Vegan dog food is gaining popularity as more people adopt plant-based diets for health, ethical, and environmental reasons.
As they reconsider their own food choices, many are now also reevaluating what their dogs eat, leading to a growing trend in plant-based pet nutrition.
The concept of feeding dogs a vegan diet, once considered niche, is now gaining widespread attention. As interest grows, many pet parents are asking a key question: Is a vegan diet truly healthy for my dog?
The answer, according to a growing body of scientific evidence, is a qualified “yes” if the diet is carefully formulated and balanced. Domestic dogs have evolved alongside humans for centuries, developing genetic changes that enable them to get nutrients from both animal and plant sources.
This means that a dog’s health depends on receiving all essential nutrients, regardless of whether they come from meat or plants.
Why consider a plant-based diet for your dog?
In addition to being ethically against animal agriculture, the shift towards vegan dog food is also driven by compelling health and environmental benefits.
Allergy management
Many common canine food allergies are triggered by animal proteins like beef, dairy, and chicken. Plant-based diets offer an excellent alternative for dogs suffering from such sensitivities, often serving as effective elimination diets and long-term solutions.
Digestive Health
Well-formulated plant-based foods, rich in diverse fibers and prebiotics, can significantly improve digestive function and promote healthy, consistent stools.
Weight management & longevity
Studies have linked plant-based diets with healthier body weights, with overweight dogs showing positive trends towards improved body condition scores. Some research even suggests a longer mean lifespan for vegan-fed dogs compared to their meat-eating companions.
Environmental impact
The production of conventional meat-based pet food contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions and land use. Opting for a nutritionally sound vegan pet food is considered the “most effective measure” to reduce these environmental impacts, allowing pet owners to reduce their dog’s “carbon pawprint”.
Navigating the vegan dog food market: What to look for
The key to a healthy vegan diet for your dog lies in choosing commercially prepared foods that are “complete and balanced” and meet the nutritional standards set by regulatory bodies like the American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) or the European Pet Food Industry Federation (FEDIAF).
These certifications ensure the food has been scientifically formulated to provide all necessary nutrients for a dog’s specific life stage.
It is crucial to consult with a veterinarian or pet nutritionist before making any significant changes to your dog’s diet. They can help determine your dog’s individual needs and guide you to the most appropriate commercial option.
Homemade vegan diets are not recommended because they can easily miss essential nutrients or contain harmful ingredients.
Top vegan dog food brands
Here are some trusted vegan dog food options. The following recommendations include affiliate links. If you decide to try one of these brands, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps support our mission to create more animal-focused content.
These brands have generally received positive reviews, but we always recommend doing your own research before making changes to your dog’s diet.
While the majority of feedback is encouraging, we’ve also highlighted some concerns raised in negative reviews to give you a balanced perspective.
Vegan dog food can offer many benefits, but be sure to introduce it gradually to allow your dog’s system to adjust smoothly.
V-dog is becoming one of the most trusted names in the space. The plant-based dry dog food promises complete and balanced nutrition, helping dogs live healthier, more energetic lives without animal ingredients.
According to the company, V-dog Kindkibble supports a range of health improvements, from better weight control to shinier coats and fewer allergic reactions. Its formula includes only 100% vegan whole foods like peas, lentils, quinoa, and brown rice. It avoids common allergens and fillers such as corn, soy, wheat, and gluten.
V-dog’s recipe meets the nutritional standards for adult dogs and contains 24% protein, along with key nutrients like taurine, L-carnitine, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, and DHA, all of which are essential for heart, brain, and skin health. Prebiotics are also included to support digestion.
One of the product’s main selling points is its suitability for dogs with food sensitivities. Many pet parents report improvements in their dog’s skin condition, coat softness, and digestion after switching to V-dog.
V-dog recommends a gradual transition for dogs new to vegan diets. For best results, owners should mix one-third V-dog with two-thirds of their dog’s current food, increasing the amount over 5 to 10 days. Feeding portions should be adjusted to match the dog’s age, size, and activity level.
Click here to try V-dog Kindkibble
Pros & Cons (based on customer reviews)
Pros
- Many dogs show improved skin, shinier coats, and better digestion
- Helps with chronic issues like allergies, diarrhea, and ear infections
- Older dogs often regain energy, mobility, and puppy-like behavior
- Long-term users report healthy dogs well into their senior years
- Works well for picky eaters and dogs with sensitive stomachs
- Supports weight management and has helped some dogs slim down
- Coats become softer, breath improves, and stools become firmer
- Customers appreciate the natural smell and recyclable packaging
- Many dogs love the flavor and bark for more at mealtimes
Cons
- Several dogs developed heart issues (DCM) linked to something in the food
- No feeding trials or veterinary nutritionist involvement in formulation
- Some dogs experienced vomiting, diarrhea, or weight loss
- Food is expensive, and smaller bags raise concerns about value
- Some dogs refuse to eat it or eat only when very hungry
- Reports of taurine deficiency and concern over pea-based protein
- Vets have warned some users against pea- and legume-heavy diets
- Canola oil used in the recipe is a concern for some pet owners
Halo’s Holistic Vegan Plant-Based Recipe with Superfoods is standing out in the plant-based pet food market. Designed to support your dog’s overall well-being, this dry vegan dog food combines high-quality ingredients, gut-friendly nutrients, and a clean-label promise.
The recipe is packed with superfoods like blueberries, cranberries, apples, and carrots, rich in essential vitamins and antioxidants. These ingredients don’t just sound good, they play a key role in supporting the immune system, digestive health, and your dog’s energy levels.
What makes Halo Holistic unique is its focus on gut health. Each batch is formulated with a blend of prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics, which work together to support every stage of your dog’s digestion. This can lead to better nutrient absorption, improved stool quality, and a stronger immune response.
Halo also takes a strong stance on ingredient quality and transparency. The food is made in the United States using only non-GMO ingredients and contains no corn, wheat, soy, or artificial preservatives.
Pet parents looking to support healthy skin and a shiny coat will appreciate the inclusion of omega fatty acids, carefully balanced in the formula.
Click here to try Halo Holistic Plant-based recipe with superfoods
Pros & Cons (based on customer reviews)
Pros
- Helped resolve food allergies, including chronic itching, gas, and ear infections
- Many dogs enjoy the flavor, even picky eaters and older dogs
- Improves digestion, stool quality, and eliminates strong dog odor
- Supports shiny coats, clear skin, and healthy energy levels
- Works well for small and sensitive breeds prone to allergies
- High-quality ingredients, no strong smell, and easy to digest
- Loved by some cats too, according to mixed-species households
- Trusted by long-time vegan dog parents with healthy results over the years
Cons
- Some dogs won’t eat it, especially after recent formula change
- Several reports of stomach issues, vomiting, and constipation
- New formula includes brewer’s yeast, customers say, a common allergen
- Complaints about rancid or spoiled-smelling bags
- Some customers received broken or open packages
- Seen as expensive, especially with price increases over time
- A few say it causes more frequent or excessive bowel movements
- Not all formulas are non-GMO, which disappointed some buyers
Wild Earth is leading the way with its plant-based dog treats, designed to deliver complete nutrition without any animal ingredients. These all-natural, protein-rich snacks are made for both puppies and adult dogs, combining functionality with flavor.
Each treat contains all 10 essential amino acids, giving your dog a complete protein profile without the need for meat. With just 15 calories per bite, they’re a smart choice for training or rewarding without overfeeding.
The recipe features whole food ingredients like pumpkin, oats, flaxseed, and peanut butter, offering a balance of fiber, prebiotics, and omega-3 fatty acids that support digestion, skin, and coat health.
What sets Wild Earth apart is its clean-label approach. These treats contain no fillers, preservatives, additives, or animal byproducts, which is a major plus for pet parents looking to avoid mystery ingredients or common allergens.
Wild Earth snacks use fewer natural resources to produce, making them a more climate-friendly option for eco-conscious dog owners.
Click here to try Wild Earth Superfood dog treats
Pros & Cons (based on customer reviews)
Pros
- Most dogs love the flavor, even picky eaters
- Great for training, rewards, and bonding rituals
- Many report improvements in digestion and allergies
- Treats are gentle on sensitive stomachs
- Small and easy to chew, even for older dogs
- Smell pleasant and don’t leave residue or grease
Cons
- Some dogs refuse to eat them
- A few customers report damaged or crumbly packaging
- Can be too hard for some small or sensitive dogs
- Some say the treats upset their dog’s stomach
- Price is considered high by several buyers
- A few concerns over lack of organic/non-GMO ingredients
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