The vegan lifestyle is a choice that not everyone goes in favor of for many and varying reasons. However, what most people probably do not know is that a vegan diet can also be very much adaptable and a considerable option for the diet of our beloved furry, four-legged friends – both feline and canine. After all, these furry friends are omnivorous by nature, thus this means that they can be nourished by and adaptable to vegetarian and vegan diets just like humans can.
As vegetarian and vegan products increasingly become more and more available in the market—both in physical stores and most especially through online platforms and stores—there are also increasing options vegan dog food. For a list of the best options for a vegan canine diet, check out the products listed below.
Dick Van Patten’s Natural Balance Vegetarian Dry Dog Food
Founded way back in 1989, Dick Van Patten’s Natural Balance is a brand that provides a wide variety of premium cat and dog food, although not all are meat free. The vegetarian dry dog food option is formulated as wholesome and quality alternative to commonly used meat-based canine diets. It is a true vegan formula made with no animal or dairy products whatsoever. This formula is priced as follows: 4.5-pound bags come at around $13; 14-pound bags are around $33; and 28.5-pound bags are around $52.
Pros:
- Contains premium energy sources including oatmeal, brown rice, and highly digestible potatoes
- No artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives
- Formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for Adult Dogs
- Packaging options come in three options: 4.5-, 14-, and 28-pound bags
- Uses green peas as an alternative ingredient for natural health support
- Brand has many available flavors and formulas for both adult dogs and puppies
Cons:
- Available for shipping only in select places and countries
- Since the product is vegan, some varieties have been said to significantly contain below-average protein and below-average fat
Threepaws Gourmet Hickory Smoked Coconut Bacon Bones
Threepaws gourmet is a company currently owned by Hannah Anderson who openly says that she comes from a long line of animal lovers. Her rescue dog, Layla was her main reason and inspiration for aiming to be able to provide clean and quality treats readily available for pet-owners. Currently, the company produces three types of treats all vegan and all priced at around $14 per pack.
Pros:
- All organic ingredients
- Product is peanut, soy, corn, and grain free
- Gourmet, handmade, and appealing presentation
- Available for wholesale
Cons:
- Does not come in large packages
- Most likely has a shorter shelf life than a majority of products
Shaded Trails All Natural and Vegan Chewy Dog Treats
Shaded Trails products are proudly made in the USA and for their vegan chewy dog treats, you basically have two options that sound good enough to eat for yourself. You can choose between sweet potato chews or apple chews. As an alternative, you may also opt to try out their crunchy treats that also come in two natural flavors namely, apple & hemp seed or sweet potato & apple. Chewy apple treats come at around $9 per bag, sweet potato chews are around $8, while both flavors of the crunchy treats are priced at around $9.50.
Pros:
- Ingredients used are completely vegan, grain free, and plant-based
- All natural and contains no wheat, corn, soy, artificial flavors, filling, or preservatives
- Low in fat which makes treats good to use as treats or for training
- More affordable compared to other treats packaged with the same amount and in the same way
Cons:
- Limited flavors
- Most likely has a shorter shelf life than a majority of products
V-Dog Vegan Kibble Dry Dog Food
V-dog is one of the more known and well trusted providers of vegan dog diet options. This company is proudly vegan-owned and vegan-operated and they make sure to make it a point to minimize their environmental paw print while making a firm stand against animal cruelty.
For this particular product, you can opt for either a 20-pound or a 30-pound package priced at around $55 and $70 respectively.
Pros:
- Vegan and a 100% plant-based formula
- Human-grade ingredients with no animal products, wheat, corn, soy, gluten, factory farming, artificial ingredients, or fillers
Cons:
- Not much variety in size or packaging options
- No great variety of flavors or formulas, limited products
Factors to Consider When Buying Vegan or Vegetarian Food for You Dog
Already Vegan or Switching
If your pet is already on a vegan diet, then this consideration most likely does not apply to you. However, if you are only just trying to make the switch from a meat-based diet to a vegan diet, you should keep in mind that there is no guarantee that your dog will automatically adapt to a vegan diet. There is a chance that you will have to try more than one brand, flavor, variety or formula. Thus, you should take note of the priced, packages, and quantities available for your purchasing to make sure you don’t regret anything later on.
Know Your Dog
The answer to finding the perfect vegan dog food or treat for your pet all lies within the individual characteristics, specifications, and needs of your dog. This is why it is important to know or at least be familiar with what your dog likes, what they are allergic to, and their nutritional and deficiency needs are that need to be addressed. Since not all pet owners have a degree in veterinary medicine or nutrition, it is also a good idea to consult your local veterinarian for some tips and advice.
Budget
As it goes with anything you purchase, the price should also be a consideration. Although the needs and preference of your dog would probably rank first, your budget should come at a close second since food is a necessity you are going to have to shoulder long-term.
Conclusion
Both finding the best vegan dog food and switching a meat-eating or meat-based diet dog can be a challenge, especially for those who are not as familiar with and reached by vegan products. However, it is undeniable that a balanced vegan diet can easily meet the nutritional needs of your beloved pet dog.
Although the vegan community’s voice as a whole is gradually getting louder and bigger, these dog food options are arguably the best and most accessible vegan dog food options available in the market. Check them out and find the best one for you and your beloved canine friend.