How to Choose the Best Vegan Dog Food in 2024 – Complete Guide

There is no solid answer to why folks choose to switch their dogs to vegan recipes. For the most part, folks choose this type of dog food because their dogs have major food sensitivities that no meat-based diet seems to curb. Others make the switch for moral reasons.

Regardless of why you’re choosing to make the switch, we want to make sure that you have a sound product that will give your pet the best nutrition possible. Below, we have given you everything you need to know about choosing vegan dog food for your dog, as well as researched 10 amazing vegan dog food formulas, and we can’t wait to share these reviews with you.

Buyer’s Guide to Choosing the Best Vegan Dog Food

If you have recently decided that you are going to try vegan recipes for your dog, that was a big call. You likely did so under the guidance of a veterinarian and know that this solution could just be the best one.

So, if you plan to buy, what are you looking for? Are some brands significantly better than others? We have the answers!

Making the Decision to Go Vegan

Some people might not have ever thought they would face the day where they need to choose a vegan diet for their dog. After all, dogs are omnivores and absolutely love delighting in big hunks of meat. However, you might have been watching your dog suffer for weeks, months, or even years on end to no resolve.

Digestive issues are no joke and they affect our canines in more ways than we ever could imagine. If you have a dog that has major gastrointestinal upset on a regular basis, a vegan diet might be the only thing that can make it better.

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 recipes lack meat, a vital component in a dog’s natural diet, it is crucial to know that the recipe still has a complete nutrient profile, including protein. 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 plants and vegetables. 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.

Quality is definitely not something you should negotiate on when you are purchasing your dog a diet. If you are switching to vegan formulas, it’s already pretty likely that they are having some digestive issues, so it’s best not to add to that by choosing a low-quality dog food.

Concerns About Vegan Recipes

As with anything else, there are two major concerns about vegan recipes for dogs. After all, dogs are obligate carnivores that naturally need meat to survive. Their ancestry is that of wolves, whose diets consisted mainly of meat.

Because dogs need protein in their diet to thrive, and protein is highest in meat, there are concerns that the amount of protein in vegan dog food is too low. That’s why it is important to choose a vegan dog food that is AAFCO-approved, to ensure that it contains the proper amount of protein a dog needs.

Certain breeds simply don’t fare well on vegan dog food. Breeds that burn a lot of calories that require very high protein meals will never benefit from a plant based diet. They can maintain, but they will likely never thrive. It’s always best to consult with your vet before feeding your particular dog a vegan diet.

FAQ About Vegan Dog Food

Is Vegan Food More Healthy for Dogs?

Because a vegan diet is not 100% natural for dogs, it isn’t healthier than their standard diet. However, if your dog is having an extremely hard time and is unable to digest most animal proteins, it might be the healthier option for them specifically. That does not mean that it is a one-size-fits-all thing and that every dog fits into this category. Certainly ask for the help of animal medical professionals when making decisions like these.

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?

Dogs might have an adjustment period after they cut meat out of their diet. For some, this will be a godsend, as their digestion was absolutely terrible before making the transition. But dogs that are being switched to a vegan diet other than for medical reasons may not have as much energy and may suffer from nutritional deficiencies as a result.

Is Depriving a Dog of Meat Abuse?

Nutritionists do not consider feeding a vegan dog diet to your dog abuse. In some circumstances, there are no workarounds. Certain dogs cannot have standard dog foods, as it causes major gastrointestinal upset and a laundry list of other health problems. However, while maybe not abuse, whether a vegan diet is the best option for a dog if they don’t have food sensitivities to meat is another story.

A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2024

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?

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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!

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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 you have a pup that’s getting up there in age.

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.

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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!

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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.

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

Say your vet hands you a prescription for dog food. You might be a good candidate for buying Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diet HA Hydrolyzed Vegetarian Dry Dog Food. If you need a solid prescription diet, this recipe can be a fantastic option.

If your vet has already filled a prescription, check out Chewy to get this recipe expedited to you. 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 is designed for dogs with major sensitivities and allergies, so it’s certainly not one for everyday use. It should be under the supervision of a veterinarian and you should use only as directed to ensure best results.

Because of the dangerously low protein content, ask your vet for suggestions of how to up the intake on a regular basis outside of the normal diet.

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7. Addiction Zen Vegetarian Sensitive Care Dry Dog Food

Addiction Zen Vegetarian Sensitive Care Dry Dog Food is ideal for queasy tummies. This recipe 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

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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

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.

Whether you’re switching to a vegan diet for your dog for personal or health reasons, you can select a recipe that will support your dog’s overall health just fine. We hoped our reviews led you to make the right purchase and that our buyers guide helped you learn what to look for when buying vegan dog food.

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Featured Image Credit: Darya Lavinskaya, Shutterstock