If you’re thinking about switching your furry best friend to a vegan or plant-based diet, you might be wondering what it’s all about. Essentially, vegan and plant-based dog food is food that doesn’t contain any animal products or by-products. This means no meat, dairy, eggs, or any other ingredients that come from animals. Instead, it’s made with yummy plant-based ingredients like grains, fruits, veggies and legumes.
-
Written by Brandie Ahlgren
- Photo by Shutterstock
- January 30, 2023
Vegan and plant-based dog food is a relatively new concept in the world of pet nutrition, but it is quickly gaining popularity as more and more pet owners become interested in the health and environmental benefits of a plant-based diet. While some may consider it to be just a fad, the truth is that there is a growing body of research that suggests that a well-formulated vegan diet can be a healthy alternative to meat, poultry or fish-based dog food.
The main ingredients you’ll find in vegan and plant-based dog food are grains like rice, oats, and barley. These provide a great source of energy for your pup. Fruits and veggies like carrots, peas, and sweet potatoes are also included to give them a healthy dose of vitamins and minerals. And don’t worry, there’s still plenty of protein in there too! Legumes like lentils and chickpeas are often used as a protein source in vegan and plant-based dog food.
Baked Dog Food - Roasted Peanut Butter & Sweet Potato Flavor (18 lb bag)
from: Petaluma, Inc
Benefits of Vegan Dog Food
There are many benefits to switching your dog to a vegan or plant-based diet. First, vegan dog food is a great option for dogs with food allergies or sensitivities to animal proteins. Plus, these diets are typically low in fat and high in fiber, which can help your pup maintain a healthy weight and prevent obesity-related health issues like diabetes and heart disease.
Additionally, vegan and plant-based dog food is more environmentally friendly than traditional dog food. Animal agriculture is a big contributor to greenhouse gas emissions and deforestation, and switching to a plant-based diet can help reduce the environmental impact of pet food production. Plus, it’s a way to reduce the demand for animal products, which is great for animal welfare overall.
However, not all plant-based dog foods are created equal, so make sure you choose a well-formulated product that provides all the necessary nutrients for your dog’s health. And as always, it’s a good idea to talk to your vet before making any changes to your dog’s diet, especially if they have any pre-existing health conditions.
One good option is Halo Holistic Plant-Based Recipe with Sea Kelp. This premium, plant-based dog food features a blend of high-quality ingredients, including kelp, a rich source of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants plus prebiotics, probiotics and postbiotics to support every stage of digestion. The company also makes vegan canned food and treats – all available at Chewy.com.
Cons of Vegan Dog Food
Nutritional deficiencies: While a well-formulated vegan diet can provide all the necessary nutrients for a dog, it can be challenging to ensure that all the essential nutrients are present and balanced. Be sure to consult your veterinarian or pet nutritionist before switching to a vegan diet.
Protein source: Animal protein is the best source of protein for dogs as it contains essential amino acids. Plant-based protein sources may be lower in some of these essential amino acids, which can lead to deficiencies if not balanced properly.
Palatability: Some dogs may not find plant-based food as appealing as meat-based food and be less likely to eat it. This can make it difficult to ensure that they are getting the proper nutrition.
Cost: Plant-based dog food can be more expensive than traditional dog food.
Limited availability: Vegan and plant-based dog food may be less widely available than traditional dog food, making it harder to find in some areas.
Click her to shop for vegan dog food and treats at Chewy.com.
Conclusion
In short, vegan and plant-based dog food is a tasty and healthy option for your pup. It’s great for dogs with food allergies, can help maintain a healthy weight, and is better for the environment However, it’s important to keep in mind that every dog is unique and what works for one dog may not work for another. It is always a good idea to consult with a veterinarian before making any changes to your dog’s diet, especially if they have any pre-existing health conditions.
Baked Dog Food - Roasted Peanut Butter & Sweet Potato Flavor (18 lb bag)
from: Petaluma, Inc
About Our Nutrition Partner | We Feed Raw
At We Feed Raw, we’re all about helping pet parents create a well-rounded diet for their dogs, taking the guesswork out of your dog’s meal planning. As a premade raw dog food company, we provide nutrient-rich meals for all of your dog’s life stages. Best of all, CityDog readers save 25% off your first order. Learn more at wefeedraw.com.
RELATED ARTICLES
about the author
Brandie Ahlgren is founder and editor of CityDog Magazine. She, and her team of dog-loving editors, dig up the best places for you to sit, stay and play with your four-legged friends. Brandie, 12-year-old boxer Thya and Mexican foster failure Pancho, reside in West Seattle and can often be found hanging out at Westcrest Dog Park.
