Best Vegan Dog Food – Top-Rated Organic Plant-Based Brands Review for 2020
While hearing that there is indeed dog food that’s completely vegan might make you scratch your head, there are many people who have adopted this diet for their pets over the last several years. You know about the health benefits that a vegan diet can bring for yourself–did you know that your dog can reap the same benefits? Some dogs also have certain allergies such as meat or shellfish allergies that vegan dog food helps get rid of, and their owners don’t need to worry about investing in allergy medications. Dogs also can have digestive sensitivities and may have an easier time in general digesting meals that are free of dairy and other animal products.
It is possible for dogs to be vegetarian or vegan, just like humans. It sounds odd, but some dogs dislike meat, and a lot of canines’ stomachs have a hard time handling it. Just as you dislike certain foods, dogs have their own dislikes and likes. Dogs also do have allergies, and if a food causes an allergic reaction or they have discomfort, they’ll understand the connection. This leads to associated behavior, and they will refuse whatever food they’ve learned causes suffering, be it beef, chicken, or something else. Whether it’s a learned behavior or a quirk, it is indeed possible for dogs to be vegan.
Top 5 Vegan Dog Food Brands
What Exactly Is Vegan Dog Food?
Dog food that’s free of animal-derived products is not a new concept. For many different reasons, pet owners have selected to give their pets vegan meals for a long time. As an example, many Huskies are allergic to chicken, so many Husky owners put their dogs on a vegetarian diet.
Many dog owners are concerned about providing their pets with the best nutrition and taking care of them as much as possible. If you believe you need to provide your dog with a special diet, this is important. Vegan dog food will be completely free of animal products. If you’re worried whether it’ll impact your pet negatively, it’s important to keep in mind that a vegan diet is a healthy dietary choice and over the period of time that dogs have lived with us and evolved, they’ve adapted a general omnivorous diet rather than carnivorous. Due to this, it’s easy for dogs to digest diets that are vegetarian or vegan.
Vegan meals are also very healthy for our pets. Studies have shown that dogs who consume vegetarian diets tend to live longer and be more lean and healthy than dogs that consume a lot of meat. Some veterinary articles have focused on this revelation. As the years have gone on, nutritional requirements for dogs have changed. You can give your pet a vegan diet and rest assured that it’ll aid them in having a healthy and active lifestyle.
Once you’ve decided that you want to put your pet on a vegan diet, it’s important to keep in mind that you need to introduce them to this change slowly. This way, their bodies can adapt and they won’t experience any illness or upset stomachs. Begin by mixing vegan food into your dog’s current diet at 10%, then increase this slowly after a few days. Watch your dog carefully to see if they show any signs of resistance or illness to it. Over time, you can fully shift your pet over to their new diet and you should see a positive difference to their health overall.
What Is the Best Vegan Dog Food?
Once you decide to help your dog go vegan, you may be overwhelmed by all the choices available to you. Given that many pet owners have been putting their dogs on vegan diets for years already, there are a lot of vegan brands on the dog food market. How do you know which one is the best? Typically, the answer depends on your dog’s personal preferences and nutritional needs.
You will find the best food for your dog as long as you pay attention to them and how they react to what they eat. It’s highly important that you take the time to learn your pet’s allergies and what they dislike or react poorly to in general. They’ll have specific likes and dislikes you’ll have to address if you want to be a great pet owner.
Once you’ve done this, you should conduct research on the vegan dog food brands you’re looking into, look at reviews, consider your unique dog and situation, and make a great choice with your dog’s needs in mind. There are some brands that are well established and well known for creating excellent vegan dog food. To get you started, the top 10 vegan dog foods are listed in detail below.
Remember that the most important thing you can do for your dog’s happiness and health is to give them the best nutrition you possibly can. You can take great steps to provide your dog with healthy yet flavorful meals and treats. In the end, you’ll enjoy spending lots of time with your dog as they lead a long and happy life.
Top 5 Vegan Dog Food Brands
① Natural Balance Vegetarian Formula Dry Dog Food
This special formula will give your dog all the nutrients they’d normally get from meat, without the need for dairy or animal products. It especially focuses on providing your pup with an adequate amount of protein. Created for adult dogs, it has balanced and complete nutrition, featuring peas, oatmeal, barley, potatoes, and brown rice. Lots of dogs love its tasty flavor and this food also contains an abundant amount of vitamin B. Your pet will get more essential minerals, including manganese and zinc which support healthy joints, Omega 3s which aid in healthy brain functioning, and antioxidant nutrients from spinach, blueberries, and cranberries. Overall, this is a great vegan formula for your pet.
Pros
- No artificial colors or flavors
- Oat fiber helps your dog digest the food properly
- Contains extra vitamins and minerals; focus is on more than just protein so your dog is provided with a well rounded meal
Cons
- Some users had to mix this with other food to get their dogs to eat it
- May cause gas and/or diarrhea
② V-Dog Kinder Kibble Mini Bites Vegan Adult Dry Dog Food
V-Dog provides your pet with the plant-powered nutrition they need with these kibble mini bites, which are good for both your dog and the planet. This formula helps your pet become more energetic, leaner, and healthier, as well as improve their oral hygiene and coat. The food features delicious, healthy, and 100% vegan whole foods such as brown rice, quinoa, lentils, and peas. 24% of it is protein, and the formula contains minerals, vitamins, antioxidants, and more whole foods as well. Consuming a vegan diet also helps your dog reduce carbon emissions and pollution, so it’s a win-win for everyone involved.
Pros
- Ingredients are whole foods and 100% vegan
- Free of fillers, gluten, wheat, soy, or corn
- Fully supplemented with all the nutrition your dog needs, including vitamins and minerals
Cons
- Mini bites were intended for small/petite dogs only
- Not ideal for puppies
③ Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Vegetarian Formula Dry Dog Food
This dry food was designed to be very palatable and features proteins from vegetables, which minimizes the risk of any type of reaction from your sensitive dog. Since it doesn’t have any meat, the food has a nutrient blend that was carefully and specifically selected, and Royal Canin ensures that its food promotes a shiny coat, healthy skin, and positive digestion with added minerals such as biotin, zinc, and linoleic acid. As an added bonus, this food also reduces the urinary excretion of purines, which occurs if your dog has bladder stones. Overall, this great-tasting food helps your dog be happy and healthy.
Pros
- Not only provides your dog with a healthy diet but also promotes healthy skin, coat, and digestion
- Minimizes risk of reaction and urinary excretion of purines
- Dogs tend to adapt to this and enjoy it very quickly
Cons
- Does require an authorization from your vet; you will have to prove you have this authorization and provide information when you make a purchase
- May cause some dogs to lose weight rapidly
④ Natural Balance Vegetarian Formula Canned Dog Food
This formula from Natural Balance aims to make it easier on both you and your dog to adopt a vegan lifestyle. This food gives your dog all the protein they need, and it’s all plant based. Your pet also gets important complex carbs, vitamin E, and fiber for wellness and energy. With ingredients like oatmeal, green peas, potatoes, and brown rice, this is a healthy meal that’s great to give to your dog every day by itself or to add as a topping to dry food. The vegan formula is balanced and complete for any dog no matter the size or breed. Extract from Yucca Schidigera supports a healthy gastrointestinal system, and added vitamins give your dog’s immune system a healthy boost.
Pros
- A highly digestible formula so your dog absorbs as many nutrients as possible
- Contains vegetables and fruits like peas, cranberries, and spinach
- Many dogs love the taste and formula
Cons
- Food can dry up even before can is opened
- Some cans arrive half-empty
⑤ Halo Holistic Garden of Vegan Adult Dry Dog Food
Giving your dog a holistic diet is made easy with Halo’s Vegan Garden Medley Formula. This food features ingredients that are plant-based and wholesome, and Halo’s special vegan formula includes nourishing oils, garden vegetables that are free of GMOs, and chickpeas that are full of nutrients. It also includes a vegan blend of trace nutrients, minerals, and vitamins, and aims to be a balanced and complete diet that’s easily digestible for your pet. Overall, this vegan food was designed to help your dog be healthy and happy both on the outside and on the inside. It’s an ideal diet for people whose pets have allergies or sensitivities as well.
Pros
- Free of GMOs, meat protein, dairy, wheat, corn, rice, artificial colors, preservatives, or flavors
- Designed to be easy to digest; will be safe for sensitive stomachs
- Omega 3s from sunflower oil and flaxseed give a boost to your pet’s coat; well rounded meal with vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants included
Cons
- Food may have a bad/rancid smell to it
- May cause pets to gain weight
⑥ Wysong Vegan Dry Dog and Cat Food
This vegan food is great for both cats and dogs and works with any life stage, including kittens/puppies. It’s a great alternative to meat-based foods, and this vegan formula by Wysong has already been in pet owner’s households for more than thirty years. Many vets recommend this product if your dog is having issues with allergies or sensitivity. Wysong has improved its formula and utilizes new means of processing in order to preserve the nutrients in its ingredients. This new recipe contains more healthy fats and protein, as well as more micronutrients, antibiotics, omega 3s, enzymes, and probiotics so your pet digests it well and receives all the nutrition they need for a happy and healthy life.
Pros
- Safe for young dogs
- Contains a full spectrum of nutrients and has everything your dog needs
- Coated with enzymes and probiotics for healthy and easy digestion
Cons
- Since Wysong changed their formula, some pets do not like the food as much as they used to and owners struggled to continue to get them to consume it
- Pieces of food are really small and not ideal for big dogs
⑦ Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets HA Hydrolyzed Formula Dry Dog Food
Dogs that have food sensitivities can benefit greatly from this formula by Purina. It’s a unique vegan food for dogs that features plant based proteins and carbohydrates that were specifically picked for their low-allergen properties, to minimize the risk of any adverse reaction to the food. With this formula, your dog gets optimal nutrition and lots of dietary benefits, and it’s great for both adult dogs and puppies who are growing and have special dietary needs. You can manage your dog’s food sensitivities with this single source of protein, and your pet won’t suffer from itching, scratching, or gastrointestinal upset like some other foods cause.
Pros
- Formula was designed for optimum nutrient absorption; protein source has been broken down into smaller pieces for your dog to digest
- Great source of MCTs, which don’t require very much energy to store or use
- Minimizes risk of any type of adverse reactions from your dog
Cons
- Best suited for dogs who have specific health conditions such as pancreatitis, inflammatory bowel disease, dermatitis, or food allergies
- Requires a veterinarian’s authorization; you will have to provide this information when you make a purchase
⑧ Nature’s Recipe Healthy Skin Vegetarian Recipe Cuts in Gravy Stew Canned Dog Food
You don’t have to resort to giving your dog only dry food when they’re on a vegan diet; it’s very possible for dogs to have healthy coats and healthy bodies when they consume wet food as well. This food by Nature’s Recipe provides your dog with a diet that’s balanced, complete, and wholesome. It gives them everything they need to be happy and healthy, with absolutely no animal or meat proteins. Included are an abundance of minerals and omega fatty acids, which make your pet’s coat healthy and shiny. The vegetarian blend is highly palatable, and presented in savory gravy that your dog will love.
Pros
- Free of any artificial preservatives or flavors
- Includes added vitamins such as Vitamins B12 and A to support your dog’s immune system
- Formulated to specifically give your dog a shiny, healthy, and strong coat
Cons
- Some owners had to mix with dry dog food to encourage consumption
- Does not contain consistency in amount of gravy or vegetables; each can you open may be different
⑨ Evanger’s Low Fat Vegetarian Dinner Canned Dog and Cat Food
Give your dog tons of healthy vegetables with this food by Evanger’s. It features a vegetarian loaf formula that’s full of veggies and fruits such as carrots, peas, blueberries, and sweet potatoes, and antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins are included so your dog gets all the nutrition they need with each bite. You can serve this to your pet by itself, use it as a side dish, or put it on top of kibble for a low fat and healthy diet. It’s a tasty way to give your pet the hydration and nutrition that’s required, and the formula’s made in the USA with absolutely no fillers, salt, or preservatives.
Pros
- Formula features vegetables that come from farms, including peas and sweet potatoes
- Enhanced with antioxidants, taurine, minerals, and vitamins
- Increases satiety and can aid with weight loss due to being low in fat
Cons
- Expires just 48 hours after opening
- Company has experienced some recent recalls on their products
⑩ Royal Canin Vegetarian Diet Vegetarian Canned Dog Food
This wet food is meat free and designed for dogs who have sensitivities to certain foods. It’s highly palatable and its vegetable proteins were carefully selected to minimize your dog’s risk of having an adverse reaction. It’s completely meat free and features a nutrient blend that was selected specifically to aid your dog’s digestion in a healthy and efficient manner. Biotin, zinc, and linoleic acid are included to also give your dog a healthy coat and healthy skin. It’s easy to fit this formula into your pet’s diet and provide a boost to their health.
Pros
- All proteins have vegetable sources
- Helps your pet’s digestion with a carefully selected blend of nutrients
- Promotes a healthy coat and skin with added minerals
Cons
- Requires an authorization from your vet
- Consumers have no choice but to buy in packs of 24 cans
Conclusion & What is the Best Vegan Dog Food
While it may sound odd, it is indeed true that your dog can thrive on a vegan diet. They will still get the protein they need as well as essential nutrients; many vegan dog food brands take special care to focus on whole and complete meals so your pet can be as happy and healthy as possible. Many dogs need to be put on a vegan diet due to allergies or sensitivities to certain foods, and meat is a common allergen. When you notice your pet has these conditions, speak to your vet to find the best vegan dog food for your situation.
Keep in mind that making the switch from your regular dog food to vegan food requires time. You should introduce the new diet to your pet slowly; start by mixing just a little bit with their regular food, then increase the amount once you take note of how they react. As a pet owner, it’s your responsibility to ensure that your dog grows steadily and healthfully. Be aware of the ingredients in the products you invest in, and conduct research on the brand. This way, you can be sure you’re providing your pet with benefits. In the end, it is possible to find vegan dog food that works for both you and your pet.
Generally, putting your dog on a vegan diet is most ideal when they have a sensitivity to meats or they suffer from allergies. However, you still need to ensure your pet is consuming at least 24% protein in their diet. You may need to invest in supplements that will provide your pet with nutrients that are lacking in their vegan food. Vegan brands take care to provide you with formulas that are healthy and wholesome meals for your dog, but in some cases, this may not be quite enough. It’s best to invest the time to consider the pros and cons of vegan dog food brands and putting your pet on a vegan diet in general before you do so. Monitor your pet’s routines and food habits, and work with your vet to find a solution that truly benefits your pet. The brands highlighted above are a great way to start investing in a vegan lifestyle for your dog.
