Can Dogs Really Be Vegan?
Are you a vegan committed to a compassionate lifestyle but still feeding your dog meat? Do you often feel guilty about it but don’t really know who to trust for accurate information? You're not alone. Many compassionate dog parents face this dilemma, but the good news is that dogs can thrive on a plant-based diet.
Claire Lucie Sonck, globally known as the Vegan Dog Coach, is a pioneering expert in plant-based canine nutrition. She is a CMA-registered canine nutritionist and founder of The Vegan Dog Coach, the first platform dedicated to plant-based canine nutrition. Claire's journey began with the loss of her beloved dog, Blacky, to preventable renal disease, which inspired her mission to prevent such tragedies through healthier, plant-based diets.
Claire's expertise is backed by peer-reviewed scientific studies, and she has educated dog parents in over 65 countries. Her work emphasizes that dogs can not only survive but thrive on plant-based diets, reducing the risk of diet-related diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and obesity. She has dedicated her life to reading, analyzing, and synthesizing more than 1000 scientific studies on how diet affects canine health and longevity. Claire has also written extensively on the role of diet in disease development and the importance of microbiomes in canine health.
Dogs, like humans, have nutrient requirements, rather than ingredient requirements. As long as their diet is properly formulated, dogs can be just as healthy, if not healthier, on plants alone.
One of the most significant benefits of a plant-based diet for dogs is its potential to prevent common canine health issues. Research shows that dogs on vegan diets experience fewer incidences of conditions like ear and urinary tract infections. Additionally, including fresh fruits and vegetables in your dog's diet can reduce their risk of developing cancer by up to 88%. This diet is rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, contributing to overall better health and longevity.
Beyond the health benefits for your dog, transitioning them to a plant-based diet can also have a positive impact on the environment. Currently, an area double the size of the UK is used to produce dry pet food each year, a study shows.
Analysis of the carbon footprint of pet food production also revealed that the industry emits more greenhouse gases each year than countries such as Mozambique and the Philippines. The production of plant-based dog food requires significantly fewer resources than traditional meat-based pet foods, helping to reduce these emissions. By making this change, you're not only promoting your dog's health but also contributing to a more sustainable planet.
Moreover, by choosing a plant-based diet for your dog, you're helping to save up to 7 billion animals each year. Reducing the demand for these products by feeding your dog a plant-based diet aligns perfectly with a compassionate, cruelty-free lifestyle, helping to spare countless farmed animals from unnecessary suffering.
In summary, a plant-based diet for dogs is not only a viable and healthy option but also a powerful choice for the environment and animal welfare. With the right resources and guidance, you can make the switch confidently, knowing you're doing the best for your dog, the planet, and other animals.
Nutritionally Approved Recipes
& Vegan Dog Food Brands
Benevo is one of the most well-known vegan dog food brands in the UK, providing plant-based kibble and wet food options. Their products are nutritionally complete, and they focus on using non-GMO ingredients, ensuring that your dog receives all the necessary nutrients. They’re also certified by the UK Vegan Society and is cruelty-free, meaning no animal testing is involved in their production process.
Omni is a relatively new and innovative company in the vegan pet food industry. They specialize in creating nutritionally balanced, plant-based food and treats for dogs, aiming to provide high-quality alternatives to traditional meat-based products. Omni’s products are designed to meet the dietary needs of dogs while being environmentally friendly and cruelty-free.
V-Dog V-Dog is the oldest plant-based pet food company in the world, known for its high-protein kibble that meets the nutritional needs of dogs. Their products are hypoallergenic and free from artificial colours, preservatives, and flavours. V-Dog is committed to sustainability, using recyclable packaging and promoting environmentally friendly practices.
Hownd Hownd is a cruelty-free pet care brand that also offers a range of vegan dog food. They focus on using natural ingredients and ensure that their products are nutritionally complete and balanced for dogs. The brand is certified by Cruelty Free International and The Vegan Society.
The Pack The Pack is a new player in the vegan dog food market, focusing on wet food options that are nutritionally complete and made from high-quality, plant-based ingredients. They aim to provide tasty and sustainable options for dogs. The Pack emphasizes sustainability and ethical practices, using eco-friendly packaging and focusing on reducing their environmental impact.
Bugalugs
Bugalugs offers a fantastic range of grooming products that are both vegan and cruelty-free. Their shampoos are formulated with gentle, natural ingredients that are safe for your dog’s skin and coat. Bugalugs’ products are designed to leave your pet smelling fresh and feeling soft, without the use of harsh chemicals or animal-derived ingredients. Whether your pet has sensitive skin or just needs a good scrub, Bugalugs is one great option.
Pawnaturel
Pawnaturel takes a natural approach to grooming, offering vegan and cruelty-free shampoos that are crafted with the health of your dog and the environment in mind. Their products are free from parabens, sulfates, and other harsh chemicals, making them perfect for furry friends with sensitive skin or allergies.
Wild for Dogs
Wild for Dogs is all about combining luxury with ethics, offering a line of premium, vegan grooming products for your canine companion. Their shampoos are crafted with a blend of natural, plant-based ingredients that are gentle on your dog’s skin while providing a thorough clean. What sets Wild for Dogs apart is their dedication to creating grooming products that are as luxurious as they are ethical, so your pet can enjoy a spa-like experience at home. With their beautifully scented, nourishing shampoos, Wild for Dogs makes it easy to pamper your pet while staying true to your values.
Hownd
Hownd is a brand that’s truly dedicated to the well-being of companion animals, offering a range of vegan and cruelty-free grooming products that cater to dogs of all breeds and sizes. Their shampoos are made with natural ingredients like aloe vera, oatmeal, and argan oil, which not only clean but also soothe and moisturize your dog’s skin and coat. Hownd’s products are designed to be gentle yet effective, ensuring that your dog’s grooming routine is free from harsh chemicals and synthetic fragrances. Plus, their commitment to ethical production is a plus.
Vegan Dog Treats
Most of these brands above offer a variety of treats to complement your dog’s diet. However, there are also some additional brands that specialize in vegan dog treats, which are worth keeping in mind:
Soopa
Carrot & Pumpkin Bites These treats are made from simple, natural ingredients and are perfect for dogs who love a crunchy snack. They are low in fat and high in fiber, making them a healthy choice for maintaining digestive health.
Coconut & Chia Bites These bites are packed with the goodness of coconut and chia seeds, offering a delicious treat that is also rich in omega-3 fatty acids, promoting a healthy coat and skin.
Sweet Potato Chews A chewy treat made from 100% sweet potato, these chews are a great alternative to rawhide and are gentle on dogs’ teeth while providing a satisfying texture.
Pawtato
Pawtato Sticks (Kale & Seaweed) These treats combine the nutritional benefits of sweet potato with kale and seaweed, offering a crunchy and flavorful snack that's also packed with vitamins and minerals.
Pawtato Tubes (Blueberry & Sweet Potato) These are fun, tube-shaped treats made from sweet potato and blueberry, providing a tasty treat that’s also antioxidant-rich, helping to support your dog’s immune system.
Vegan & Cruelty Free
Dog Care Brands
Vanika
Vegan Dogs
Vanika: the heart and soul of our little family, our cherished fur-baby. Her journey to us began in all the way over in Thailand, where she was rescued by the amazing team at Soi Dog Foundation. And from the moment she tentatively stepped out of her flight crate all the way down in Suffolk, she has filled our lives with an incredible amount of love and joy, and we now can’t imagine our life without her.
Vanika has such spirit and an insatiable love for adventure. Whether we’re out in city centers, doing activism for our fellow animals, or spending the day wandering through the serene landscapes of the Yorkshire Dales and Moors - or, indeed, at Vegan Camp Out - Vanika is always by our side.
Far from being malnourished as a plant-based doggo, she tackles our 10-mile country walks with enthusiasm and ease - and, it has to be said, the baffling agility of a mountain goat. And when it comes to mealtime, Vanika is all about her wholefoods! She absolutely adores tofu, rice, pasta, and veggies—her eyes light up whenever she sees her bowl being filled. Currently, we top this up with Omni, which is super high in protein.
