Best Vegan & Plant-Based Dog Treats 2023 — Top Picks

best vegan dog treats

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This is the ultimate guide to finding the best vegan dog treats.

Millions of people in the U.S. are rapidly adopting a vegan lifestyle. So, it’s unsurprising that vegan dog owners want to give their dogs meat-free treats due to the rising concerns about animal cruelty, environmental impact, and better overall health. But, can dogs eat vegan dog treats? Can dogs benefit from veggie dog treats?

Today, we cover everything you need to know about vegan dog treats, including our picks for the best plant-based dog treats and the research about plant-based dog treats. Let’s dive right in!

Best Vegan Dog Treats At A Glance

Scroll to the right to see all our best vegan dog treats recommendations.

Click this link to go to the reviews
(We encourage you to keep reading to make a more educated decision)

Why You Should Trust Us

105

hours of research went into this review. Hands-on tests, our dog’s experience, competitive analysis and more

17

vegan dog treats companies were under consideration for the top vegan dog treats

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experts’ opinions and research studies were used to provide accurate information and rankings

best vegan dog treats chapter 1
Chapter 1: The Research

Learn all about vegan dog treats

Ch 2 | Ch 3

What Is A Vegan Dog Treat?

A vegan dog treat is a type of pet snack made entirely from plant-based ingredients and does not include animal products or byproducts. This means that these treats do not contain any meat, dairy, eggs, or any other product derived from animals.

Vegan dog treats can be made from various plant-based ingredients, including fruits, vegetables, cereals, nuts, grains, legumes, soya, and plant-based proteins. They are often fortified with essential nutrients to help ensure your dog gets a well-rounded diet. As with any pet food, it’s essential to ensure that the treats are nutritionally balanced and appropriate for your dog’s needs.

Vegetarian Treats For Dogs

Vegetarian treats for dogs, like vegan treats, do not contain meat. However, unlike vegan treats, they can have other animal products such as eggs or dairy.

Can Dog Eat Vegan Treats?

Yes, dogs can safely eat vegan dog treats. Research and anecdotal evidence show that dogs can thrive on a meat-free diet. According to a study examining the canine genome, dogs have evolved to digest starches more efficiently than their carnivorous counterparts, wolves. They also have much lower protein and amino acid requirements and can easily utilize vitamins A and D from plant sources, just as people do.

To learn more about the benefits, risks, and research about dog veganism, read our dog vegan research guide.

can dogs be vegan

Vegan Dog Treat Benefits

Here are some of the benefits of meat-free dog treats.

  • Plant-based snacks are naturally allergen-friendly
  • Improves stool health
  • Better breath
  • Helps with digestive issues (i.e., from loose stool to constipation to gas)
  • Natural anti-inflammatory properties
  • Boost energy levels and vitality
  • May help prevent cancer or hypothyroidism
  • Healthy heart
  • Promote dental health
  • Healthy weight

Whether vegan or vegetarian, plant-based dog treats are a healthy alternative to highly processed traditional meat-based dog treats. Veggies and fruits, and other plant-based foods are great for dogs.

“Natural things, such as carrots and lightly cooked sweet potatoes, are great treats. They can also have berries, which provide antioxidants”

Dr. Julie Mayer, DVM, a holistic veterinarian at The Integrative Veterinarian in Phoenix.

Why Feed Vegan Dog Treats?

  • Allergies or food Intolerances. Some dogs may have allergies or intolerances to certain animal proteins in treats. In these cases, vegan or plant-based treats can be a good alternative. We recommend an allergy test for your dog to identify ingredients that may cause allergic reactions or intolerance.
  • Fights animal cruelty. Vegan dog treats are cruelty-free. This prevents animal suffering and slaughter.
  • Protects the environment. Animal agriculture significantly contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and other forms of environmental degradation. Choosing vegan dog treats (or sustainable dog food) can reduce one’s carbon footprint.
  • Healthier. Vegan treats can be more beneficial for dogs, as they can be lower in fat and free from hormones and antibiotics sometimes found in animal products.
  • Variety. Vegan treats can provide dogs with a variety of flavors and textures that they might not otherwise experience. This can be beneficial for their mental stimulation and enjoyment.

What To Look For In The Best Vegan Dog Treats

Here is a list of factors to look for to find the best plant-based dog treats.

  • Ingredient list. Read the label and avoid buying treats with ingredients your dog might be sensitive or allergic to.
  • Protein count. The best vegan treat brands contain a high count of protein. Protein helps with muscle growth, keeps good immune system health, and promotes amino acid balance—good plant-based protein sources such as peas, lentils, or chickpeas.
  • Superfoods supplementation. Opt for an ingredient list that contains superfoods and supplements. This further enhances the benefits of the treats.
  • Dental. Some treats offer oral benefits and stimulation. They may come as chews and contain ingredients (herbs) that can keep a dog’s breath smelling fresh. This can help prevent dental diseases.
  • Taste and preference. The treats must support your dog’s needs or preferences, such as taste, size, training, and health concerns.
  • Minimal processing. Avoid veg treats with sugary fillers and an unhealthy amount of starchy carbohydrates.
  • Vitamins and minerals: Look for treats fortified with essential vitamins and minerals that dogs might not get from a plant-based diet, such as Vitamin B12, taurine, and L-carnitine.
  • Brand reputation. Consider the brand’s reputation. Look for companies that are transparent about their ingredients and manufacturing processes and have good reviews from other pet owners.

Remember, while your dog must enjoy their treats, treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily caloric intake.

The rest should come from well-balanced, nutritionally complete vegan dog food. Always consult a vet or a pet nutrition expert when making significant changes to your dog’s diet.

best vegan dog treats chapter 2
Chapter 2: The Reviews

The Best Vegan Dog Treat brands reviewed.

Ch 1 | Ch 3

Best Vegan Treat For Dogs Reviews

We’ve rounded up the best vegan dog treat brands your dog will love.

Our team of experts rated the best vegan dog biscuits based on ingredients, customer reviews, product tests, price, and other factors.


Best Overall Vegan Dog Treat — Wild Earth

Our rating: 4.9

Overview

Flavors: Peanut butter, strawberry & banana ┊ Ingredients: Plant-based
Protein: Koji┊ Manufactured: USA ┊ Nutrition: AAFCO & European guidelines

Overview

Flavors: Peanut butter, strawberry & banana
Ingredients: Plant-based
Protein: Koji
Manufactured: USA
Nutrition: AAFCO & European guidelines

Why We Picked & Recommended It

Our medal for best overall dog vegan treats goes to Wild Earth. Why? Wild Earth has the most sustainable and vegan-friendly manufacturing process. They source their main ingredient, a microscopic fungus called Aspergillus Oryzae (aka Koji), from a sustainable source, a laboratory. Yes, they grow Koji in a lab. It’s a “clean protein,” meaning the environmental impact is much less than conventional meat production.

What Sets It Apart From Competitors

Koji tastes great, is high in protein, and contains all ten essential amino acids dogs require. Koji is a cultured protein used for over three thousand years in the East. They boost their treats with whole foods and superfoods like pumpkin, flax, peanut butter, beet powder, green tea extract, rosemary extract, and oats.

Key Features

  • Expert formulated. Wild Earth dog food was created by scientists and nutritionists and vetted by their chief veterinary officer Dr. Ernie Ward and other industry experts.

What We Like & Don’t Like

Pros

  • All 10 essential amino acids dogs need
  • 15 calories per treat
  • No mystery” meat, additives, preservatives or fillers
  • 90% fewer resources are required than meat-based treats
  • Omega 3,6,9 fatty Acids
  • Prebiotics for a healthy gut
  • Money-back guarantee
  • Cruelty-free and sustainable

Cons

  • Some dogs seem not to like it.

Our Video Review

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Cheapest Vegan Dog Treat — V-Dog

Our rating: 4.8

Overview

Flavors: Blueberry & peanut butter ┊ Ingredients: Plant-based
Protein: Buckwheat flour ┊ Manufactured: USA Nutrition: AAFCO

Overview

Flavors: Blueberry & peanut butter
Ingredients: Plant-based
Protein: Buckwheat flour
Manufactured: USA
Nutrition: AAFCO

Why We Picked & Recommended It

V-Dog vegan dog treats are packed with fruits and veggies for a healthy (and yummy!) nutrient boost. These treats do not contain corn, soy, wheat, milk, eggs, or other animal products, so sensitive, itchy pups love these veggie-based treats. They make their treats in California and are packed with protein and natural goodness your furry monster deserves to stay happy and healthy.

What Sets It Apart From Competitors

V-dog plant-based dog snacks are made from organic vegan ingredients to give your pup a delicious taste without all the cruelty. All threats use USDA organic ingredients. They use ingredients like pea protein, superfood chia seeds, or tummy-friendly sweet potato to fuel your dog to stay strong and healthy.

Key Features

  • Reputable. The company has been in the vegan kibble and healthy dog treats business since 2005.
  • Great variety of treats. V-dog offers vegan dog treats (Wiggle Biscuits), chews (Breathbones), jerky treats (Kind Jerky) and bundles.

What We Like & Don’t Like

Pros

  • Powered by superfoods
  • Cruelty-free
  • Corn, soy and wheat free
  • Wiggle biscuits use organic buckwheat flour for sensitivities pups
  • Human-grade ingredients

Cons

  • Only two flavors

Our readers have access to 10% off the first order with the code “CANINEBIBLE” at checkout. Just use this link to get started.


Best Vegan Dog Treats For Training — Zuke’s

Our rating: 4.8

Overview

Flavors: Peanut Butter & oats ┊ Ingredients: Plant-based
Protein: Peanuts┊ Manufactured: USA ┊ Nutrition: AFFCO

Overview

Flavors: Peanut Butter & oats
Ingredients: Plant-based
Protein: Peanuts
Manufactured: USA
Nutrition: AFFCO

Why We Picked & Recommended It

Zuke’s Crunchy Naturals offer the best high-value vegan dog treats for training. The company has been making wholesome treats for adventurous dogs for over 20 years, so you can be sure these treats won’t disappoint. They come in the shape of pills and are designed to break in half easily. The treats come in resealable packaging for maximum freshness. It also contains coconut oil for a dose of goodness in every bite.

What Sets It Apart From Competitors

Only two calories per treat. Their low caloric value makes these baked treats a healthy, guilt-free, delicious reward or training treat for dogs.

What We Like & Don’t Like

Pros

  • No wheat, corn, or soy
  • No artificial colors or flavors
  • Trail tested ingredients
  • Crunchy texture

Cons

  • Only one flavor. For more flavor variety, these training treats from Bright Planet Pet are also a great option.

Best Organic Vegan Dog Treats — Halo

Our rating: 4.6

Overview

Flavors: Blueberry, banana, peanut & sweet potato ┊ Ingredients: Plant-based
Protein: Barley┊ Manufactured: USA ┊ Nutrition: AAFCO

Overview

Flavors: Blueberry, banana, peanut & sweet potato
Ingredients: Plant-based
Protein: Barley
Manufactured: USA
Nutrition: AAFCO

Why We Picked & Recommended It

Halo Plant-Based Dog Treats is your best organic vegan dog treat alternative because the company does not source their ingredient from factory farming facilities. This ensures all fruits and vegetables don’t contain genetically modified ingredients and are free of artificial ingredients and preservatives. All Halo products are made in the USA with quality ingredients sourced from U.S. farms worldwide. From puppies to senior dogs, these tasty treats are crunchy and easily breakable, making them ideal for all breeds, large and small, and all ages.

What Sets It Apart From Competitors

Halo vegan dog treats are naturally balanced and free from cereals, gluten, and dairy. They contain seven simple ingredients, including blueberries, barley, and oats.

What We Like & Don’t Like

Pros

  • Highly digestible
  • non-GMO vegetables and fruits
  • Cookie shaped
  • Low-calorie

Cons

  • The bags are small. You would need to buy multiple bags if you have a large dog.

Best Hypoallergenic Vegan Dog Treat — Chippin

Our rating: 4.4

Overview

Flavors: Veggie dailies ┊ Ingredients: Plant-based
Protein: Spirulina┊ Manufactured: USA ┊ Nutrition: Balanced

Overview

Flavors: Veggie dailies
Ingredients: Plant-based
Protein: Spirulina
Manufactured: USA
Nutrition: Balanced

Why We Picked & Recommended It

Chippin’s Veggie Dailies vegan dog cookies are the best hypoallergenic vegan dog treats. They are perfect for dogs with allergies or sensitive tummies. These crunchy treats feature kale, carrots, oats and parsley — these treats are also powered by other healthy natural ingredients that dogs love and have a pleasant smell and taste. Chippin was founded by Haley Russell and Laura Colagrande while studying at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia.

What Sets It Apart From Competitors

Chippin treats are powered by a novel protein source known as Spirulina. Spirulina is a vegan blue-green alga that is 55% protein! It is nutritious and contains all ten essential amino acids. Spirulina protein is more digestible than chicken and is a natural probiotic supporting healthy digestion. It’s safe as a low-protein diet among dogs with kidney issues.

Key Features

  • Vet formulated. Recipes are prepared with guidance from board-certified veterinarians, PhDs, and pet parents like you. All Chippin products are developed and overseen by board-certified veterinary nutritionist Dr. Beth Hamper DVM, Ph.D., DACVN (Diplomate to the American College of Veterinary Nutrition).
  • Cooking process. They bake their goodies in a kitchen with the highest Safe Quality Foods (SQF) certification for quality and safety.
  • Human-grade. Partnered with small to medium-sized local farms to directly source our humane-grade cricket, Spirulina, and other ingredients.

What We Like & Don’t Like

Pros

  • Essential vitamins and minerals
  • No methane emissions and water use
  • Protect the great lakes
  • Easily breakable
  • Plastic neutral packaging

Cons

  • Treats are one inch long, so it might not be ideal for small pups. You will need to break the treat before feeding.

Best Soft Vegan Dog Treat Lord Jameson

Our rating: 4.7

Overview

Flavors: Berry, blue bliss & more ┊ Ingredients: Plant-based
Protein: Peanuts┊ Manufactured: USA ┊ Nutrition: Balanced

Overview

Flavors: Berry, blue bliss & more
Ingredients: Plant-based
Protein: Peanuts
Manufactured: USA
Nutrition: Balanced

Why We Picked & Recommended It

Lord Jameson dog treats have the perfect no-bake soft vegan bites. The company only uses USDA-certified organic ingredients in a custom blend of hand-selected superfoods. These treats can turn any day into a celebration with their delicious flavors. With 12 recipes to choose from, Lord Jameson’s soft plant-based treats are certified gluten-free and packed with all kinds of nutrients that support health and offer various health benefits.

What Sets It Apart From Competitors

They pride themselves on never using anything processed or genetically modified. Recipes are made from coconut oil, fruits like blueberries which are great for their skin health, and vegetables that will keep them full of energy throughout the day.

What We Like & Don’t Like

Pros

  • No artificial flavors, preservatives or sugars
  • No wheat, corn, dairy or soy
  • Non-GMO
  • Great for dogs who can’t chew

Cons


Best Gluten-Free Vegan Treats Shaded Trails

Our rating: 4.6

Overview

Flavors: Peanut butter & banana ┊ Ingredients: Plant-based
Protein: Garbanzo bean flour┊ Manufactured: USA ┊ Nutrition: Balanced

Overview

Flavors: Peanut butter & banana
Ingredients: Plant-based
Protein: Garbanzo bean flour
Manufactured: USA
Nutrition: Balanced

Why We Picked & Recommended It

Shaded Trails All Natural and Vegan Crunchy Dog Treats are here to make sure your furry friend enjoys all-natural, vegan, gluten and grain-free vegan treats.

What Sets It Apart From Competitors

These vegan dog cookies are fortified with awesome health-beneficial ingredients like garbanzo bean, flaxseed, hemp seed, coconut oil, and apples. All ingredients are human-grade.

What We Like & Don’t Like

Pros

  • Gluten-free
  • Low-calorie, great for training
  • Great customer reviews

Cons


Other Vegan Dog Treats Mentions

  • Vegan Dog Bones. Vegan dog bones can provide the chewing fun dogs need while providing health benefits without the risks of regular dog bones and even rawhide dog bones which can pose a choking and blockage risk. V-Dog Breathbones Regular Dog Chews is a great vegan dog bone alternative. They are made with sweet potato, chia seed, and broccoli; they entice your furry friend and leave behind clean breath with a hint of cinnamon. These vegan chews contain parsley to help reduce inflammation and improve your dog’s dental health. Breathbones dog vegetable chews become soft and break apart as your dog licks and chews. They come in two sizes mini (3 inches long) and regular (4 inches long).
  • Vegan Dental Chews. Virbac VEGGIEDENT chews can help keep your dog’s dental health in check by cleaning her gums and freshening her breath. It also promotes a balanced digestive system thanks to prebiotic ingredients, which promote balanced and healthy gut flora.
  • Dehydrated Vegan Treats. These all-natural dehydrated banana vegan dog treats are a safe and healthy indulgence you can give your pup. Because bananas are naturally grain-free, these tasty morsels won’t upset the stomach of dogs with sensitive tummies either! With no harmful additives or preservatives—just 100% dehydrated bananas. Other popular flavors include apple, pumpkin, and sweet potato.
  • Calming Vegan Dog Treats. The Anxious Pet has a vegan recipe with a blend of active ingredients such as acetyl-L carnitine, chamomile, melatonin, and CBD oil for dogs to reduce anxiety and stress and promote relaxation and restful sleep without drowsiness.
  • Gourmet Vegan Dog Treats. Threepaws Gourmet dog treats are regarded as a canine culinary masterpiece and are vegan. All the recipes start with a nutrient-dense, filler-free base of coconut flour, garbanzo flour, coconut milk, and peanut butter — all organic and GMO-free. Then they add natural flavors, including peanut butter, strawberry, and carob mint. No chemicals, artificial ingredients, or preservatives make these unique gourmet plant-based dog goodies.
  • Benevo Vegan Dog Treats. These treats contain 78% sweet potato, made with only natural ingredients and without GMOs. Benevo Pawtato Knots is vegan. They are formulated without meat, fish, dairy, eggs, wheat, or soya and have no artificial flavors or colors despite their appealing orange appearance.
best vegan dog treats chapter 3
Chapter 3: Tips, FAQs & More

Additional Information

Ch 1 | Ch 2

Vegan Dog Treats Reddit

We looked at the conversations on Reddit to see what vegan treats or tips were being shared on the platform, and here is what we found.

Comment
by u/sydbobyd from discussion Vegan dog treats?
in vegan
Comment
by u/diastataxic from discussion Dog people of r/vegan: High value training treats ideas??
in vegan

As always, be sure to run anything by your veterinarian before adding it to your dog’s diet.

Vegan Dog Treats Wholesale

The only company we found that sells wholesale vegan dog goodies is V-Dog. If you’re a reseller interested in buying v-dog at the wholesale price, you can request additional information here.

Vegan Dog Treats In Bulk

If you want to buy vegan dog treats in bulk, V-Dog offers the best bulk options. You can purchase plant-based dog treats in cases and save money. Wet Noses Organic Crunchy Dog Treats are also a good option. Their treats come in 5-pound boxes at a great price and have various delicious flavors. Flavors include apple and carrots, apple ginger, berry blast, carrot & sweet potato, hempseed & banana, peanut butter & molasses, peanut butter & banana, and much more.

Vegan Dog Treats Frequently Asked Questions

Best Vegan Dog Treats Conclusion & Alternatives

With the growing popularity of veganism in America, it’s no surprise that more dog owners are looking for plant-based alternatives for their furry friends.

Knowing what works best for your dog is vital when buying dog treats. We hope this post sheds some light on the benefits of vegan dog treats and helps you find suitable veggie chews for your pup. Remember to always talk to your vet before feeding anything new to your pet.

A more therapeutic alternative to vegan dog treats is CBD dog treats. These treats use CBD, a compound with unique properties that can soothe several health conditions. Freeze-fried dog treats are probably the healthiest and most nutritious of all dog kinds of treats. Both articles are a must-read if you are in the market for treats.


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