Vegan dog food is exploding in popularity these days, and I truly believe it’s a healthy "diet option" for our furry friends! Personally, I offer my own dogs vegan dog food twice weekly, along with various other recipes for optimal nutrition (meat, fish, etc.).
You’ll find countless beneficial reasons to offer your best friend a meatless, homemade vegan dog food diet! This Article is a complete, lengthy and detailed vegan dog food guide. Please take a deep breath, relax and let's begin!
Introduction to a Vegan Diet
Not only does vegan food benefit humans, it’s just as healthy for your dearest dog! Your pet will absolutely love it.
I’ll answer as many questions and concerns as possible in the following article, helping you decide if a homemade vegan diet is right for both you and your pet. Vegan diets for humans lowers the risk of:
- Heart Attacks
- Diabetes
- Cholesterol
- Blood Pressure
- Obesity
- Many other problems!
Of course we care about our dogs more than anything and only ever want the best for them, so why not provide the absolute pinnacle in nutrition? Ensure your dog’s health is at its best!
Have you ever wondered if a vegan diet can offer our dogs similar benefits?
How will our dogs feel about a meatless diet?
Meat, Animal Protein, and Essential Amino Acids
Animal biologists widely believe today’s domesticated dogs descended from Grey wolves several thousand years ago. Because wolves were mostly carnivorous but also opportunistic scavengers, today’s dogs adopted a similar omnivorous diet.
This simply means they can eat from both plant and animal sources. The catch comes in the form of ‘essential amino acids’ (amino acids are building blocks for protiens), amino acids their bodies can’t create and mist be found in the diet.
These essential amino acids are found more often in animal proteins (animal meat), but can be found in lower quantities from plants. A carefully designed vegan diet created by an educated professional can be just as nutritious without the same health risks of meat!
What Is a Vegan Diet?
A vegan dog food diet doesn’t contain any sort of animal ingredients. Unlike vegetarianism, vegan diets are completely devoid of any animal related sources (even including milk and dairy).
You’re eliminating all consumption of meat, fish, dairy, egs and honey, or anything else derived from animals!
Dogs Can Safely Enjoy the Following Vegan Foods
Fruits | apples, bananas, pears, strawberries, melons, cherries, peaches |
Leafy Vegetables | spinach, lettuce, kale |
Legumes | lentils, peas, chickpeas, beans |
Cereals | rice, corn, barley, oats, wheat |
Tubers | potatoes, sweet potatoes |
Sprouts | soy, lentils, rye, sesame |
Flowers/ inflorescence | artichokes, broccoli, cauliflower |
Stems | leeks, celery, asparagus |
Seeds | pumpkin, sunflower |
Fruits | apples, bananas, pears, |
Leafy Vegetables | spinach, lettuce, kale |
Legumes | lentils, peas, chickpeas, |
Cereals | rice, corn, barley, oats, |
Tubers | potatoes, sweet potatoes |
Sprouts | soy, lentils, rye, sesame |
Flowers/ inflorescence | artichokes, broccoli, |
Stems | leeks, celery, asparagus |
Seeds | pumpkin, sunflower |
And Many More!
Even so, there are still several plant-based foods your pup won’t be able to digest. Make sure you devote the research necessary before committing to a vegan dog food diet. The proper vegan diet won’t simply incorporate any essential nutrients, it will help your healthy dog thrive!
Consider comparing and contrasting various vegan dog foods only after you consult with a veterinary nutritionist. Know what you’re getting into, and always be sure it is the right move for your pet.
Dangerous Food For Dogs Infographic
![Homemade Vegan Dog Food Guide [+ 6 Recipes] 1](https://thecollienois.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Human-Food-Your-Dogs-Can-And-Can-Not-Eat.jpg "Homemade Vegan Dog Food Guide [+ 6 Recipes] 3")
Philosophy Behind The Vegan Food Diet
![Homemade Vegan Dog Food Guide [+ 6 Recipes] 2](https://thecollienois.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Perché-i-Cani-Mangiano-Lerba-il-mio-cane-mangia-erba-mi-devo-preoccupare_-cosa-devo-farePerché-i-Cani-Mangiano-Lerba-il-mio-cane-mangia-erba-mi-devo-preoccupare_-cosa-devo-fare_-5.png "Perché i Cani Mangiano L'erba - il mio cane mangia erba, mi devo preoccupare_ cosa devo farePerché i Cani Mangiano L'erba - il mio cane mangia erba, mi devo preoccupare_ cosa devo fare_ (5)")
Many Vegans argue for animal rights, claiming premature sacrifice, abuse, or manipulation for resources. Veganism isn’t a diet directly, but rather a lifestyle advocating for better treatment of animals. Vegans want to avoid animal suffering or needless death.
Use of any product of animal origin (furs, silk, feathers), or any kind of animal testing, is strictly prohibited.
Is a Vegan Dog Food Diet Healthy for My Pet?
As a reader, you’ll need to keep an open mind here! You already know many of those essential nutrients in a dog’s diet are found more often in meat.
Dogs evolved from an animal (wolf) that mostly ate from animal sources. Their teeth are designed to grab and tear at animal products, not grind plants like ours. Each of their three main senses (hearing, sight, smell) evolved over thousands of years to track prey efficiently.
They still can thrive off of the proper vegan diet!
What Expert Says About Vegan Dog Food Diet For Dogs
Experts and dog nutritionists suggest it’s a healthy choice to feed your dog with a Homemade vegan diet, but:
- Only if done with the support of an expert
- Careful preparation, maintaining optimum nutritional levels
- You’ll need to be willing to educate yourself and be ever persistent!
Potential Problems Due to Malnutrition:
Incorporating all the required supplements, fruits and vegetables into your pet’s diet can be daunting! Be sure to incorporate a vast quantity of different options as to cover all of your pet’s needs.
The task of incorporating all the required supplements and minerals is very thought full! Take it seriously.
Pros of a Homemade Vegan Dog Food Diet
- Wide range of health benefits
- Treat countless diseases and disorders
- Support skin, joint, eye and digestive health
#1 Vegan food helps with allergens
According to a recent survey, dogs most commonly suffer allergies related to milk, dairy, beef, and chicken. On the other hand, food lentils and other plant based foods contain no allergies at all!
Symptom of meat related allergic reactions can be things like:
- Rashes
- Itchy Skin
- Loose Stool Or Constipation
- Yeast Infections
- Eye Problems
- Fur Loss
#2 Vegan food is easy to digest
Whether it is homemade vegan food or store-bought meals, they offer easily digestible formulas that let your dog digest food properly, avoiding problems like:
- Constipation
- Vomiting or Regurgitation
- Acidity
- Gas/Bloating
- Diarrhea
- And other problems
Plant-based foods are free of allergies, proving beneficial to your dog!
#3 Vegan dog food contains anti-inflammatory properties
Meaty items are hard on the stomach, can cause inflammation, and cause various problems like joint pain or weakened bones. Plant based foods, on the other hand, are lighter on the stomach while relieving issues caused by meat products.
#4 Increase in Energy Levels
Thanks to clean, homemade & light foods, your dog will feel like a brand new puppy again! Energy levels will rise, play will increase, and your dog will enjoy youthful activity for a much longer time!
#5 better management of weight loss
Plant-based, vegan dog foods allow dogs to maintain a healthy weight. Losing weight quickly will prove a much easier task!
#6 a homemade vegan diet for your dog is cheap!
As mentioned earlier, dogs eat an average of 1 kg. raw meat every day, costing the owner quite a bit of money. On the other hand, vegan dog food is less expensive. Even if you take it upon yourself to make homemade food, ingredients required are much cheaper!
#7 easy to make recipes
Requiring much less time than other homemade dog food diets, vegan foods are much easier to make!
#8 Vegan dog food Boosts immune system
Vegan food is quite beneficial for your dogs’ immune system too, assisting with digestion while improving your dog’s metabolism!
Cons of a Homemade Vegan Dog Food Diet
Results of a poorly chosen vegan dog food diet can be devastating. An improper vegan diet or otherwise poor nutrition can lead to:
#1 Obesity
About 40% of the dogs in the United States fall victim to obesity. It's important to search for healthy ingredients (highly nutritional with correct protein levels), ensuring your dog is growing lean and stronger, not gaining weight.
#2 Stones in the bladder
Poor hygiene, lack of cleanliness and a low quality vegan diet can cause bladder stones to form inside your dog. These can become one of the most painful experiences your dog will ever endure! Always consult either an animal nutritionist or your veterinarian, inquiring as to what meatless foods prevent bladder stones.
#3 Vegan dog food Can cause pancreatitis
Dogs already suffering from pancreatitis will only suffer more from an improper diet. Digestive enzymes in the pancreas actively breaking down certain proteins and nutrients can become dangerous.
Always use caution and be attentive to the minor details presented by a vegan dog food diet!
Are you looking for a fantastic canned dog food, but can't decide what's best? Try Halo Vegan Natural Wet Dog Food!
With Halo, you'll get a 100% plant based meal with all of the quality nutrients your dog needs.
Halo vegan wet food is a great alternative to a meat based that delivers the same essential nutrients
Cons of "Traditional" Dog Food
You’ll find various types of dog foods available on the market today each presenting their own set of pros and cons. Since we’ve focused on vegan dog food, let’s consider potential cons of other dog foods!
Cons of canned food
Canned food is one of the easiest forms of food to feed your dog! Both readily available and considered highly delicious, canned dog foods carry just as many disadvantages.
- Highly expensive daily purchase
- Easily contaminated
- Unwanted odor secretions
- Possible diarrhea
- Potential dental problems (can ‘stick’ to teeth, cause bacterial growth)
Cons of dry food
Dry food is both easy to carry and usable for a longer period. It’s extremely convenient, since all you’ll need to do is carry a pack with you anywhere you go! Dry dog food is also better for your dog’s dental health.
However, there are also disadvantages associated with dry dog food.
- Often low quality
- Nutritionally inferior
- Often associated with allergies
- Poor quality dry dog foods may contain dangerous contaminants.
Cons of Raw Food
Raw dog food is even easier than dry food! You’ll just need to purchase the food itself before offering it to your dog; no hard work at all. You’ll see cleaner teeth, easier stool secretion, skin improvement and enhanced metabolic health with the B.A.R.F diet!
On the other hand, raw or undercooked meat can lead to a host of issues.
- Undercooked meat can contain harmful bacteria (or other parasites)
- Can lead to bowel obstruction
- Diets can be costly
Best Vegan Dog Food Recipes
Now that we’ve discussed some of the fantastic benefits associated with vegan dog food, let’s cover some high quality recipes!
Recipe 1 - Chickpea stew
Ingredients
Preparation
- First of all mash the chickpeas well in a large bowl.
- Now make a mixture of oil, peanut butter and one cup of the stock or water.
- In a blender add the remaining stock, celery, carrot, and beet and blend well for 30 seconds on medium speed.
- Mix all the mixture into the chickpeas and serve.
Recipe 2 - Rice and millet with vegetables
Ingredients
Preparation
- In a large bowl mix millet, rice, stock or water and oil,
- Next blend all the vegetables in the blender and blend well to make a thick creamy like paste.
- Add this paste to the stock mixture, warm it up just a little bit and serve.
Recipe 3 - Vegetable fusion for little pups
Ingredients
Preparation
- Blend the entire ingredients in a blender on medium speed for two to three minutes or until well combined.
- Transfer to your dog’s bowl and serve. Very Easy right?
Recipe 4 - Barley and lentil loaf soup
Ingredients
Preparation
- Bring the water or stock to boil, add in lentils and barley, turn the heat to medium and cover the pot, and let it simmer for 30 minutes or until tender.
- Blend celery in little water.
- Add celery mixture and sea kelp to the lentil and barley stock,
- let it cool and serve.
Recipe 5 - Meatless dog cookie
Ingredients
Preparation
- Mix all the ingredients and then add 3 cups of water in it knead well to make the dough.
- Make different sizes & shapes and bake it for 10 to 15 minutes in the oven.
- Let it cool and serve it to your dog
Recipe 6 - Sweet potato and peanut butter delight
Ingredients
Preparation
- Boil water and add in rice, quinoa, lentils, and sweet potatoes,
- Reduce heat to medium, let it simmer and cover the pot for about 40 to 45 minutes, or until everything is tender.
- Once cooled, mash the ingredients and add in peanut butter.
- It makes about 3 to 4 servings and you can distribute in different bowls and refrigerate.
- Just when you are about to serve warm it u a little bit and add flaxseed oil and cranberry extract over it.
Cool Homemade Vegan Dog Food Recipe Video On Youtube
related resources
Conclusion: A Vegan Diet
After analyzing every minute aspect of a vegan dog food diet, we can easily say any dog will thrive from a long, healthy lifestyle! Though it will require research on your part, protein requirements, as well as other nutrients, can easily be met.
Remember to always ensure the proper amino acids are provided for great nutrition! This might require you consult a veterinary nutritionist, or at least a nutritional specialist.
Are you looking for a fantastic Vegan Dry dog food, but can't decide what's best? Try V-Dog Vegan Kibble Dry Dog Food!
With V-Dog, you'll get a 100% plant based meal with all of the quality nutrients your dog needs. V-dog meets all AAFCO guidelines for adult dog nutrition, so you can skip the expensive veterinary visit!
