Best Vegan Dog Food Reviews: Top Brands 2024 (+Vegetarian Kibble Options)
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This is the ultimate guide to finding the best vegan dog food brands.
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), pet diets tend to reflect their owners, which is why more dogs than ever are being fed plant-based dog food. Finding the right vegan dog food can be challenging, especially with so many options on the market. Our team reviewed the best plant-based dog food to help you make an informed decision when choosing your dog’s plant-based kibble. From the cheapest vegan dog food and organic vegan dog recipes to fresh vegan food and even vegetarian options, we’ve compiled a list of the best vegan dog food options available by need.
We’ve also answered surrounding questions about vegan dogs so you can make a more informed decision when picking dog vegan food brands. Let’s dive right in.
Vegan Dog Food Reviews — A At Glance
Scroll to the right to see all our recommendations for the best vegan dog food.
You can click this link to go to the reviews, but we encourage you to keep reading to make a more educated decision about picking the best vegan food for your dog.
Why You Should Trust Us
What Is A Dog Vegan Diet?
A vegan diet for dogs excludes all animal products and byproducts. Vegan or vegetarian dog food typically consists of a variety of fruits, vegetables, cereals, legumes, such as soy, nuts, vegetable oils, and other non-animal-based ingredients to provide a balanced diet.
Can Dogs Thrive on Vegan Dog Food?
A common misconception about dogs is that they are strictly carnivores. Most experts believe that dogs are omnivores, meaning they can eat plant and animal matter. Don’t get us wrong. We’re not saying your dog should only eat broccoli. Dogs can thrive on vegan food as long as it’s nutritionally complete and balanced. Even the American Kennel Club states dogs can be vegan.
Biologically speaking, dogs have enzymes, like amylase and maltase, only found in herbivores and omnivores, to help them digest plant starches. It’s always advised to follow a gradual transition and monitor your dogs’ health on an ongoing basis with any new diet.
How Can The Best Vegan Dogs Benefit?
Here are the most commonly reported benefits of a vegan dog diet.
What Does Research Say About Vegan Dog Food?
According to research, vegan diets are healthier and safer for dogs.
One of the most notable studies followed the health of 2,500 dogs over a year. The study found that almost 50% of the meat-fed dogs needed ‘non-routine’ medication, while only one-third of vegan dogs needed meds.[1] This revealed how healthier vegan diets are for dogs.
Experts at Cummings Veterinary Medical Center at Tufts University reported that plant-based diets are less likely to produce an allergic reaction than animal protein.[2]
A study in India found that dogs do not have an innate preference for meat; historically, dogs in India have mostly been vegetarian for thousands of years. Free-ranging dogs in India typically scavenge for food in waste, leading to a diet high in carbohydrates, and rarely encounter rich sources of meat protein. These dogs have never seen systemic health problems as a result.[3]
The majority of Modern-day canine health problems, such as canine obesity, food allergies, and diabetes today, can be prevented and sometimes cured with vegan diets, says Dr. Lorelei Wakefield, VMD.[4]
Read our article “Can dogs be vegan?” for a more extensive scientific-back data explanation of the benefits and risks of vegan dogs.
Do Vets Recommend Vegan Diet For Dogs?
Veterinarians recommend only vegan dog formulas that are balanced. Plant-based diets are often prescribed for dogs with food allergies, especially meat allergies. However, most veterinarians strongly advise against feeding puppies a vegan or even a vegetarian diet until they are fully developed at 12 months old.
However, feeding your dog homemade vegan dog food can cause problems. Making a balanced vegan dog diet at home is not as it requires carefully balanced ingredients. You should consult with your vet or a vet nutritionist. They will help you develop a plan to ensure he’s getting everything he needs.
What to Look For In The Best Vegan Dog Food
If you want to feed your canine friend the best vegan dog food, here are some things to look for.
All the formulas recommended in this review are balanced and vet-approved, so they are safe and healthy for your dog.
Best Vegan Dog Food Reviews
We’ve reviewed the best vegan dog food brands based on different factors, including animal-free ingredients and practices, customer reviews, prices, preferences, and more, so you can be confident that you are providing the best nutrition possible to your dog when it comes to choosing veg food for dogs.
- Best Overall: Wild Earth
- Best Editor’s Pick: V-Dog
- Best Value: Open Farm
- Best Fresh: JustFoodForDogs
- Best Organic: Halo
- Best For Puppies: Benevo
- Best Dehydrated: Dr. Harvey’s
- Best Human-Grade: Bramble
- Best Sustainable: Petaluma
- Best Grain-Free: Walk About
- Also Great: Gather
- Best Canned: Natural Balance
- Best Wet: Halo
- Best Vegetarian: Natural Balance & Royal Canin
Best Overall Vegan Dog Food — Wild Earth
Why We Picked & Recommended It
You probably recognize the name Wild Earth. This vegan dog food company appeared on Shark Tank. Wild Earth wins our top pick for best vegan dog food. They’ve developed the cleanest vegan dog protein that is vet-approved and made from cruelty-free, sustainably sourced ingredients for healthier pets and the planet. They surveyed 3,000 customers whose dogs were on a Wild Earth diet for at least three months. The results proved the benefits of its recipe, with 86% of customers reporting a positive health benefit for their dog after switching to Wild Earth; these included increased energy, less itching, improved coat, improved poop, improved joint health, and much more.
What Sets It Apart From Competitors
The secret behind their high-protein, meat-free dog food is their number one ingredient on the nutrition label: Yeast. Wild Earth says the protein generated by their yeast is of the highest quality and contains all 10 essential amino acids dogs need, so it’s every bit as nutritious as meat-based protein, with none of the downsides. Another main ingredient is a cultured protein made with human-grade Koji. This company does not do animal testing on its products.
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Our readers have access to 50% off their first order when they build a meal plan or 30% off when they subscribe.
Editor’s Pick — V-Dog Vegan kibble
Why We Picked & Recommended It
Did you know V-dog is the first vegan dog food company in the USA? V-Dog Vegan Kibble is a popular top pick for the best vegan dog food. This brand offers a complete and balanced vegan formula that packs 24% protein with superfood ingredients like peas, oats, lentils, flax, and quinoa. V-Dog also adds Taurine, L-carnitine, and Vitamin B12 ingredients known to support heart health.
What Sets It Apart From Competitors
V-dog is an entirely vegan, family-owned, and -operated company. Sourced, produced and packaged in California. V-dog kind kibble contains the perfect balance of essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals your dog needs to thrive.
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Cheapest Vegan Dog Food — Open Farm Premium Plant-Based Kibble
Why We Picked & Recommended It
Open Farm Kind Earth Premium Plant Kibble Recipe is your best bet if you are looking for the cheapest vegan dog food option that doesn’t sacrifice quality. This brand offers the most pounds of veggie dog food per dollar, making it an affordable vegan food compared to other competitors.
What Sets It Apart From Competitors
This formula uses hypoallergenic ingredients, making it a perfect solution for dogs with food sensitivities. They are among the few brands to use yeast and fava beans as protein sources. Yeast is a single-cell organism that is an excellent source of protein and rich in vital amino acids. Fava beans provide protein and amino acids and contain minerals such as manganese and copper.
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Fresh Vegan Dog Food — JustFoodForDogs
Why We Picked & Recommended It
JustFoodForDogs vegan Tofu & Quinoa recipe wins the medal for the best fresh vegan dog food recipe. It’s made with only 100% fresh, whole-food plant-based ingredients such as tofu, sweet potatoes, quinoa, kale, white mushrooms, blueberries, and nutritional yeast. Because its ingredients are fresh, this recipe is easy to digest and gentle on the stomach, making it a great option for dogs with digestive issues.
What Sets It Apart From Competitors
Unlike vegan dry kibble, this recipe is made from fresh human-grade ingredients that are gently cooked. It is also free from artificial preservatives, colors or flavors, making it a more natural and healthier option for your dog than typically dry vegan kibble. Moreover, this formula is compounded from 100% human-grade nutraceuticals regulated by the FDA. Nutraceuticals are foods that contain health-giving additives and are medicinal.
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Best Organic Vegan Dog Food — Halo
Why We Picked & Recommended It
Are you looking for an organic vegan dog food option? Halo Vegan Dog Food with the best organic vegan dog food medal because its holistic vegan formula uses plant-based non-GMO fruits and veggies ingredients to support ecological biodiversity and well-being. Halo is highly committed to using high-quality ingredients. Halo’s fruits and vegetables are sourced from farmlands that prohibit genetically modified seeds. Halo vegan dog food is also an excellent alternative for dogs with food sensitivity problems. It is easily digested and has an appealing smell and crunchy texture your dog will love. Carbohydrates and fiber from pearled barley, oat, groats, and potatoes. And vitamins from sweet potatoes, blueberries, carrots, and cranberries.
What Sets It Apart From Competitors
Their vegan formula uses plant-based proteins from lower-glycemic peas, chickpeas and other high-quality proteins. Unlike other vegan recipes, they added prebiotics, probiotics and postbiotics for complete digestive and immune support. Ingredients like Taurine and L-carnitine are also added for heart health and metabolism. They also offer a plant-based recipe with kelp which can help keep the dog’s entire glandular system and the thyroid gland healthy.
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Dehydrated Vegan Dog Food — Dr. Harvey’s Veg To Bowl
Why We Picked & Recommended It
Dr. Harvey’s Veg-to-Bowl Dog Food, Human Grade is easy to prepare. It uses the finest dehydrated and freeze-dried vegetables in a grain-free pre-mix of 9 different vegetables and herbs that makes a complete meal for dogs when mixed with protein, oil and water. It’s perfect for cooking a vegan homemade dog meal in an instant. This all-natural vegan dog formula has been shown to treat and eliminate allergies, including itching, skin redness, and rashes. It can also eliminate digestive issues such as chronic diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, loose stools, and gas. It is high in calcium and other necessary minerals. This vegan homemade dog food recipe is easy to make, healthy, and delicious.
What Sets It Apart From Competitors
Allows complete control of quantity and quality of protein. This vegan recipe does not come with added proteins. You have to add your own protein. Holistic veterinarians recommend it. Dr. Harvey’s also offers a dehydrated mix for small and toy dogs, picky eaters, dogs with sensitive tummies, or older dogs who may need softer food.
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Best Human-Grade Homemade Vegan Recipe — Bramble
Why We Picked & Recommended It
Bramble is the first and only 100% vegan fresh dog food delivery. It’s similar to dog food produced by the big “fresh dog food home-delivery” companies like The Farmer’s Dog, Ollie, Nom Nom, and Spot & Tango. Fresh, preservative-free, less processed dog food like Bramble offers a higher nutritional value than traditional kibble. Their drool-worthy formulas are developed by board-certified veterinary nutritionists, providing all the protein and nutrition dogs need. Bramble has three drool-worthy vegan dog food recipes packed with high protein and superfoods.
What Sets It Apart From Competitors
The food is cooked fresh, just like if you were to cook at home for your dog. It only needs to be frozen to stay fresh. They only use human-grade ingredients.
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Best Sustainable Vegan Dog Food — Petaluma
Why We Picked & Recommended It
Petaluma wins our top picks for the best sustainable vegan dog food. In all parts of their business, their sustainability practices include offsetting 100% of their greenhouse gas emissions and donating 1% of all revenue to non-profits fighting climate change and food insecurity. They even tell you how much switching to Petaluma could reduce your dog’s annual environmental impact. Petaluma relied on scientific evidence and expert consensus to design a vegan formula that provides optimal nutrition.
What Sets It Apart From Competitors
Each cup of Petaluma has as much plant protein (~33 grams) as a serving of steak or 4 glasses of milk. It also comes with a complete and balanced amino acid profile. Its recipe features omega-3 fats from algae (DHA) and flaxseed (ALA) and is balanced by omega-6 fats, linoleic acid from peanuts and sunflower seeds, and saturated.
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Best Grain-Free Vegan Dog Food — Walk About
>Why We Picked & Recommended It
Walk About Pet vegan dog food is the right mix of an antioxidant-rich selection of fruits, veggies and nuts. It’s a great choice for dog owners who can’t tolerate grains and certain proteins, such as meat-based proteins.
What Sets It Apart From Competitors
This is an alkaline-based recipe. An alkaline diet for dogs has been found to promote overall health, prevent illness, and increase lifespan by eliminating the adverse effects of harsh chemicals in other diets. This diet allows the dog’s organs, such as the kidneys and pancreas, to function more efficiently and can reverse acidosis and other symptoms caused by a grain-based diet.
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Also Great — Gather Vegan Dog Food
Why We Picked & Recommended It
Gather Endless Valley vegan recipe is a natural meatless vegan dog food made from organic, sustainably grown peas, organic oats, organic barley, and lentils for all the essential amino acids dogs need. This vegan pet food brand has excellent customer reviews.
What Sets It Apart From Competitors
Gather vegan recipe only uses certified organic, plant-based ingredients such as antioxidant-rich blueberries and cranberries to support immune function, fiber-rich quinoa for digestive support, taurine to aid vision and heart health, and nutritional yeast for a wag-worthy flavor.
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Vegan Puppy Food — Benevo
There are limited vegan puppy food options. If you plan to feed your 5-month-old puppy vegan dog food, consult with your vet first. Puppies require different nutrition than adult dogs. Depending on the vegan formula you feed him, it may require supplementation because of the high nutritional requirements of puppies in their development stage.
Why We Picked & Recommended It
Benevo Puppy is the best vegan dog food for puppies. This formula is the first complete vegan puppy food made. The Vegetarian Society and Vegan Society approve of this formula. Benevo Puppy is nutritionally balanced, meat-free, wheat-free puppy food formulated by professional animal nutritionists. It includes soya, white rice, maize, sunflower oil, peas, brewers yeast, beet pulp, vitamins, and minerals.
What Sets It Apart From Competitors
Unlike adult vegan dog recipes, this formula has added calcium, specific vitamins, and minerals to meet a puppy’s growing needs. The added calcium to phosphorus ratio in their unique recipe is ideal for puppies. It contains a probiotic digestive aid and Yucca extract to help reduce odors. This vegan food is a hypoallergenic alternative for puppies and is suitable for dogs of all sizes. Whether you are looking for vegetarian dog food for puppies or vegan puppy food, this is undoubtedly a top choice.
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Best Vegan Canned Dog Food — Natural Balance
Why We Picked & Recommended It
Natural Balance Ultra Premium Wet Dog Food is one of our favorite vegan canned dog foods. Even though the label says “vegetarian dog food,” this formula has zero animal products (meat). We checked. This canned vegan dog food includes high-quality brown rice, oatmeal, and highly digestible potatoes. It is made with no animal or dairy products. Natural Balance vegetable-based dog food also contains complex carbohydrates and protein from peas. It is boosted with balanced Omega-6 and Omega-3 ratios to support healthy skin and a luxurious coat.
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Best Wet Vegan Dog Food — Halo Vegan
Why We Picked & Recommended It
What’s the best wet vegan dog food? Halo offers a true vegan formula that is one of the best vegan wet dog food. Thanks to its wet nature, it provides a more digestible alternative to a traditional plant-based diet. This vegan wet dog formula gives your dog a hydration boost while delivering a nutritionally balanced with the finest quality ingredients for a happy pet—inside and out. It’s a perfect alternative for a protein-sensitive dog because it does not contain meat, dairy, corn, or wheat.
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Best Vegetarian Dog Food
Here are our top picks for the best vegetarian dog food recipes.
Best Vegetarian Dog Food — Natural Balance
Why We Picked & Recommended It
Natural Balance vegetarian dog food is your best bet if you are looking for the best vegetarian dog food. Natural Balance, vegetarian dry dog food, is a great alternative to a meat-based diet. This brand offers the most pounds of veggie dog food per dollar, making it an affordable vegetarian dog food compared to other competitors. Customer satisfaction and testimonials note that this food has dog wonders for their pet dogs. Here is what one owner said about this food: “This dog food literally extended my dog’s life. She was in the late stages of heart and kidney failure. We switched her to a fully vegan diet, and she became a new dog!”
What Sets It Apart From Competitors
They do 9 safety tests on every batch of food to ensure what you’re feeding your pet is safe. Highly qualified microbiologists and chemists perform each test. Then they go a step further and share the results with you on their website to always be confident that what you’re feeding your pet is safe.
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Best Prescribed Vegetarian Dog Food — Royal Canin
Why We Picked & Recommended It
Royal Canin Vegetarian is veterinary-exclusive dry dog food for dogs with food sensitivities. If food sensitivities make your dog miserable, this veggie-based diet may provide some relief. Royal Canin Vegetarian minimizes the risk of food allergy reactions with a formula containing proteins entirely from vegetable origins. It’s also ideal for skin and a shiny coat thanks to added linoleic acid, zinc, and biotin. Royal Canin Vegetarian Dry Dog Food Formula is designed to help pups suffer from tummy troubles, hair loss, and itching. Although the label says vegetarian, it could be considered almost 100% vegan as it does not contain meat. It has vitamin D3, an ingredient that often comes from lanolin or fish oil, which is the only reason it’s not considered vegan. Another great option is Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets HA Hydrolyzed Vegetarian Dry Dog Food.
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Best Vegetarian Wet Dog Food — AvoDerm Natural
Dogs with dietary intolerances to meat protein sources, such as poultry, fish, or beef, will benefit from AvoDerm Natural Vegetarian Recipe dog food. Dogs consuming AvoDerm are guaranteed to receive high-quality ingredients, such as omega-rich avocados, to provide them with balanced levels of proteins, fats, and nutrients. Another great alternative is Health Extension Vegetarian Entree Canned Dog Food. Great for dogs with food sensitivities. Your dog will love the taste and texture of this smooth pate loaded with nutritious ingredients like sweet potatoes, butternut squash, carrots, peas, blueberries, cranberries, and kale.
Best Vegan Dog Food Topper
No matter what type of food your dog eats—from raw to frozen, kibble to canned— a vegan dog food topper allows for an easy, nutritious way to add flavor and supplementation to your dog’s meals.
Chippin’s food topper contains four natural ingredients: human-grade cricket protein, sweet potato, apple cider vinegar, and pumpkin. You can enjoy this delicious topping in three different ways. Sprinkle on daily food as a meal topper, mix with water to create a broth, or mix to make a chew toy filling.
Vegan Dog Food For Allergies
Dog food allergies almost always result from specific meat proteins, but not all proteins are food allergens. Any ingredient can cause allergies, but proteins are the most common culprit. Since vegan dog foods contain no animal ingredients, they are ideal for resolving food allergies. By removing meat from the diet, the most likely allergens are removed. For this reason, most vegan dog food brands are considered to be hypoallergenic. Our best overall pick Wild Earth is a great option.
But remember, your dog can be allergic to any ingredient. Meat proteins are just the most common allergen in dog food. We recommend doing an at-home dog food allergy test to determine the foods likely to trigger food sensitivities and allergies in your dog. Knowing this will help you pick the best formula with the right ingredients.
Vegan Dog Treats
If switching to a vegan dog food diet, eliminate all other animal sources from your dog’s diet, including treats, table scraps, and all other consumables. You can substitute regular treats with plant-based dog treats. Please read our article on the best vegan dog treats to find one for your pet.
Vegan Dog Supplements
If your dog’s vegan diet needs supplementation, here are some of our favorite vegan dog food supplement options.
How To Make Vegan Dog Food
We are always encouraging people to cook for their dogs. Not only can you save money, but the food is fresher and more nutritious. However, your meals must provide the proper nutrients your dog needs to thrive. Check out this article to learn how to cook homemade vegan meals at home.
Watch this video to learn how to make vegan homemade dog food at home.
Why Is My Dog Not Doing Well on Vegan Food?
Here are the main reasons dogs don’t do well on vegan diets.
Best Vegan Dog Food — Is Vegan Food For Dogs Worth It?
The answer to that question depends on your dog’s specific dietary needs. If you’re looking for a healthier diet alternative for your pup, or if they have a history of allergies or other health problems, then vegan food may be the way to go.
As more and more pet owners discover the benefits of plant-based diets for their dogs, the switch from traditional food to vegan will accelerate. Major pet food companies such as Pedigree, Purina, and Natural Balance have already entered the vegan pet market by offering plant-based dog food.
However, always consult your veterinarian before making any changes to your pet’s diet to ensure they get all the necessary nutrients.
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