How to Choose the Best Vegan Dog Food in 2025 – Complete Guide

Adopting a vegan lifestyle is a pretty major commitment, but with the increased range of plant-based products on the market, it has become easier to do than even five or ten years ago. For some, it means keeping everything in the house free from animal-sourced products, including pet food. While a vegan diet is an absolute no-no for cats, who are obligate carnivores whose nutritional needs cannot be adequately met with vegan or artificial ingredients, there are ways to provide a balanced meat-free menu for your dog, if you do so carefully.

Whether it’s health, ethics, or sustainability concerns that have sent you on the vegan path, it is important to carefully consider whether making this decision on behalf of your dog is the right thing for their health and well-being. Through the process of domestication, dogs have evolved from their primarily carnivorous ancestors into canines with a facultative carnivorous diet, bordering on being omnivorous,¹ meaning that their digestive system has both anatomically and functionally become more adapted to processing plant-sourced materials as well as meat. This doesn’t necessarily mean that they should be solely relying on a plant-based diet. It does, however, mean that they can be healthily maintained on a carefully balanced diet that primarily comes from non-animal sources. It is important to remember that it is our responsibility as dog owners to provide them with what they need to be happy and healthy, and make sure we talk to a vet about how best to achieve that. Depending on your dog’s individual needs, that may mean including some meat-based ingredients in their diet, or investing in high quality canine foods.

It is difficult to get the right balance of nutrients for your dog by creating a vegan diet at home, so if you want to make the switch, we strongly urge you to only feed a commercially prepared product that has been tested to meet AAFCO standards.

Fortunately, we’ve done a lot of the hard work for you and have compiled this list of 8 vet-approved, vegan dog food formulas. We can’t wait to share these reviews with you.

Buyer’s Guide to Choosing the Best Vegan Dog Food

Moving your dog onto a vegan diet is a big decision and not one to be made lightly. It’s important to recognize that, although their physiology has changed over the past few millennia, canines are not as well adapted to an omnivorous diet as humans, so a completely herbivorous one is going to be even more of a challenge. Fortunately, an increasing number of pet food companies are either completely plant-based or provide vegan options within their dog food range.

Making the Decision to Go Vegan

Some dogs have serious food intolerances or allergies, and in most cases, it is the meat protein that is the problem. This is often made worse by the fact that many dog foods that claim to be based on one meat ingredient often contain sneaky ingredients like chicken meal, pork fat, or other meat by-products that can trigger your dog’s allergy, making it hard to find the ideal food. If other foods have not addressed the problem, a diet free from all animal protein may be the way to go.

You may be vegan yourself and want your home to be free from animal-sourced products. No matter the circumstance, the most important consideration is your dog’s health and wellbeing, and making sure their needs are being met. It is one thing to make an ethical lifestyle and dietary choice for ourselves, but making one on behalf of our dogs is not so straightforward. It’s not simply the nutritional side of things we need to consider, but aspects like the enrichment dogs get from gnawing on a meaty bone that can’t easily be mimicked, though there are an increasing number of vegan dog chews available to satisfy the need to chew.

Aspects of Canine Vegan Formulas to Consider

There are different components to vegan recipes for dogs. Here are some things that are non-negotiable.

Because these foods do not contain meat, it’s vital that they contain ingredients that will meet the complete nutrient profile our dogs need. Dogs require a specific series of vitamins, minerals, and amino and fatty acids to thrive.

All food recipes should be approved by the AAFCO (American Association of Feed Control Officials) and contain the minimum amount of protein and fat that dogs need in their diet, even if that protein and fat isn’t coming from meat.

It is important to have a firm understanding of protein alternatives in vegan dog foods. The alternatives can provide different nutrient levels, depending on what it is. In the case of vegan dog food, the protein usually comes from fruits, vegetables, legumes and pulses. However, depending on how strict of a vegan diet you’re looking for, protein can also come from eggs if that’s something that you’re okay with being in your dog’s food.

It’s important to be aware that it’s not simply the amount of protein in a dog’s diet that matters, but the type of protein. Quite often, we hear protein levels being blamed for certain canine behavioral problems, when it’s actually the type of protein that is the problem. Tryptophan has been identified as a protein that is particularly beneficial to canine behavior and well-being, so we need to consider these aspects, too.

Quality is definitely not something you should negotiate on when choosing a dog food. If you are going to move your dog onto a vegan formula, be prepared to pay a premium. This is because the process of creating an appropriately balanced plant-based food for dogs is far more involved than the well-established protocols of creating meat-based diets. If it’s a cheap vegan dog food, it’s probably not going to be a very good vegan dog food, making it even more important to check for that AAFCO approval.

Problems With Vegan Recipes

As we’ve already discussed, dogs are not herbivorous animals, and switching them onto a completely vegan diet can be challenging, but it also may not always be appropriate.

While some dogs may do extremely well on vegan dog food, there may be others that simply do not thrive without animal-based protein. Dogs that are genetically closer to their wild ancestors, like the Siberian Husky, Shiba Inu, or Alaskan Malamute, are less likely to cope well with a vegan diet, whilst those that have undergone more intense selective breeding, and whose physiology has been more significantly altered, like the Pug, French Bulldog, or Chihuahua, may thrive on plant-based food.

A vegan diet may struggle to meet the energy requirements of working dogs or those that are particularly active due to how the different food types are broken down. The important thing is to be prepared to adjust your expectations depending on how your dog responds to the food.

Benefits of Vegan Recipes

There are numerous positive ethical and sustainability effects of going vegan, but a moral decision to exclude animal products is not one our dogs can make, so we need to be sure that they are also benefiting from such a change. Although dogs did not evolve with vegan diets, they may experience some benefits, including:

Easier maintenance of ideal body condition/reduced obesity levels.

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FAQ About Vegan Dog Food

Is Vegan Food More Healthy for Dogs?

There is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ answer to this question, as it can be a yes for some dogs and a definite no for others. At this stage, there is simply not enough data to make a definitive conclusion, particularly given the variety of dog breeds out there.

We know that a vegan diet doesn’t necessarily have the same type of health benefits as it can for humans, but that can also be a matter of what sort of food they were previously being fed. Just as a vegan diet may be markedly healthier than one based on burgers and fries for humans, it may be just as beneficial for a dog previously fed a low quality food.

Research does indicate that vegan food can certainly be healthy for dogs, but the jury is still out on whether it is healthier.

Is Vegan Food Safe for Dogs?

Any vegan food sold on the market is crafted to be safe for dogs. It would be formulated based on a canine’s particular dietary needs. So, if you see a vegan recipe that is AAFCO-approved, it has been thoroughly researched and examined to ensure nutrient appropriateness.

What Happens When Dogs Don’t Eat Meat?

For dogs suffering from food allergies/intolerances, you may see a remarkable improvement in their overall health, coat condition, and behavior. Other dogs may have less energy than before, or may experience some gastrointestinal upset as their digestive system adjusts to the change. Provided the meat-free food contains the right amounts and types of nutrients a dog needs, they shouldn’t suffer any significant health problems as a result of not eating meat, but this will depend on the individual dog, their previous diet, and what sort of food they are now eating.

As with any change in food, moving your dog onto a vegan diet should be done gradually, allowing their digestive system to adjust. Adding some probiotics can often make that transition a little easier, too.

Is It Cruel to Make Your Dog Vegan?

While many who want to feed their dogs a vegan diet, particularly those who are vegan themselves, are undoubtedly reducing our reliance on the animal use and abuse of the meat industry, others feel that forcing a dog to adopt a vegan diet is cruel. However, given that most commercial dog foods do not resemble the animals from which they are sourced, and that many of those foods are made from meat meal and other rendered by-products, it would be difficult to argue that a dog fed a commercially prepared vegan dog food is any worse off. In fact, some dogs being fed vegan dog food may be eating better quality nutrition than they were previously.

The most important thing is to pay attention to how our dogs are responding to their food and make changes as needed. It would be just as cruel to deprive your dog of a vegan food if it benefited their health as it would be to refuse to feed your dog meat if a vegan diet was making them unwell.

A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2025

Rating	Image	Product	Details
Best Overall		Gather Endless Valley Vegan Dry Dog Food	Terrific nutritional profile Bountiful ingredients Plant-based bags	Check Price
Best Value		Halo Holistic Plant-Based Recipe with Superfoods	Higher protein Pro, pre, and postbiotics added Excellent for gut health	Check Price
Premium Choice		V-Dog Kind Kibble Vegan Adult Dry Dog Food	Solid recipe Contains healthy grains Added DHA for brain health	Check Price
		Lucy Pet Products Vegetarian Formula Dry Dog Food	Great for the gut All life stages Ideal for growing puppies	Check Price
		Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Vegetarian Recipe	Free of harsh additives Traceable ingredients Sensitivity specific	Check Price

The 8 Best Vegan Dog Foods

1. Gather Endless Valley Vegan Dry Dog Food – Best Overall

If you have an adult dog you are transitioning to a vegan diet, consider Gather Endless Valley Vegan Dry Dog Food. This particular recipe is crafted with certified organic, plant based ingredients.

It is made by expert pet nutritionists and helps replenish your dog’s body with the necessary nutrients they need to stay happy and healthy without meat. It is also free of other irritating substances such as wheat, corn, soy, and dairy.

It is balanced out with natural antioxidants such as blueberries and cranberries to support immune function. Don’t think they just stopped at the recipe when crafting this delicious vegan meal. The bags are also 20% plant based.

All ingredients including packaging are 100% non-GMO. What more could you ask for?

2. Halo Holistic Plant-Based Recipe with Superfoods – Best Value

Halo Holistic Plant-Based Recipe with Superfoods is a fabulous choice. Some vegan pet foods can be a bust when it comes to protein, but this recipe is on the higher end. So, if you were looking for a higher percentage than most you’ll find, this might be the recipe you want.

This particular recipe is made with a bounty of blueberries, cranberries, carrots, and apples for a real fruity finish. It contains a proprietary blend of pre-, pro-, and postbiotics. Postbiotics? What’s that? A blend of vitamins B and K, amino acids, and antimicrobial peptides to aid in digestion.

This recipe was crafted by pet nutritionists and includes delightful ingredients like certified organic peas, flaxseed, sunflower oil, omega fatty acids, and immune support. There are never any GMOs, artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives in this particular recipe or any of their products for that matter.

Rather than using potentially irritating ingredients like wheat, corn, soy, or dairy, this recipe uses peas, oats, barley, and lentils, all organic!

3. V-Dog Kind Kibble Vegan Adult Dry Dog Food – Premium Choice

V-Dog Kind Kibble Vegan Adult Dry Dog Food is an all around solid recipe that includes sources of veggie protein from peas, lentils, quinoa, and brown rice. It completely voids the use of any corn, soy, gluten, wheat, or unnecessary fillers.

Overall this recipe is aimed to eliminate any allergies your pet may have, and improve overall health. This recipe is also great for weight control if your dog is on the heavier side.

It contains a rich blend of taurine, L-carnitine, omega fatty acids, DHA, and prebiotic additives. What does this mean in a nutshell? It aids in total body health. We love the complete recipe head to toe, and we think that any healthy adult will benefit greatly from eating it.

However, we don’t recommend it for dogs who are low or underweight.

4. Lucy Pet Products Vegetarian Formula Dry Dog Food

If you have a puppy, this product will be particularly useful for you. Lucy Pet Products Vegetarian Recipe takes all the qualities that make a specialized pet food great and puts it all in one bag of yummy kibble.

This product is for all life stages, meaning that your dog can enjoy it in the puppy months as well as into their senior years. You never have to worry about switching a formula or going through the process of having an upset tummy while making food switches.

This particular recipe is a plant-based, vegan diet that is full of essential amino acids, including taurine. It is carefully crafted with a blend of coconut and canola oils rather than other harmful oils. It also contains a superfood blend of fruits, vegetables, and vegetable broth.

This brand uses a proprietary fiber blend that supports gut health as well. So, we love the complete recipe!

5. Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Vegetarian Recipe

If you’re on a budget, the Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Vegetarian Recipe is a wonderful option to try out for your hungry pups. It is phenomenal for dogs that have food allergies, requiring the elimination of meat protein in their diet.

Instead, it offers a solid blend of vegetable based foods, including grains like barley and peas. There are never any dairy, soy, gluten, artificial colors, or artificial flavors in this particular recipe.

This particular recipe was crafted with sensitive dogs in mind, so it’s a fantastic alternative for pups who are having severe gut problems that need to steer away from traditional dog foods in general. This provides a great entry into the vegan dog food world and it is affordable for most families.

6. Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets HA Hydrolyzed Vegetarian Dry Dog Food

One of the few veterinary prescription-grade vegan dog foods, Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diet HA Hydrolyzed Vegetarian Dry Dog Food is an ideal choice for dogs struggling to find ingredients that don’t trigger allergies or cause digestive issues.

This particular recipe was crafted with hydrolyzed proteins to make it easier for your dog’s digestive system to process. It is crafted with the help of professionals to deliver a single high-quality protein source and a single carbohydrate source, creating a more highly digestible and palatable meal.

This food has been designed to help diagnose food allergies/intolerances in dogs, but can also be used as a complete diet for dogs that have these conditions. It is quite low in both protein and fat, however, so it’s important to speak to your vet to make sure your dog is getting everything they need.

7. Addiction Zen Vegetarian Sensitive Care Dry Dog Food

Addiction Zen Vegetarian Sensitive Care Dry Dog Food is made of purely plant based nutrients to aid with digestive and skin sensitivities, so you know your pup is on the road to recovery.

These recipes are always byproduct, GMO, and growth hormone free. They are made with easy to digest ingredients like coconut oil, omega fatty acids, chelated minerals, and taurine. This recipe is designed to help your dog absorb the nutrients in their gastrointestinal tract the way that is intended.

The supplemental nutrients also help to support heart, eye, and skin health. It contains valuable ingredients that deliver plant-based proteins to your pup’s body, and the high levels of omega-3 and omega-6 can help support healthy skin and coat.

8. Open Farm Kind Earth Plant Recipe

Open Farm Kind Earth Plant Recipe is a lovely formula that is highly environmentally conscious. So, if your aim is to rid the planet of emissions and you want to better the environment, it’s a good cause to get behind.

This plant-based recipe uses 100% traceable ingredients, which we love! It is made for all life stages with superfoods that support the immune system and cultivate gut health. This is fantastic for dogs that are sensitive to a number of different ingredients, but be sure to do a quick sweep of the labels to make sure it is compatible with your dog’s sensitivities.

Open Farm takes pride in their recipes and makes sure to use only the best ingredients, meeting all AAFCO requirements. The company has a beautiful aim we can all support. They want to create environmentally friendly plant-based diets to change the world one recipe at a time. If you’re okay with some animal protein, there is also an insect-based version of this food as well.

Conclusion

Whether you’re looking at making the switch to a vegan dog food, changing brands, or just seeing what’s out there, hopefully, we’ve helped you on your journey and shown you some great vegan options.

Gather Endless Valley Vegan Dry Dog Food contains extra fabulous ingredients that we think most dogs that require a vegetarian diet can benefit from. It contains all the necessary nutrients your dog needs to get started with their new lifestyle.

Halo Holistic Plant-Based Recipe with Superfoods contains so many yummy plant-based ingredients with a focus on fruits and veggies. It smells delightful and we think your dog will love it too.

V-Dog Kind Kibble Vegan Adult Dry Dog Food is a very high-end recipe that contains superb ingredients. However, we don’t recommend it for dogs that are low in weight as it contains very few calories and low protein.

If you have a puppy, Lucy Pet Products Vegetarian Recipe is a terrific choice. It is an all life stages recipe that contains very high protein and a solid source of nutrients.

If you have a dog that seems to be sensitive to anything they put in their bodies, you might want to check out Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Vegetarian Recipe. It’s for ultra-sensitive canines who have trouble with digestion.

Don’t forget to talk to your vet about whether a vegan diet will be suitable for them, as each dog is different. Some dogs will do extremely well on a plant-based diet, while others will still need to consume some form of animal protein to be at their best.

Featured Image Credit: Darya Lavinskaya, Shutterstock