Vegan food for dogs - a guide for the pet owners

The decision to switch their canine companions to a more compassionate, plant-based diet can be a tricky one for many vegans. We all know how to look after our own bodies to make sure we get all the nutrients we need when following a vegan diet, but many people are unsure of their dog’s needs.

Well, worry no more! We have put together the ultimate guide to allow you to help your dog follow a plant-based diet!

Why feed your dog vegan food?

Regardless of whether it’s being consumed by humans or pets – meat and dairy products still come from the same places. By feeding your dog a plant-based diet, you can avoid contributing to the meat and dairy industry, and all the nasty environmental effects that come along with it.

So, it’s a win for the plant-based diet for environmental reasons, but switching over to a vegan diet can also help reduce your canine companion’s risk of various diseases and other issues – such as seizures, and liver failure.

In 2021, Dr. Stacy Choczynski Johnson, DVM, stated: “Livers are responsible for filtering out toxins. One of the things it’s responsible for filtering is ammonia”

“But if the liver breaks down, it can’t filter the ammonia. As a dog’s body breaks down meat-based proteins, it produces ammonia”

“Ammonia will float through the bloodstream, and can cause hepatic encephalopathy, which can cause seizures.”

When discussing how to avoid these issues in dogs, Dr Choczynski  stated: “We will switch over to a soy-based diet, with the goal of lowering their blood ammonia.”

How to make sure your dog gets everything they need

Many dog owners know that a plant-based diet would be beneficial for their dog, and the environment – but they worry that a plant-based diet may not provide their dog with everything they need to be healthy.

Thankfully, that couldn’t be further from the truth! Just like humans, dogs can get all the proteins and nutrients they need from plant-based sources and supplements!

According to Ryan Llera, BSc, DVM, and Cheryl Yuill, DVM, MSc, CVH, there are six main nutrient groups that need to be met to ensure a dog is getting everything they need to be fit and healthy – proteins, fats, carbohydrates, water, minerals, and vitamins.

Nowadays, many brands, such as Benevo, provide plant-based pet foods that are nutritionally whole, so you can rest assured that your dog is getting everything they need.

As well as this, your vet can also recommend some supplements that will help maintain and support your dog’s development when initially switching to a plant-based diet – so make sure to book in for a consultation.

Best vegan dog foods

As mentioned above, there are now so many different brands of vegan dog food available, which means as long as they contain all the required nutrients, it’s really can just be a matter of your dog’s preference when it comes to choosing!

Here at The Vegan Kind we stock various different wet and dry plant-based dog foods, so you can buy them online and have them delivered.

If your pooch prefers wet food, then the Hownd - Fragrant Papaya, Chia & Lentil Dahl for Dogs may be a good option. It’s a nutritionally complete dog food that contains vegan D3 as well as antioxidants, pre and probiotics, which makes it perfect for pooches with meat protein allergies, sensitive skin and delicate tummies.

However, if your dog’s preference is dry food then there are plenty of tasty options for them too – such as the Yarrah - Organic Vega Dog Food. This food contains vegetable protein from organic soya beans, organic white lupine, organic wheat and organic rice protein and is also enriched with nutrients including vitamin B12.

There really is something for even the fussiest of pooches!

But what about treats?

Don’t worry – a switch to a plant-based diet doesn’t mean that your doggo will no longer be able to receive a treat here and there.

There are so, so many tasty little plant-based dog treats for your dog to enjoy. Personally, I know my dog goes WILD for the Soopa - Healthy Bites - Carrot & Pumpkin, but I think he would eat anything!

If your dog is slightly more particular with their preferences, the chewable Alligator Dental Treats by Whimzees may be better. A delicious vegan treat, that helps keeps your canine’s canines clean – what more could you, or they, want?!

Why not switch your dog over to a plant-based diet today? Every day, more and more dog owners are switching over and their dogs are noticing the benefits straight away. If you have any doubts, always check in with your local veterinarian first!