What is a vegan diet for dogs?
Now that the term vegan has gained such popularity, many of us already have an idea of what a vegan diet consists of or doesn’t consist of for that matter. For dogs, this means a diet free from any animal proteins. This means no beef, chicken, lamb, kangaroo, and animal byproducts like eggs.
Where is the protein in vegan dog food?
So, where is Fido getting his protein from? If you, as a human, have already switched to a vegan or vegetarian lifestyle, you probably already have a general idea of plant-based protein sources. For our furry friends, many of the same apply.
A vegan dog diet is not just about what it excludes, but also about what it includes. It’s a balanced mix of fruits, veggies, legumes/nuts, cereals, and other non-animal-based ingredients. These provide the necessary protein, vitamins, and minerals, often in a healthier form than animal-based foods.
Can dogs actually be vegan?
Contrary to popular belief, dogs are not strict carnivores like their ancestors, wolves. They are actually omnivores, meaning they can thrive on a diet that includes both meat and plants. This adaptability is a result of their domestication, allowing their diet to be tailored to their individual needs.
So, yes, dogs can actually be vegan and may live longer, happier lives by making the switch.
Is vegan dog food healthy?
Put a bowl of lentils and a plate of sizzling steak in front of your dog, and their immediate choice won’t be shocking. Is it the best choice for their health, though? Is the plate of lentils really better for them? These questions ultimately come down to each specific dog.
A vegan diet, to sustain your pup, needs to have all the correct amounts of vitamins, minerals, and proteins that you’d find in an animal-based protein diet. It must also meet the standards of the AAFCO.
When these standards are met, a vegan diet can do wonders for dogs that suffer from certain health conditions like obesity, kidney failure, liver disease, and pancreatitis.
Dogs with allergies and yeast infections can also experience relief from making the switch. This is because dogs are typically allergic to the animal proteins that make up their kibble. Allergies can also make your pup more susceptible to yeast infections, so removing the allergic protein can significantly reduce these.
Can puppies eat vegan dog food?
Because the idea of dogs going vegan has only been around for the past few years, there simply has not been enough research and studies completed on puppies eating vegan meals. Therefore, it is recommended that you feed your puppy a regular puppy kibble or wet food.
Puppy kibble contains all the nutrients and vitamins these little furballs need to grow big and strong. You don’t want to mess with your puppy’s diet because they could develop skeletal abnormalities while they’re still growing.
Problems with commercial pet foods
Suppose you still need convincing about giving vegan a try for your dog. In that case, the reality of several animal-based-protein conventional dog foods will make you reconsider.
The commercial dog food industry is a free-for-all. Without any sort of high standards that they must adhere to, conventional dog foods can, and several do utilize the lowest quality animal remains. Oftentimes, these are not even fit for human consumption.
Furthermore, some commercial dog food brands contain traces of the euthanasia drug (shocking but completely legal), meaning that the animals providing the protein were probably euthanized. Finally, don’t forget about animal testing, which many brands still use.
What to look for in a vegan dog food
So you’ve decided to make the switch. Here are three key things to keep in mind when choosing your dog’s new food.
PRICE
Possibly the only downside to going vegan is the hefty price tag that can come with certain brands. When selecting the one that fits your budget, be sure to look for the price per pound. Some more affordable options (price per pound) include V-dog Kind Kibble at $3.75 per pound and Wysong at $3.40 per pound.
Vet Approved
Getting confirmation from your dog’s vet is the most important factor when switching to a particular vegan dog food brand. They’ll help you navigate the best options for your pup’s specific needs and health conditions.
Sustainability
When choosing a vegan dog food brand, consider its sustainability. By opting for a brand that minimizes its carbon footprint, you’re not only making a healthy choice for your dog but also a responsible one for the planet. Check out Wild Earth and their environmentally friendly formula.
Can I make my own vegan dog food?
With the slightly higher price tags on vegan dog food, many owners think it may benefit their wallets to go homemade. However, this can prove counterproductive and even dangerous for their furry friend.
When you go to the supermarket and start picking out all the ingredients for your dog’s new meal, you may think you have ticked all the boxes because you could survive on that particular diet, but by doing so, you may be depriving your pup of some very important nutrients and minerals. Going homemade also means you’ll need to balance each ingredient/mineral’s levels, especially the calcium-to-phosphorus ratio vital for healthy bones.
This doesn’t include the time and energy you’ll spend buying and preparing these premade meals for your pup.
Ultimately, the safest and most reliable option for your dog’s diet is a vet-approved, commercially formulated vegan dog food. This choice provides peace of mind, knowing that your pup is getting all the necessary nutrients in a balanced and safe manner.
Picking the best vegan dog food brand
So now, with all the ammunition in hand, it’s time to pick which brand works best for your wallet and your pup. Here are three of the top Vegan Dog Food brands on the market that are ideal for pups suffering from allergies and yeast infections:
1. Wysong Vegan Dry Dog & Cat Food $17 – 5lb bag
Attributes:
• Contains higher levels of protein and fat, a comprehensive spectrum, and higher levels of micronutrients/nutraceuticals, including prebiotics, probiotics, enzymes, omega-3s, and antioxidants.
• Coated with probiotics and enzymes for added gut and immune support.
• More affordable option on the list.
Things to consider:
• Hard to come by, temporarily out of stock on Chewy.com
2. V-dog Kind Kibble $90 – 24lb bag
Attributes:
• Includes powerful superfood ingredients, added taurine, plant-based DHA, and essential omega 3 and 6 fatty acids.
• Their hypoallergenic formula is free of animal products, fillers, corn, soy, and wheat, which makes it great for dogs with sensitive stomachs and itchy skin.
• They have a subscribe and save 10% option
Things to consider:
• Only available in 24lb bags
3. Wild Earth Complete Protein Dog Food $99 – 18lb bag or $39 – 4lb bag
Attributes:
• Environmentally friendly formula
• Includes prebiotics to help healthy digestion
• Subscribe and save option (Save 30% on first order and 5% on Repeat Deliveries)
Things to consider:
• On the pricier side
