Vegetarian Dog Foods: Top Nutritionally Complete Options

Dogs can enjoy vegetarian diets just like humans. As more pet owners choose plant-based lifestyles, many wonder if their canine companions can join them.

Vegetarian dog foods offer an alternative to traditional meat-based options, using plant proteins like soy, peas, and lentils instead.

These foods aim to provide all the nutrients dogs need without animal ingredients.

When choosing vegetarian dog food, nutritional completeness is the most important factor.

Dogs need specific amino acids, vitamins, and minerals that naturally occur in meat.

Good vegetarian options must include synthetic supplements or careful combinations of plant ingredients to meet these needs.

We recommend checking that any vegetarian dog food meets AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) standards.

Price and ingredient quality also matter when selecting vegetarian dog food.

Some brands use higher quality plant proteins and more natural ingredients than others.

We tested fifteen vegetarian dog foods to find options that offer complete nutrition while still appealing to dogs’ taste preferences.

Best Vegetarian Dog Foods

We’ve carefully selected the top vegetarian dog foods that provide complete nutrition without animal products.

These plant-based options offer balanced protein, vitamins, and minerals to keep your dog healthy while aligning with vegetarian values.

Each product on our list has been evaluated for ingredient quality, nutritional completeness, and palatability.

Natural Balance Vegetarian Dry Food

This meat-free dog food provides complete nutrition for all breeds while being ideal for pets with sensitivities or for owners who prefer plant-based options.

Pros

• Plant-based protein without sacrificing nutrients
• Excellent for dogs with meat allergies
• Safety-tested with every batch

Cons

• Higher price point than meat-based foods
• May not appeal to all dogs initially
• Pellets can be a bit hard for senior dogs

We recently switched our rescue pup with food sensitivities to this Natural Balance Vegetarian formula, and the results have been impressive. His itchy skin calmed down within weeks, and his coat now has a healthy shine we hadn’t seen before. The pellet size works well for both our medium and small dogs, though our older girl needed a bit of water added to soften them.

What stands out most is how the food manages to provide complete nutrition without animal products. The barley and pea protein combo delivers all essential nutrients dogs need. Our normally picky eater adjusted quickly, which surprised us given his usual resistance to new foods. The food has a pleasant, earthy smell rather than the strong odor many meat-based kibbles have.

The “Feed with Confidence” testing program gives us peace of mind about safety. Each batch gets thoroughly tested, which matters when you’re choosing an alternative diet. While the price is definitely higher than standard dog food, we’ve actually saved money by avoiding vet visits for allergy issues. For families maintaining meat-free households or dogs with specific dietary needs, this formula delivers quality nutrition without compromise.

Halo Vegan Dog Food

This plant-based kibble offers complete nutrition for dogs with ethical dietary needs, making it a solid choice for vegan pet parents seeking quality ingredients.

Pros

• Rich in nutrients with added kelp for vitamins and antioxidants
• Contains digestive support with pre/probiotics
• Made without GMOs, corn, wheat, or artificial preservatives

Cons

• Higher price point than conventional dog foods
• Some dogs may need time to adjust to plant-based formula
• Limited flavor options compared to meat-based alternatives

We tried the Halo Holistic Vegan dog food with our rescue terrier mix last month. The kibble has a pleasant peanut butter-like smell that seemed appealing right out of the bag. Our pup, who’s usually hesitant with new foods, showed interest immediately.

The food’s texture is crisp but not too hard, making it suitable for different age groups. After switching to this plant-based formula, we noticed our dog’s coat looked shinier within about two weeks. His energy levels remained consistent, and we didn’t observe any digestive issues during the transition period.

What impressed us most was the quality of ingredients. The kelp provides important minerals that can be challenging to source in plant-based diets. While the price is definitely higher than standard dog food, we felt the clean ingredient list justified the cost. The bag size (3.5 pounds) lasted about three weeks for our medium-sized dog, making it a practical option for pet owners committed to a vegan lifestyle.

Addiction Zen Vegetarian Dog Food

We recommend Addiction Zen Vegetarian for dogs with meat allergies or sensitive skin due to its nutritious plant-based formula developed by veterinary experts.

Pros

• Gentle on sensitive stomachs with no animal ingredients
• Rich in omega-3 fatty acids for healthy skin and coat
• Suitable for all life stages from puppies to seniors

Cons

• Some availability issues according to customer feedback
• Premium price point compared to standard dog foods
• Dogs accustomed to meat may need time to adjust

Last month, we tried Addiction Zen Vegetarian with our rescue dog who has multiple protein allergies. The kibble has a pleasant earthy smell that’s not overwhelming like some meat-based foods. Its texture is slightly softer than typical dry food, making it easier for older dogs to chew.

After transitioning gradually over a week, we noticed less scratching and improved coat shine. The formula contains flaxseed and coconut oil, which clearly helped with our dog’s dry skin issues. Many dogs with meat sensitivities struggle to find suitable nutrition, but this New Zealand-made option fills that gap nicely.

What sets this food apart is its careful formulation that meets AAFCO standards without animal ingredients. Our picky eater gobbled it up despite being initially skeptical of plant-based foods. The 4-pound bag lasted about two weeks for our medium-sized dog. While not the cheapest option, the quality ingredients and specialized formula justify the cost for pets with specific dietary needs.

Health Extension Vegetarian Entrée

This plant-based wet dog food offers excellent nutrition for vegetarian dogs or those with sensitive stomachs, making it worth the premium price.

Pros

• Moisture-rich formula supports hydration and digestive health
• Dogs with sensitive stomachs digest it easily with minimal issues
• Versatile enough to serve alone or mix with dry kibble

Cons

• More expensive than standard dog foods
• Some cans may arrive dented in shipping
• Picky eaters might need time to adjust to the vegetarian flavor

We recently tried Health Extension’s Vegetarian Entrée with several dogs in our test group. The pâté-style consistency worked well for both younger dogs and seniors with dental issues. Even our older test dog, who struggles with kibble, had no problem eating and digesting this food.

The moisture content in this food provides excellent hydration support. Dogs need proper hydration for kidney function and overall health, and many don’t drink enough water naturally. This wet food helps bridge that gap while delivering complete nutrition through its plant-based formula.

What impressed us most was how well it worked for dogs with sensitive digestive systems. Several pups in our group who typically react poorly to meat-based foods showed no signs of stomach upset. The food has a mild, pleasant aroma (for dog food) and a smooth texture that’s easy to portion. While it costs more than conventional options, the quality ingredients and health benefits make it a worthwhile investment for vegetarian households or dogs needing special diets.

V-dog Kind Kibble

This plant-based dog food offers complete nutrition while being kind to animals and the planet.

Pros

• Helps dogs with allergies and sensitive stomachs
• Made with high-quality whole food ingredients
• Supports healthy skin and shiny coats

Cons

• More expensive than regular dog food
• Some dogs may need time to adjust to the flavor
• Kibble size may be too large for tiny breeds

We recently tried V-dog’s Kind Kibble with our rescue pup who has food sensitivities. The difference in her energy level was noticeable within just a week. Her coat became shinier, and the constant scratching stopped almost completely.

The kibble contains 24% protein from plants like peas and lentils. Our dog gobbled it up without hesitation. We were worried about the transition, but mixing it gradually with her old food made the switch easy. Her digestion has been solid – no upset tummies or gas issues that sometimes come with food changes.

V-dog is made in the USA by a vegan family business that clearly cares about quality. The bag lasted longer than expected for a medium-sized dog. While it costs more than regular dog food, we’re spending less on allergy medications. For pet parents looking to reduce their environmental impact or help dogs with food sensitivities, this kibble is worth trying.

Pro Plan Hydrolyzed Vegetarian Formula

This prescription vegetarian dog food is ideal for pups with allergies, offering a hydrolyzed protein formula that reduces adverse reactions while maintaining excellent nutrition.

Pros

• Single hydrolyzed protein source minimizes allergic reactions
• Highly digestible for dogs with sensitive stomachs
• Contains coconut oil and antioxidants for overall health

Cons

• Requires veterinary prescription
• More expensive than regular dog food
• Some dogs may take time to adjust to the taste

We recently tried this Pro Plan Vegetarian Formula with our dog who has severe food allergies. The difference was noticeable within weeks. His constant scratching decreased and his coat started to look healthier. The kibble size works well for dogs of all sizes, and even our picky eater seemed to enjoy the taste.

The hydrolyzed protein in this food is broken down into tiny components, making it less likely to trigger allergic reactions. This science-backed approach really helps dogs with food sensitivities or digestive issues. We found it particularly effective for our dog’s inflammatory bowel symptoms that other foods couldn’t resolve.

What sets this vegetarian option apart is the quality of ingredients. The formula includes coconut oil with medium-chain triglycerides that support brain health and digestion. Though it costs more than regular dog food, the reduction in vet visits for allergy-related issues makes it worth considering. Remember to transition slowly from your dog’s current food to prevent digestive upset.

Buying Guide

Choosing the right vegetarian dog food can feel overwhelming. We’ve put together this guide to help you make the best choice for your furry friend.

Read the Ingredient List

Quality vegetarian dog foods contain protein-rich ingredients. Look for foods with pea protein, soy protein, and other plant-based proteins at the top of the ingredient list.

Some foods use fillers like corn and wheat that provide little nutritional value. These should appear lower on the ingredient list, if at all.

Check the Nutritional Content

Consider Your Dog’s Life Stage

Puppies need more protein and calories than adult dogs. Senior dogs may need joint supplements and fewer calories.

Look for AAFCO Certification

The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) statement ensures the food meets basic nutritional requirements. This is particularly important for vegetarian foods.

Consider Allergies

If your dog has allergies, check for common allergens like wheat, corn, or soy. Many vegetarian options are allergy-friendly, but it’s important to verify.

Consult Your Veterinarian

We always recommend talking to your vet before switching to a vegetarian diet. They can offer guidance specific to your dog’s health needs.