Vegan Dog Food | The 2020 Ultimate Guide

In this article, we are going to look at vegan dog food.

I want to start with a quick introduction about myself and why I chose to go vegan. Also, why over time, my dogs became vegan.

Like most people who first hear of the word vegan, I think of a grass-based diet. I know I did and was rather dismissive of the idea of becoming vegan.

After several years of trying a range of different diets for personal reasons and many health issues, I initially settled on going vegetarian.

When I look back at changing my diet to a vegetarian one that probably pushed me to go vegan, I realized I was managing to eat and eat well on a diet I thought I would struggle with.

After being vegetarian for about 6–9 months, I didn’t see the changes in myself that I had hoped for. Whilst at a friend's house one weekend for a meal who were both vegan, that’s when I started to look into becoming vegan seriously.

The reason why that meal was so poignant was a lot of my questions were answered. I soon realized that it was as dull or as tricky as people make it out to be.

Albis Turn Around

The benefits of the vegan diet on my dog Albi were better than I could have ever imagined. I genuinely believe changing the Albis diet enhanced his life for the better.

Albi is a rescue Shar-pei he came to us with a multitude of problems. Ranging from skin issues to weight issues.

Not only was I against the number of medications and steroid injections he was on. I just felt there must be a better way to treat him.

Shar-pei is known to have a lot of skin and ear problems. Albi had both plus a list as long as my arm.

What was of most concern to me was Albi's skin condition. He would continuously be biting or licking every part of his body. It got to a stage where even though he was on medication.

We had to make him wear a dog collar. This would stop him from creating open wounds, mainly on his legs and feet.

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Vegan Dog Food Became A Blessing

This is where Albi's life would change for the better, back to my good friend’s whos house we had gone to for dinner. As well as being vegan themselves, their dogs were also vegan. At first, I felt reluctant to put my dogs on a vegan diet for many different reasons.

After seeing how happy their dogs were, I thought i would try Albi on a vegan diet. This was initially just as a test to see if it would make any difference.

Albi was on his new vegan diet for about 4–6 weeks, and the results were mind-blowing. He went from being agitated and constantly licking and biting himself to having almost perfect skin.

As well as his skin improving, the two things that I was also pleased about was his weight loss and the fact that we managed to reduce the number of drugs he was on from the vet.

He still has skin cream, which we apply daily, and he also has steroid injections for his skin. I’m just so happy he’s no longer on a concoction of daily tablets.

Can My Dog Be Vegan?

As veganism is getting more and more popular, dog parents who have adopted the lifestyle for themselves. I also started to wonder if it would be a good fit for their beloved pooch.

The simple answer is yes. Suppose you provide your dog with a properly regulated diet which can benefit from a few added supplements. Your dog can enjoy being a vegan and reap the benefits of veganism.

One of the most famous dogs was Bramble, who lived to the healthy age of 27. She remained active throughout her entire life, and she was a happy vegan dog.

There are some things you need to be aware of before adopting a vegan diet for your dog. When it comes to your dog being vegan, it’s not as simple as avoiding animal-based products.

Your dog still needs a sufficient amount of nutrients and vitamins. They must receive the right amount to live a long, healthy life.

It would help if you introduced a vegan diet to your pup over some time; this transitional period can be rather extensive. It is, however, more than possible if you want your doggo to be vegan.

What is Vegan Pet Food, and how does it differ from vegetarian Pet food?

What is vegan?

Vegan is the term given to the diet itself, whereas veganism is the lifestyle in which vegans live. Veganism is defined as a way of living that attempts to exclude all forms of animal cruelty and exploitation from food, clothing, or any other purpose.

Feeding your dog vegan pet food offers a wide range of health benefits, for example:

• Plant-based diets may reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and premature death.
• Reducing animal products' intake may reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease or dying from cancer or heart disease.
• Veganism can be beneficial for your dog because of the side effects of antibiotics and hormones used in modern animal agriculture.

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What is Vegan Pet Food?

Some amazing vegan foods your pup can eat include:

• Lentils
• Rice
• Carrots
• Broccoli
• Quinoa
• Dark, leafy greens (such as collard greens or spinach)
• Beans*

*Certain types of beans are better for your dog. Beans can also cause flatulence in your dog, so use at your own risk.

When it comes to choosing commercially prepared vegan pet food, they state they contain the necessary amounts of the following:

• Nutrients
• Vitamins
• Minerals
• Amino acids(Taurine and L-carnitine)

It’s essential as the pup parent to pay attention to make sure you read and understand the labels. Whenever making serious changes to your dog’s diet, it’s also essential to consult with your veterinarian.

The reason why I advise you to speak with your vet is to discuss the potential need for any additional supplements your dog might need alongside their vegan diet.

It would be best if you spoke to your vet if your dog has any pre-existing medical conditions. As dog parents, we always want the best for our fur babies, and that can include switching to a vegan diet.

You must know all you need to before switching your dog over from a meat-based diet.

What is vegetarian?

Vegetarian and vegan diets are similar but also vastly different. A vegetarian diet like the vegan diet doesn’t contain the following:

• Meat or poultry
• Fish or seafood
• Insects
• Gelatine or animal rennet
• Stock or fat from animals

A vegetarian diet does include the following:

As you can see here, the main difference is that vegetarians do consume products that have come from animals, whereas vegans do not.

Why Is Vegan Pet Food Better Than Vegetarian Pet Food?

One of the main reasons vegan pet food is better than vegetarian pet food comes down to cholesterol.

The vegetarian diet contains calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D from dairy products. The vegan diet, on the other hand, doesn’t have any dairy products.

A commonly overlooked health issue in dogs is high cholesterol, which affects some breeds more than others.

“Normally, dogs not only suffer from high cholesterol levels but also a disease of similar effects called “hyperlipidemia,” which consists of an increase of blood lipids (fat). These fatty substances can adopt two forms: as triglyceride, as cholesterol, or both.” ( 1)

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How Vegan Puppy Food Helps Nurture Your Young Pup Into A Healthier Pup

Why It Is Important

It’s important to adopt a vegan diet as early as possible in their life. There is an exception; puppies need their mother’s milk to develop a healthy immune system.

Puppy Food Is Nasty

It’s not just puppy food but dog food in general, from poor quality control to bad ingredients sourcing. When it comes to canned dog food, there are many worrying factors, ranging from allergic reactions to severe issues such as death.

According to experts at Cummings Veterinary Medical Center, “ What surprises many pet owners is that grains are actually uncommon causes of food allergies — most pets are allergic to animal proteins!”( 2)

Food allergies in dogs but especially puppies, can cause various symptoms, including dry and itchy skin, rashes, loose stool, gas, vomiting, constipation, yeast infections, eye discharge, and fur loss.

How Being Vegan At A Young Age Helps Your Puppy Live Longer And Happier

Just like people, your puppy can obtain the benefits of veganism. As long as you remember to make sure their diets have a stable balance of nutrients and needed supplements.

There is a misconception that dogs are carnivores when, in fact, they are omnivores. Feeding your puppy, a plant-based diet is not only natural but beneficial.

Puppies can gain the following benefits from a vegan diet:

• Weight management
• Decreased skin issues
• Reduction in allergies
• Improving bad breath

Your puppy's benefits from a vegan diet are based on a balanced diet that fits the individual dog’s needs.

Vegan Dog Treats As A Healthy Treat For Your Dog

Why Most Dog Treats Are Bad

If you want to see how bad regular dog treats are for your dog, all you need to do is read the ingredients. The majority of ingredients in these treats are not exactly the best choice for your dog.

Some dogs can benefit from milk thistle when it comes to allergies and liver problems.

Most of them are made by using byproducts from the meat industry. It’s the other ingredients that are more alarming, though, such as:

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Why Are Vegan Dog Treats Better

The main reasons why vegan dog treats are better is because they contain none of the above ingredients. Vegan dog treats are great for dogs with allergies or food sensitivities.

As we have already learned, most sensitivities in our furry friends come from animal proteins. Plus, we all love to treat our dogs, and with vegan dog treats, you have peace of mind in what you’re giving them.

Where to Find Them

I’ve found many more shopping centers are starting to stock a wider variety of dog-related vegan products.

If you’re like me and live in the middle of nowhere, then Amazon is probably your best bet.

A great treat I buy for my dogs is Fruitables , Wholesome Pride Sweet Potato Treats , or Halo Vegan Grain Free Natural Dog Treats . You can check the current prices on Amazon.

How to make them

I have two great recipes for you that my dogs love.

Vegan Peanut Butter & Pumpkin Dog Treats

Ingredients:

• 2 cups whole wheat flour
• 1 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp. baking powder
• 1/2 cup pumpkin purée(Make sure its real pumpkin)
• 1/4 cup peanut butter (Unsweetened & unsalted)
• 1/4 cup water

Instructions: Makes approximately 25 treats

Date, Oatmeal, & Carrot Vegan Dog Treats

Ingredients: Instructions:

• Preheat the oven to 325°F.
• In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, oatmeal, and baking powder. Make a well in the center.
• Place the carrots and dates in a separate bowl with the peanut butter and water.
• Add the peanut butter mix to the well in the flour mix and stir until combined.
• Flatten the dough on a lightly floured surface until it is approximately 1/4-inch thick. Use a cookie cutter to cut the treats.
• Arrange on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 14 to16 minutes or until dry.
• Let cool for 30 minutes before serving.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Makes roughly 40 servings

3 Simple Vegan Dog Food Recipes That Will Save You Time And Money

I’ve made the recipes into three images you can download on either mobile or desktop for your convenience.

Can You Find Vegan Dog Food At The Local Store?

Depending on where you live, you may have options, but vegan dog food has become more popular.

For example, if you are in the US, Walmart has a fairly decent range of vegan pet food.

If you are in the UK, Tesco and Asda have minimal vegan dog food options.

Whichever country you are in, I would always advise checking online first. My go-to is always.

Key Points:

• High quality and cruelty-free ingredients
• Sustainable sourcing that’s better for the planet
• Vet developed recipes that are both healthy and better for your pets.

Benefits For Your Dog:

Vegan Dog Food Brands You Can Trust

Wild Earth was originally on Shark Tank initially launched because they were fed up with the dog food industry. They are conscious of their impact on the environment and being a front runner when it comes to taking care of our dogs.

Wild Earth is one of the biggest, and in my opinion, the best vegan dog food companies currently available. They offer a wide array of products for all of your dog’s needs.

Key Points:

• 100% Dog focused
• 100% Vegan ingredients
• They are focused on plant based diets for dogs to help the planet.
• They for all animals, not just pets

You can check out a wide range of their products on Amazon.

• Their kibble was created with veterinary nutritionists
• Their V-dog kibble is packed with 24% protein
• All of their products are free from wheat, corn, and soy.

V-Dog was founded by Dave Middlesworth, who wanted to feed his own dogs without harming other animals. V-dog was the first vegan dog food company and originally originated in America, still a family-run business today.

Benefits For Your Dog:

V-dog is a well established and well-trusted vegan dog food brand. They offer a wide range of products for a variety of your dog’s needs. You can check out their range here on Amazon.

Best Vegan Dog Food Review

There is a wide range of vegan dog food products; some are amazing; some are not so good. In my next article for you, I will do a full review of the top vegan dog food brands.

I believe in being transparent, I have four dogs, and I’m always seeking out my dogs' best products. I would never recommend anything I wouldn’t feed to my own dogs.

If you have any brands, you would like me to review any specific products, leave a comment below or send me an email on the contact page.

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Vegan Food For Dogs: Looking At The Myths And Fact-Checking

I was guilty of believing some of the many myths and misconceptions around veganism. When it comes to veganism, it is not unhealthy or harmful.

The reason why I was so confused by veganism is because of my lack of knowledge. I’m sure you can all relate to that in some way.

Having a better knowledge of veganism now, I think the biggest drawback was that I did not know how to prepare a well-balanced, nutritionally complete vegan diet.

What About Meat And Protein

This has to be one of the most common go tos for none vegans. I can admit I was guilty of saying this. In regards to dogs, they do need protein to survive.

What’s important to note, though, is meat is not the only source of protein. Various protein-packed food sources are safe for our dogs, which contain no meat. Some examples of these would be green peas and lentils.

Do Dogs Need Meat To Survive

The simple answer is no. If you have ever watched any TV, you will know they try to convince you that dogs are closely related to wolves. As you can tell, dogs and wolves are not identical.

Dogs have evolved for way over 10,000 years. The dogs we have today have become domesticated enough. This allows them to make great use of plant-based foods and the nutritional benefits they receive from them.

Your Vegan Dog Isn’t Healthy

This is another contender for one of the biggest misconceptions around veganism. Whether you chose to feed your dog vegan dog food or meat, one of them doesn’t ensure their health.

Vegan dogs can be healthier or as healthy as a dog who eats meat. It’s essential to monitor a vegan dog's nutrient intake, and your vet can help you do this.

According To Your Vet, Vegan Diets Are Unhealthy

I can say this from experience as we have moved house a lot; it is a myth. I have probably been registered with five vets in the last 4–5 years. None have disagreed with me for my choice of diet for my dog.

Veterinarians do, however, have opinions. Medical studies and observations back these opinions its the same when it comes to doctors.

Most vets will take your dog’s current health into account. If your dog is healthy and well looked after, they won’t have any issue with your dog’s vegan diet.

I will always recommend going with your vet’s advice if they advise you against a vegan diet for your dog if it’s based on science. Some vets will disagree with your choice because of their personal opinions.

A quick recommendation if you disagree with your vet. Do your own research, and if you still don’t feel 100% confident, seek a second opinion.

Originally published at https://doolallydogs.com.