Best Vegan Dog Food (Which Brands Are Safe & Nutritious?)

Veganism is gaining popularity around the world, and not just in humans. Dog food companies specifically are beginning to take notice. There are several brands of dog food now that is made exclusively from grains and vegetables, making them completely vegan. For the first time, there is not only a need for vegan dog food, but companies are now competing to make the best vegan dog food.

This is because dog owners are beginning to show increasingly more interest in the ingredients that go into their furry friend’s food. A lot of owners are ditching the idea of dried food altogether because most of them are filled with too many unnecessary additives to keep track of. 

There is an obvious trend in the type of pet owner that is choosing to switch to vegan dog food too. Science Alert had over 3,500 pet owners from around the world partake in a survey they conducted earlier this year. 35% of owners answered to express an interest in a vegan pet diet. 212 of the people that took the survey were vegans themselves, and out of these 212 people, 78% expressed an interest in the switch for their pet. In fact, 27% of the 212 vegan pet owners expressed they already made the switch. 

Vegan dog owners undoubtedly want their pets to be vegan as well, but many answered that they would only do so if and when they found a dog food trustworthy enough to sufficiently cater to their dog’s nutritional needs. 

Dogs are facultative carnivores, which basically means they’re omnivores like humans. Well, close to it at least. Technically, they can survive on a plant-based diet. PETA reported a 27-year-old border collie named Bramble. He was awarded the oldest living dog Guinness World Record in 2002 and was fed a vegan diet of rice, lentils, and organic vegetables for most of his life. 

This is an incredible example of a dog truly thriving off a plant-based diet. However, if this diet isn’t researched and approached carefully and considerately, your dog could suffer from physical and mental health issues. They require two specific amino acids in their diet: 

• L-carnitine
• Taurine 

Both of these amino acids are usually manufactured in the dog’s liver, but it’s safest to find a vegan dog food supplemented with them as well. A deficiency of either could lead to serious heart problems. 

Below are some examples of some of the best vegan dog food options, as well as alternatives to bones; something dogs have traditionally loved to chew on for generations. 

#1 V-Dog Vegan Kibble Dry Dog Food

Nutritional Facts (possible desktop circles):

• 24% protein
• 9% fat
• 5% fiber

The company that describes itself as “pooch tested and planet approved” V-Dog is 100% plant-based and vegan certified. Their food includes human-grade ingredients and never uses wheat, corn, soy or gluten. There also aren’t any by-products or fillers! Every serving has the essential amino acids, vitamins and minerals your dog needs to thrive. 

This is a company that only sells vegan products. you can purchase any of their foods or treats with the assurance that you are purchasing products that align with your ethics and lifestyle.

Pros:

• Helps with allergies
• Keeps coat shining
• End up saving money on vet bills
• Cruelty-free
• Environmentally friendly

Cons:

Causes flatulence in some dogs

The kibble pieces are big

May not provide all amino acids needed without supplements

Uses canola oil

#2 KetunPet Vegan Dog Food

Nutritional Facts (possible desktop circles):

• 22% protein
• 11% fat
• 4% fiber

This vegan dog food is hypoallergenic and high in protein. It works great for dogs with sensitive digestive systems. It can also help with weight control. The entire company is considered vegan and gluten-free. They also have a 100% satisfaction guarantee.  

This is a great choice of vegan dog food for any dog that is one year or older. Made with all-natural raw ingredients, KetunPet promotes a healthy heart and weight. You can also be certain in your purchase because it contains supplements of taurine and l-carnitine to ensure your dog is getting the proper nutrients. 

Pros:

• Helps with energy increase
• Well packaged
• Dogs love it
• Great for digestion
• Helps keeps coat shining

Cons:

• May take some time for your dog to get used to
• First ingredient is corn
• Doesn’t use the premium ingredients other companies use

#3 Halo Vegan Garden Medley Stew for Dogs

Nutritional Facts (possible desktop circles):

• 20% protein
• 10% fat
• 8.5% fiber

Halo is a vegan dog food company that makes high-quality and nutritionally balanced dog food and treats. This food only contains the best ingredients, this excludes meat, dairy, corn, and wheat. Their plant-based protein comes from whole grains, green peas, and chickpeas. 

The company states their wet food and dry food deliver all of your dog’s nutritional needs without the need for additional supplements. They recommend though, that you feed your dog the dry food mixed with a little wet food for additional hydration. 

Their story starts with a sick pet who wasn’t receiving any relief from vet-recommended dog foods. He suffered from digestive issues, dry and itchy skin, shedding and odor problems. The pet owner contacted a nutritionist friend and together they created a vegan dog food made of whole-food ingredients. The dog’s health transformed rapidly after eating the food, and the company was born. 

Pros:

• Promotes healthy digestion
• Cruelty-free
• Great for dry skin
• Great for allergies
• Great for energy

Cons:

• Some customers complain of receiving expired food

#4 Evolution Food for Dogs

Nutritional Facts (possible desktop circles):

• 30% protein 
• 14% fat
• 3.5% fiber

The entire company, Evolution, is completely vegan. They make a range of gourmet meals including Gourmet Pasta, Gourmet Dry, and Gourmet Maximum Life varieties. All of their food is certified by the Nutrition Research Council (NRC) and the American Association of Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) to be 100% complete for all stages of life. All of Evolution’s Dry Kibble Foods are more concentrated than all other vegan dog food brands made in North America. Making them one of the only brands in North America that has this 100% complete certification. 

These all-natural ingredients are ingredients you can trust. You can be sure that if you choose this brand, your dog will get the nutrition necessary to live a happy and healthy life. 

Pros:

• Gives your dog a healthy coat
• Doesn’t cause flatulence
• Dogs love it!
• Easy on digestion
• Cruelty-free

Cons:

• Not organic
• Portion sizes are off
• Some dogs don’t seem to care for it
• Doesn’t fix Irritable Bowel Syndrome in all dogs

#5 Wild Earth Vegan Dog Food

Nutritional Facts (possible desktop circles):

• 31% protein
• 10.5% fat
• 5% fiber

This sustainable pet food company made a name for itself by appearing on Shark Tank. Not only this, but they make nutritionally complete adult vegan dog food that is incredibly high in protein. They managed to reach such high percentages of protein with a fungi-based protein formula that is 100% nutritionally complete. 

Fungi have long been known to be an amazing superfood for humans, and now Wild Earth has made it just as beneficial for dogs. It’s an excellent source of all the essential amino acids your dog needs and supports a healthy digestive system. Not only does this food provide superior nutrition, but the company also has a low environmental footprint. 

Pros:

• Cruelty-free
• Clear and easy-to-read nutritional information
• Dogs love it!
• Smells great
• No by-products

Cons:

• Picky eaters may not like it at first
• May take your dog’s digestive system a few days to adjust

#6 PetGuard Organic Vegan Dog Food

Nutritional Facts (possible desktop circles):

• 7.5% protein
• 4.5% fat
• 2.3% fiber

PetGuard is not an entirely vegan company, but they do offer vegan canned dog food. Their vegan dog food is USDA certified organic and contains everything your dog needs. There are no harsh chemicals or by-products on site! This company’s vegan dog food is nutritionally complete and meets the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO. They are one of the only brands with this certification, and all their dog food is made in the USA. 

This dog food is ethically sourced and doesn’t contain any artificial flavoring, preservatives or added sugars and sweeteners. It is also rich in Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids. The moisture in this canned dog food is great for additional hydration. It is recommended to slowly transition your dog over from traditional pet food to this food. Do not make the leap all at once. 

Pros:

• Your dog will love this food!
• Organic as well as vegan
• Great for skin and coat
• Great for allergies
• Quality ingredients

Cons:

• Some cans come a little dry
• Difficult to get out of can
• Can cause diarrhea

#7 Benevo Vegan Dog Food

Nutritional Facts (possible desktop circles):

• 20% protein
• 12% fat
• 4% fiber

Benevo is nutritionally complete and balanced. In fact, it is certified organic by the Organic Food Federation UK, and they’re the first complete organic vegan dog food made in the UK. Their food is also wheat-free with added probiotics to aid in digestion. Benevo is Vegan Society Approved. 

This UK based family-owned company has strived to make ethical pet food since 2005. All of their products are vegan, and they are ethical in their sourcing no matter what product they are selling. They have dog foods for all stages of life. It is truly a one-stop-shop for your vegan dog food and treats. 

Pros:

• Quality ingredients
• Trustworthy certifications
• Better for digestion
• Balanced nutrition

Cons:

• Website isn’t informative
• Some dogs won’t eat it
• May cause diarrhea

What About Rawhide and Dog Bones?

Chewing on rawhide and different bones is a favorite past-time for dogs of any breed. Canines love to chew, and chewing on bones is good for their mental health, as well as their teeth and jaws.

Your dog’s food may satisfy his tummy, but he has a natural urge to use his jaw strength and chewing his food does not satisfy this urge. Dogs need further chewing stimulation, one that takes a little effort. Chewing on bones also keeps them mentally stimulated, as well as physically. Many working dog breeds benefit from this mental stimulation more than other breeds. 

If your dog doesn’t have something to stimulate him mentally, he could begin to feel anxious and tear the house apart when you aren’t home. Sound familiar? Your dog could also fall into depression, which is something no one wants.

Just because you have switched your dog to a vegan diet doesn’t mean he will no longer have anything to chew on! There are many different options you can consider, and the top five are listed below: 

• CarrotsSam’s Yams Big Boyz
• WHIMZEES Rice Bones
• Himalayan Dog Chewy Spinach Happy Teeth Bones
• ThreePaws Gourmet Coconut Bacon Bones

 That’s right, chewing on large organic carrots is one super raw way to keep your dog mentally and physically stimulated. It is also a great way to make sure he is getting even more nutrients he loves, including: 

• B Vitamins
• Biotin
• Fiber
• Potassium
• Thiamine
• Vitamin K

Your dog will enjoy the mildly sweet taste too. Be sure to keep the carrots in the refrigerator so they stay nice and crisp. Also, by making sure you are buying organic, you are ensuring there won’t be any pesticide residue left on the carrots.

Sam’s Yams are another great option because your dog will get the nutritional value of half of a large sweet potato. 

The other bones on the list are great options as well. The natural flavors from veggies keep your dog’s breath smelling fresh, and keeps him happy and healthy. These are all best when they are frozen, at least if you have a dog that likes to devour them in seconds. Keeping them frozen is a good way to keep your dog occupied longer. 

If all else fails, you can simply bake or dehydrate your own veggies to give to your dog as treats! He will love them and so will his jaw and tummy!

Can I Make My Own Vegan Dog Food?

Making your own vegan dog food is also an option. If you would rather your dog eat actual cooked vegetables rather than a prepared and dried kibble, homemade vegan dog food is a perfectly viable option. 

 That being said, you must make sure to consult your veterinarian before you decide to make the leap into a vegan diet for your dog. Especially if your dog has pre-existing health conditions, such as allergies and l-carnitine deficiencies. It is also necessary to make sure the change is a slow transitional change rather than all at once. You don’t want to shock your dog’s system because this could lead to problems down the line. 

 If you are preparing vegan dog food, there are some things you must be mindful of beforehand: 

• At least 1/3 of the meal needs to consist of quality protein, such as lentils, oats, sweet potatoes, soybeans and other beans like pinto beans

• • If you use beans for the protein in your dog food, it is best if you let them soak for 24 hours before cooking. This will help with digestion, as well as flatulence. 

• The rest of the meal should contain cooked and raw vegetables, whole grains and any other supplements like amino acids and fatty acids (this is what you need to consult with your veterinarian about).

 A vegan diet can be extremely beneficial for your dog’s health if it is approached with a lot of care on your part, as well as research and talking with doctors.