests that if your dog has digestive issues then going on a vegan diet should be consulted with a veterinarian first, just to prevent further complications to your pet’s gut and digestive tract.
Micronutrient Deficiencies –
One of the micronutrients your dog may be missing out on when switching to a vegetarian or vegan diet, you will find the following:
- Zink
- iron
- B vitamins
- phosphorus
These types of minerals, vitamins, and trace elements are commonly found in meat, offal, and dairy products and only rarely in plant-based diets, meaning your dog may be deficient in micronutrients if you don’t consider maintaining a balance. between meat and vegetable products.
Homemade Vegan Dog Food Vs Wet Vs Dry
When you look at what kind of vegan dog food you want to feed your dog, here’s how we thwarted dry, wet, and homemade dog foods.
Vegan Dry Food –
Many dry dog foods are available in kibble form, which can be stored for months without becoming that unpleasant smell and have a longer shelf life than wet dog foods. Perhaps the only downside to dry vegan food is that it doesn’t hydrate your dog as much as wet and processed foods can contain fillers that aren’t necessary for your pet’s nutrition.
Wet Vegan Food –
Older dogs can start to lose their sense of taste and this is why most of them prefer wet vegan food over dry vegan food due to the stronger appeal and palatability.
Hydration from wet food can be a boon to your dog’s health. But wet dog foods can easily expire, compared to dry dog foods.
Homemade Vegan Food –
If you don’t like buying from the grocery store due to a fear of unnecessary chemicals and fillers that could endanger your dog’s nutrition, you can stick to homemade vegan food.
In case you have a natural garden with lots of fresh vegetables then it should do the trick. But those who have a lot of time due to daily work may find it a hassle to make homemade vegan dog food.
Are there alternatives to vegetarian dog foods?
Whether it is originally a food intolerance or the reasons are ethical, leaving traditional foods in favor of a different alternative does not necessarily mean switching to a vegetarian diet. Let’s see together what other options there are and try to understand their advantages and disadvantages.
Organic food
Especially for those dog owners who are looking for food from sustainable farms and for whom the well-being of all animals is important, the organic choice is a valid alternative.
In this case, you give your dog foods that contain meat but which come from farms that respect animal species. The raw materials are all of high quality, are subject to various controls, and come from organic farming. In practice, a win-win: for the dog, the owner, and even the environment.
Insect-based foods
Insect-based dog food? Actually, just get used to the idea, because most of our four-legged friends like the taste of insects! Many dogs that cannot consume animal protein can still tolerate insect protein well.
And since the breeding of insects causes a low level of carbon dioxide emissions, this type of food is also a smart alternative in terms of sustainability and ecology.
Vegan dog food?
There are not a few two-legged vegans who would like to make the same choice for their dog too, which means no meat and no animal products such as eggs and milk. In theory, such a diet is basically possible, but in practice, it is much more complex than a vegetarian one.
This is why this topic is still very controversial in the scientific world: researchers and veterinarians do not agree with each other.
In any case, a very thorough knowledge of the correct composition of dog food is required if you want to formulate a diet capable of avoiding the risk of nutritional deficiencies.
This is why a vegan diet for dogs is not recommended for beginners or for the long term, unless you proceed under the strict supervision of a veterinarian, better if experienced in animal nutrition.
We are sure that you will be able to make the best choice to feed your dog while respecting its nutritional needs and the environment.
Can I Make My Own Vegan Dog Food Recipe?
According to the worldwide web, you can. But even though you will find many recipes for vegetarian or vegan dog food on the internet, it’s not always a good idea to try making your own dog food.
Regardless of what your motivations are for feeding your dog a vegetarian or vegan diet, his number one priority would always be a balanced diet.
Online recipes may not be able to guarantee that your dog is getting all the fats, proteins, micronutrients, fiber, and building blocks he wants and this is especially vital for growing dogs.
We recommend that you adhere to veterinarian-developed recipes that have met AAFCO’s vital standards to ensure your puppy grows up healthy, happy, and well.
Where Do I Find Vegetarian Dog Food Brands?
Vegetarian dog food is generally not as common as traditional recipes.
This usually means that you will often have to shop on the internet to find good quality meatless vegetarian or vegetarian foods for your pup.
We’ve backed some of the best vegan dog food manufacturers (and even the best vegetarian dog food manufacturers, too) so you can make your search for something that can make your dog happy easier.
As we’ve mentioned, it’s rarely a great idea to get non-professionals (many owners!)) To attempt to design or create a vegetarian dog meal plan.
How to Switch your dog to a vegetarian diet ?
If you decide to switch to vegetarian foods, you need to progressively modify your dog’s diet in its entirety. Every day you can mix a small portion (gradually increasing) of the vegetarian food with his usual food in his bowl so that your pet accepts it almost without realizing it.
At this point, all you have to do is check if the change in diet has been accepted: at best you will be able to supplement his diet with small delicious additions such as a hard-boiled egg or low-fat quark-like cheese.
However, we advise you, during periodic visits to the vet, to point out that your dog follows a vegetarian diet, so that the doctor can make the necessary assessments about the health of your four-legged friend.
Conclusion
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