The global growing awareness of threats to climate and our planet, animal welfare, and human health has fueled a shift toward plant-based diets. While the shift specifically focuses on humans, in recent years, it has extended beyond human consumption to now include our companion animals: dogs.
Vegan dog food—considered controversial—has been gaining traction as a sustainable, ethical, and scientifically backed alternative to traditional meat-based diets, and brands are crafting dog food using canine nutritionists and veterinarians to ensure that all dogs’ nutritional needs are met. As research advances and formulations improve, it is becoming clear that vegan dog food can not only meet dogs’ nutritional needs, but also contribute positively to animal welfare, human well-being, and the environment.
The Science: Can Vegan Dog Food Meet A Dog’s Nutritional Needs?
Dogs are omnivores, meaning they can thrive on both plant- and animal-based foods as long as their diet is complete and balanced. Vegan dog foods are formulated with high-quality plant proteins such as peas, lentils, soy, quinoa, and chickpeas, which provide all the essential amino acids dogs require. Added vitamins, minerals, and supplements—such as taurine, L-carnitine, and vitamin B12—ensure that these diets meet the nutritional standards set by organizations like the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) and the European Pet Food Industry Federation (FEDIAF). It should be noted that commercial animal-based dog foods are also fortified with micronutrients.
Studies from veterinary nutritionists have found that properly formulated vegan diets can maintain dogs’ health just as effectively as meat-based ones and potentially lower risks of obesity, improve coat health, and reduce allergies, since plant-based foods eliminate many of the common animal-protein allergens found in conventional dog food.
A study done in April 2022 asked 2,639 dog guardians about one dog living with them, for at least one year. Among 2,596 involved in pet diet decision-making, pet health was a key factor when choosing diets. 2,536 provided information relating to a single dog, fed a conventional meat (1,370 = 54%), raw meat (830 = 33%) or vegan (336 = 13%) diet for at least one year. Percentages of dogs in each dietary group considered to have suffered from health disorders were 49% (conventional meat), 43% (raw meat) and 36% (vegan). Significant evidence indicates that raw meat diets are often associated with dietary hazards, including nutritional deficiencies and imbalances, and pathogens. The pooled evidence to date indicates that the healthiest and least hazardous dietary choices for dogs, are nutritionally sound vegan diets (Knight et al., 2022).
Many dog guardians choose to make their own homemade dog food, and it can be done safely with added vitamins and supplements, but it is critical that the meals are nutritionally sound and balanced with all essential nutrients to avoid nutritional and health risks. It is important to work with your veterinarian as to not put your dog at risk, as dogs have different needs than humans and our balanced meals will not be balanced for their specific needs.
Animal Welfare
Feeding dogs with meat-based products perpetuates the same industrial farming systems that ethical consumers seek to avoid. The pet food industry uses billions of pounds of animal products annually; many sourced from factory farms. Transitioning dogs to a vegan diet reduces demand for these industries and aligns pet ownership with compassionate and cruelty-free values. By choosing vegan dog food, guardians extend their empathy to all animals—not just the ones they share their homes with.
The dairy industry is one of the most exploitative sectors of animal agriculture, and cow’s milk is a common ingredient that is frequently used in animal-based dog food. One of the most likely food allergens contributing to adult dogs are dairy products (along with beef, chicken, and wheat) due to their inability to produce enough lactase, the enzyme needed to digest lactose (Mueller, 2016). By feeding your dog vegan dog food, guardians can avoid supporting animal farming and systemic suffering. Plant-based alternatives not only meet dogs’ nutritional needs, but also help end our indirect participation in one of the most cruel and unnecessary animal-exploitation systems on Earth.
The Planet
The environmental impact of animal agriculture is immense. Livestock farming is responsible for roughly 14.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions, and it consumes vast amounts of water, land, and energy. Studies estimate that pet food production alone accounts for up to 25–30% of the environmental impact of meat consumption in the U.S. Globally, dogs and cats consume 9% of farmed animals (Hanes, 2025).
By switching dogs to plant-based diets, we can significantly lower carbon emissions, reduce deforestation, and conserve precious resources. Plant-based proteins are far more efficient to produce. Peas and lentils require a fraction of the water and land used to raise cattle or poultry. Vegan dog food offers a sustainable path forward for a planet facing population growth and environmental strain.
Human Health
A plant-based pet food system also benefits humans. Reducing reliance on animal agriculture helps improve global food security, as the grains and legumes that go into vegan dog foods can be grown sustainably and distributed more equitably. Moreover, cutting down on meat production reduces pollution from runoff, antibiotics, and waste associated with factory farms—leading to cleaner water, healthier communities, and lower public health risks.
Conclusion
Vegan dog food represents a paradigm shift in how we think about animal nutrition. With proper formulation and veterinary oversight, dogs can thrive on plant-based diets while their guardians contribute to a more ethical, sustainable, and compassionate world. As awareness continues to grow, it’s becoming clear that vegan dog food isn’t just a trend; it’s the future of responsible animal care.
