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A few years back, finding meat-free options for our loyal sidekicks seemed like a far-off dream. Now, the game has changed. From hearty kibble blends to cans packed with plant-based goodness, dogs aren’t just getting by on vegan diets – they’re thriving.
Recent research isn’t just about debunking myths. As studies consistently show that neither humans nor dogs require animal proteins to survive, the industry is taking notice. It’s becoming clear that, given the right balance, dogs can not only survive but thrive on a vegan regimen. As a result, several brands are stepping up, eager to stake their claim in this rapidly growing market.
What Are The Best Vegan Dog Food Brands?
I’m surprised by the sheer number of vegan dog food brands available and how positive the experience has been for dog owners.
To choose the best food brands for vegan dogs, I’ve looked into formulas that meet the standards set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) for dietary nutrient requirements.
Here are the brands that I’ve selected:
- V-Dog: $89.99 (24-pound bag)
- Halo Holistic: $80.74 (21-pound bag)
- Natural Balance: $72.98 (24-pound bag)
- Gather: $97.99 (16-pound bag)
- Wild Earth: $99.00 (18-pound bag)
Without further ado, let’s delve into our top choice for the leading plant-based dog food brand available.
1. V-Dog
Embracing a vegan diet for your furry friend can be daunting, especially when their health and happiness are on the line. For those venturing into this territory, V-Dog’s vegan formula serves as a stellar introduction, catering to both small and large breeds.
The foundation of V-Dog’s blend comprises dried peas, pea protein, brown rice, and oatmeal. This combination, as hundreds of reviews attest, is well-received by a majority of canines. Few, if any, leave criticism, a testament to the quality of ingredients.
Priced at a moderate range, V-Dog offers a balanced compromise; it’s neither the cheapest nor the priciest, especially considering vegan dog foods generally cost more than their non-vegan counterparts.
Delving into the nutritional profile, V-Dog stands out with a commendable 24.0% crude protein content. While it falls slightly short of the roughly 30% found in top-tier non-vegan foods, it notably surpasses the 18.0% minimum set by AAFCO standards. The brand’s prowess in crafting a plant-based food rich in protein cannot be understated.
In terms of safety and trustworthiness, V-Dog’s impressive track record over its 13-year history speaks volumes. With no product recalls to its name, the brand reassures customers of its unwavering commitment to safe manufacturing and the use of high-quality ingredients.
For those assessing the myriad of vegan dog food options available, V-Dog emerges as a strong contender for the top spot.
With its high protein content, exceptional ingredients, and proven palatability among canines, it offers substantial value.
While its price may be slightly above some alternatives, it remains competitive, particularly when juxtaposed with other high-end vegan dog food brands.
2. Halo Holistic
Halo Holistic is not an entirely vegan brand, but it sure has a product that many vegan owners love.
Suitable for dogs of all sizes, though specifically formulated for adults, this high-quality feed blends primary ingredients like green peas, chickpeas, barley, oat groats, and pea protein, steering clear of common allergens like meat, dairy, corn, and wheat.
Its price point is set at a premium range, but you get what you pay for in terms of quality and sizes available: 4 lb, 10 lb, and 25 lb.
A distinctive feature of Halo Holistic’s formula is its emphasis on a lower glycemic index compared to many vegan dog foods. For guardians of dogs with weight management or diabetes concerns, this focus on blood sugar control is invaluable.
From a nutritional standpoint, it stands out for its adherence to the AAFCO recommendations. Boasting a crude protein content of 20%, it’s comfortably within the AAFCO’s recommended range, which underscores the importance of protein in vegan dog foods. While a balanced vegan dog food tends to range between 18-24% protein, Halo Holistic fits snugly in the middle. This compares favorably to the roughly 30% found in premium non-vegan options.
Another testament to Halo’s quality is its recall history—or lack thereof. A near-spotless track record with only a single recall back in 2015 (and not for the vegan line) highlights their commitment to consistent and safe manufacturing processes.
Given its widespread popularity, you’ll easily find Halo Holistic in most pet stores, though smaller outlets may not always stock the vegan variety.
3. Natural Balance
If you’re looking for an affordable yet relatively high-quality alternative, Natural Balance’s plant-powered feed comes in a balanced blend that provides comprehensive nutrition for dogs of all sizes.
Produced predominantly in the U.S., though with some global ingredient sourcing, it offers a consistent taste and quality that has won the approval of countless furry friends. The narrative of positive feedback is dominant, with negligible reports of pets disliking it or facing any health issues post-consumption.
Diving into the nutritional makeup of this kibble, it presents a balanced profile. The protein, standing at a minimum of 18.0%, matches AAFCO’s guidelines for adult dog food. Similarly, the fat content, though on the lower side, falls within the recommended.
Alas, while the numbers meet the safety criteria, those seeking higher protein diets for their canine companions might wish to explore further.
With just one recall in the past decade, and that too being precautionary rather than reactive, it showcases their commitment to producing reliable and trustworthy products. The 2012 recall, steered by a potential salmonella concern, was carried out with utmost transparency, further solidifying the brand’s reputable standing.
Like the previous two options, Natural Balance is also a viable choice.
4. Gather
While Gather isn’t an exclusively vegan brand, they’ve garnered attention with their top-tier vegan formula that boasts certified organic ingredients. This commitment to quality, however, reflects in its price tag. A single 16-pound bag of Gather’s dry kibble fetches a steep $93.
Diving into its nutritional profile, Gather’s formula impresses with a 22% crude protein content, surpassing the AAFCO’s minimum standard for adult dogs. The fat content, at 11%, is judiciously balanced, providing dogs with the right energy levels without tipping into excess.
With a 4% crude fiber, the kibble promotes efficient digestion and bowel regularity, avoiding the pitfalls of excessive fillers or bloating concerns. Its moisture level, limited to 10%, ensures the kibble remains crispy, aiding in dental health.
For bone well-being, the blend of 0.5% calcium and 0.4% phosphorus stands out. These vital minerals, crucial for bone health, demonstrate the brand’s meticulous approach to formulation.
Gather’s choice to include Omega-6 and Omega-3 fatty acids, at 1.1% and 0.5% respectively, shouldn’t go unnoticed. These fatty acids not only enhance the sheen of a dog’s coat and the health of their skin but also fortify cognitive functions. It’s no wonder customers frequently rave about the visible improvements in their dog’s fur.
A feather in Gather’s cap is the absence of any recalls, underscoring their unwavering dedication to safety. However, it’s essential to remember that such premium quality does come with a higher price point.
5. Wild Earth
Crafted with discerning pet parents in mind, Wild Earth offers dog food formulas boasting either 23% or 28% complete meatless protein, tailored to your selection.
The image above showcases the Performance Formula, which contains 28% protein by weight. This formula is especially suitable for dogs with a highly active lifestyle and easily meets the AAFCO’s requirements.
This notable protein content is derived from an innovative primary ingredient: yeast. Impressively, it stands toe-to-toe with traditional meat products. Yeast’s protein content hovers between 45-49%, while beef is left trailing at 24-26%.
However, the richness of Wild Earth’s blend doesn’t merely revolve around protein. Each serving is a medley of superfoods, featuring oats, chickpeas, and sweet potato.
Wild Earth takes immense pride in its transparent labeling. Rest assured, you won’t encounter fillers, artificial additives, corn, soy, or wheat in this formula. Instead, every morsel is infused with nutrient-rich ingredients like blueberries, cranberries, and spinach.
These natural components are teeming with essential nutrients, further enriched with antioxidants that may help combat serious ailments, including cancer and heart disease.
Wild Earth meticulously addresses the nuances of canine nutrition, incorporating elements such as taurine, L-carnitine, calcium, omega-3s, riboflavin, among others.
Yet, it’s worth noting that supreme quality can carry a heftier price. Wild Earth positions itself above the average market cost. Additionally, their unique blend might not be the best fit for dogs that need specialized diets due to particular health issues.
What Is Vegan Dog Food Made Of?
Vegan dog food obviously takes its inspiration from the human practice of veganism, where any ingredient that has its origin in animals or involves the use of animal byproducts is consciously excluded from consumption.
As a result, vegan dog food is a unique blend of wholesome ingredients that come straight from the plant kingdom.
At the heart of vegan dog food are fruits, vegetables, cereals, and legumes, with soya often being a key ingredient. Nuts and vegetable oils are also integral components, ensuring that the diet is rich in essential fatty acids and other nutrients.
The palette of ingredients ensures the food remains nutritionally rich and can provide a balanced diet for our canine companions without resorting to animal-based ingredients.
Is It Actually Healthy For Dogs?
While descending from primarily carnivorous ancestors, dogs have evolved alongside humans. Over time, they have developed the capability to metabolize carbohydrates, fats, and fibers effectively.
This shift in dietary needs is evident from research indicating that dogs can stay fit and healthy on a diet that is lower in protein, requiring as little as 10% of calories from protein sources for younger dogs.
This protein requirement increases with age, going up to 50% or more for older dogs.
Interestingly, this research underscores that these protein needs can be met with both animal and non-animal sources. [1, 2]
However, formulating a vegan diet for dogs is not without its challenges. There are potential pitfalls to avoid, such as ensuring dogs get adequate protein intake, maintaining a balance of vital amino acids like taurine and L-carnitine, and avoiding mineral or vitamin deficiencies.
The American Kennel Club accentuates these risk factors and suggests that while dogs in the wild have a penchant for animal-based proteins, a vegan diet can still be a healthful choice if it’s well-balanced and carefully supplemented. [3]
For example, adding supplements that provide taurine, L-carnitine, vitamin B-12, and other essential nutrients can help bridge any nutritional gaps.
This dietary approach for dogs mirrors the recommendations for humans following a vegan lifestyle.
Just as with dogs, humans need to ensure that they receive all essential nutrients, including calcium, iron, iodine, selenium, folic acid, vitamin B12, and vitamin D.
These might need to be sourced from supplements, especially during critical life stages like pregnancy.
Other Frequently Asked Questions
While dogs can be sustained on a vegan diet, there are specific nutrients that they need to ensure optimal health, and these might not be present or adequate in all vegan diets.
Taurine and L-carnitine are perfect examples of such essential amino acids. While dogs can produce some taurine on their own, ensuring they get an adequate amount through diet is crucial.
Even though these amino acids can be found in animal-based diets, the fact remains that the taurine naturally present in meat often undergoes denaturation during the heating process used to produce retail dog food.
As a result, even meat-based kibbles typically need to be supplemented with taurine, often derived from vegan or synthetic sources, to ensure that dogs receive the requisite amounts and prevent deficiency.
Therefore, to directly address the question: Yes, vegan dogs might need supplements, particularly of amino acids like taurine and L-carnitine.
However, it is important to note that supplementation is not unique to vegan dog diets, as even meat-based dog foods often require the addition of certain nutrients that might get lost during the manufacturing process.
Well, recent research seems to suggest a positive correlation between a vegan diet and longevity in dogs.
One of the most comprehensive studies observed over 2,500 dogs fed either vegan or meat-based diets for more than a year. [4]
The results indicated that vegan diets were not only healthier but also posed fewer risks to the dogs.
This sentiment was echoed in another study, which further solidified the connection between vegan diets and increased lifespan in dogs. [5]
Analyzing data from over a thousand dog owners, with a significant subset having been fed exclusively vegan food for a minimum of three years, the study revealed that vegan dogs experienced fewer health issues, particularly related to vision, digestion, and liver conditions.
More strikingly, these vegan dogs were found to live, on average, 1.5 years longer than their meat-eating counterparts. While the difference in life expectancy might seem modest, 1.5 years is significant in dog years.
This longevity boost can be attributed to an average lifespan of 14.1 years in vegan dogs compared to 12.6 years in those fed meat-based diets.
Editor’s note: The content on this website is meant to be informative, but it should not be taken as medical advice. The content of our articles is not intended for use in the diagnosis, prevention, and/or treatment of health problems. It’s always best to speak with your doctor or a certified medical professional before making any changes to your lifestyle, diet, exercise routine, or trying a new supplement.
References:
1. DomÃnguez-Oliva A, Mota-Rojas D, Semendric I, Whittaker AL. The Impact of Vegan Diets on Indicators of Health in Dogs and Cats: A Systematic Review. Vet Sci. 2023 Jan 12;10(1):52. doi: 10.3390/vetsci10010052. PMID: 36669053; PMCID: PMC9860667.
2. Knight A, Leitsberger M. Vegetarian versus Meat-Based Diets for Companion Animals. Animals (Basel). 2016 Sep 21;6(9):57. doi: 10.3390/ani6090057. PMID: 27657139; PMCID: PMC5035952.
3. American Kennel Club. Can Dogs Adapt to a Vegan Diet?
4. Knight A, Huang E, Rai N, Brown H (2022) Vegan versus meat-based dog food: Guardian-reported indicators of health. PLoS ONE 17(4): e0265662. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.
5. Sarah Dodd, Deep Khosa, Cate Dewey, Adronie Verbrugghe, Owner perception of the health of North American dogs fed meat- or plant-based diets, Research in Veterinary Science, Volume 149, 2022, Pages 36-46, ISSN 0034-5288, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rvsc.2022.06.002.
