If you are a vegan food fanatic and searching for the best vegan dog food uk but, having difficulty deciding on which product is the right choice for your furry friends then this article is a must-read.
You will get answers to different queries pertaining to vegan dog food like – will my furry friend be okay with it? What are the perks of using it? Are there any drawbacks? How to help my dog with the transition from its regular diet?
In addition, you will also find a buying guide that will help you get a better insight into different buying prospects and help you pick the product that is within your budget range and meets your furry friend’s nutritional requirements.
Best Vegan Dog Food UK
In general, there are plenty of options available for vegan dog food in the UK market that have different ingredient compositions and are of different types. You will find vegan dog food in wet, or dry form with a variety of plant-based ingredients used in the mix. Also, many of them are tailored specifically to help with health prospects, for instance, digestive issues.
So, below is the list of the best vegan dog food that you can consider for your furry friends.
1. Benevo Vegan Dog Food
Benevo Vegan dog food is a good option for dog owners who seek to provide nutrient-rich vegan dog food to their furry friends. In addition, this vegan food pack also retains other necessary minerals, essential fatty acids and vitamins for better nutrition. There are no meat or dairy products used in Benevo vegan dog food.
Further, to help with digestion, this vegan dog food also contains L-Carnitine, Taurine, and a prebiotic FOS in the mix of ingredients.
Prominent features:
- Wheat-free
- Vegan-recipe
- Plant-protein
In addition, the vegan recipe of Benevo vegan dog food has ingredients like white rice, soya, maize, sunflower oil, peas, brewer’s yeast, tomato pomace, beet pulp, vegetable stock, yuca extract etc.
- Balanced nutrition
- Improves digestion
- Free of common allergens
- Only suitable for adult dogs
2. V-dog Vegan Dog Food
For dog owners looking for vegan dog food that is suitable for both small and large dog breeds, V-dog’s vegan dog food is an option they must consider. The recipe for this vegan dog food includes all the nutrients and a balanced range of minerals, vitamins, and essential fatty acids.
In addition, the manufacturer of this vegan dog food claims that the recipe is formulated by a professional nutritionist and is helpful for dogs having sensitive stomachs.
Prominent features:
- Dairy-free
- Vegan-recipe
Further, the ingredients used in this vegan dog food include maize, wheat, peas, carrots, rosemary, parsley, sunflower oil and other vitamins and minerals.
- Allergen free
- Balanced nutrition
- Helps improve a dog’s skin and coat
- Not wheat-free
3. Yarrah Vegan Dog Food
If you are looking for vegan dog food that will help improve your furry friend’s immune system, Yarrrah Vegan Dog Food is a perfect choice. Also, the recipe is formulated such that it is ideal for dogs having difficulty with digestion. In addition, plant-based protein makes sure they receive proper nutrition without having to feed meat to dogs.
The main ingredient used is organic soya beans for providing the necessary protein. Also, there are no artificial additives or preservatives added to the recipe.
Prominent features:
- Vegan-recipe
- High-protein
Further, the ingredients mix including the cranberries are helpful in minimising the risk of bladder infections and urinary tract infections.
- Balanced nutrition
- Helps improve dogs’ immune system
- It helps prevent bladder infections and urinary tract infections
- Suitable for dogs over 1 year
4. Lily’s Kitchen Vibrant Rainbow Stew
Lily’s Kitchen Vibrant Rainbow Stew is a wet vegan dog food that has all the essential nutrient elements that are necessary for dogs. There is no meat used in this wet vegan dog food and the manufacturer suggests that their recipes are made with approval and in consultation with a professional nutritionist.
Also, there are no additives or artificial ingredients used in the mix and after having this food item a dog receives plenty of energy.
Prominent features:
- Vegan-recipe
- Plant-based protein
The main ingredients used in this wet vegan dog food are potatoes, peas, carrots, courgettes, sunflower oil, algae, parsley and so on.
- Vet-approved recipes
- Balanced nutrition (good source of vitamins)
- Bad smell
5. Omni Vegan Dog Food
For improving dogs’ weight, and health, or to make their coat shinier, Omni Vegan Dog Food is a suitable option for dog owners. Omni vegan dog food is made using natural ingredients and also, maintains a beef-ee stew flavour without using meat. This is done to ensure a smooth transition while switching from dogs’ regular diet.
The Omni vegan dog food contains all the crucial nutrients, vitamins, minerals, and proteins for making a dog’s health better.
Prominent features:
- Protein-rich
- Vegan-recipe
- Plant-based ingredients
Further, the ingredients used in making this vegan dog mainly include potato, dried yeasts, soya, brown rice, peas, carrot flakes, sunflower oil, rapeseed oil, blueberries, cranberries, etc.
- Improves digestion
- Free of animal protein
- Good for dogs who have sensitivities and allergic issues
- Cost is high
- Some dogs face stomach issues
6. Hownd Vegan Dog Food
Hownd Vegan Dog Food is suitable for dogs of every age. The manufacturer claims to have used the finest help plant with other vegan ingredients and formulated the recipe. In addition, this dry vegan dog food is rich in omega fatty acids so, useful in making dogs’ coats shiny and making the joints strong.
Further, Hownd vegan dog food is also helpful in improving a dog’s digestive health as it has all the necessary elements, vitamins, and other ingredients.
Prominent features:
- Protein-rich
- Vegan-recipe
- Plant-based ingredients
The ingredients used in Hownd vegan dog food are moringa, peas, sweet potato, oats, sunflower, oats, chickpeas, yeast extract, rosemary extract, seaweed etc.
- Makes dog coats and skin better
- Wheat-free and no dairy products
- Hypoallergenic and delicious flavour
- Expensive
- Suitable for dogs aged above 9 months
Buying Guide: Best Vegan Dog Food UK
Now, that you have the list of the best vegan dog food available in the UK, it’s time to see whether the product you picked is suitable for buying or not. Let’s have a closer look at different prospects that might help you get answers to whether the vegan dog food you picked is good for your furry friend or not.
Vegan dog food doesn’t contain any animal products or by-products in them. It is made using natural ingredients and other essential nutritious elements such as protein, fats, vitamins, and minerals. Here are some of the features of dog vegan food:
- Hypoallergenic and digestible – vegan dog food is hypoallergenic and helps provide nutrition to dogs that have sensitivities, allergies, and intolerance to different food or dairy products. Also, it facilitates digestion by eliminating common allergens such as eggs, dairy, chicken, beef, and fish from their diet.
- Balanced nutrients – high-quality plant-based ingredients that are used in vegan dog food provide balanced nutrition. Peas, soy, lentils, or quinoa are examples of ingredients that help provide balanced nutrition to the dog. In addition, vegan dog food will also provide essential vitamins and minerals such as zinc, calcium, iron, and Vitamin B12.
- Environment-friendly – the ingredients used are easily found in the surrounding environment. There is no harm done to the animals in the process of making vegan dog food.
Things to consider while buying vegan dog food
While buying vegan dog food there are some things a dog owner must consider. Because there are different types of vegan dog food available with different ingredients in the mix of the product. You don’t want to end up buying vegan dog food that is not suitable for your furry friend.
Here are some of the things you need to consider while buying vegan dog food for your dog:
- Ingredients – you need to make sure that the ingredients used in the vegan dog food have natural ingredients and no trace of other animal-based products. Also, there must not be any artificial additives or preservatives in the mix because they can cause issues for dogs.
- Nutritional value – vegan dog food pack you choose must have proper nutrition distribution to meet the nutritional requirements of your dog. Make sure the food pack includes the proper amount of calories, protein, fat, fibre, vitamins, and carbohydrates in them.
- Taste – the vegan food you pick for your dog must be of good taste and preference. In general, vegan dog food with textures such as wet canned food, or kibble is preferred by the dogs.
- Dog breed – different dog breeds have different nutritional requirements and preferences. In fact, for some dog breeds a vegan diet may not be that suitable and instead of improving their health they might cause skin problems, allergies, and other health issues. So, it’s crucial for dog owners to consult with their vet and see if vegan dog food will work for their furry friend or not.
Factors Affecting the Cost of Vegan Dog Food UK
The cost of vegan dog food depends on various factors. The size of the pack, ingredients, quality, and many other factors influence their costs. Let’s understand how they influence the price:
- Size of vegan dog food
The size of the vegan dog food you pick will have a big say in the prices and so, a bigger size means the price is more. The big size indicates the quantity is more and hence, the prices for such vegan dog food packs are more in comparison with the small packed vegan food.
- Ingredients
The ingredients used in dog vegan food are natural and they influence the cost very much. The reason is simple, they are not easily available and are expensive because of scarcity as well. Also, some of the ingredients are plant-based and they are brought in for production from different locations.
For instance, peas, soy, quinoa, and lentils used in different food packs are found easily and, not quite costly but, rare ingredients such as coconut oil, spirulina, or seaweed can elevate the price of vegan dog food.
- Brand
The vegan dog food price is also influenced by the brand you pick. Higher reputation brands will have cost more as they have quite a reputation and loyal customers buying their vegan dog food products for a long time. The quality of the ingredients these brands use is good and you can expect a good vegan food for your furry friend.
- Demand and availability
The demand for vegan food will have a significant impact on the price of vegan dog food. If the supply remains constant and the availability of the brand that customers seek is there, the prices remain normal. But, if there is a shortage of the vegan food pack then the prices will be sore.
Types of vegan dog food
There are different types of vegan dog food out there in the market. Each of these types will include different ingredients and have different nutritional distribution, different tastes and prices. Here are different types of vegan dog food:
- Dry vegan dog food
This vegan dog food type is common and easily available. You can store these food packs easily and are easy to feed to the dogs. The dry vegan dog food kibble is plant-based and the ingredients of this kibble are cooked and extruded into small shells.
They provide sufficient nutritional balance and have high-quality proteins like peas, soy, quinoa, or lentils. In addition, they can also improve the dental health of dogs by removing plaque and tartar from the teeth.
- Wet vegan dog food
Wet canned vegan dog food is moist and soft. This type of vegan dog food is lucrative for some dog breeds. They are made using plant-based ingredients like dry kibble vegan dog food. These ingredients are cooked and stored in a can.
The nutritional balance is not compromised as long as it contains vitamins and minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, iron, zinc, iodine, and vitamin B12. Because of the moist nature, you can use wet vegan dog food to hydrate your furry friend. In addition, the softness and moisture in the wet vegan dog food make it easy for dogs to digest it without any hassle.
- Raw vegan dog food
Raw vegan dog food constitutes ingredients such as seeds, fruits, nuts, vegetables, sprouts, and herbs. These plant-based ingredients are in general, frozen, and successfully manage to mimic the natural diet of our wild furry friends.
Raw vegan dog food provides antioxidants, enzymes, and phytochemicals that can help improve a dog’s overall health. However, the preparation of raw vegan dog food will demand careful preparation and storage to avoid spoilage and contamination.
Feeding Guide – Best Vegan Dog Food UK
There are many factors that impact the process of feeding vegan food to your fog. Their size, weight, preferences, activity level and most importantly, their health condition. So, once you find a suitable vegan dog food product, here are some prospects you need to consider while feeding your dog:
- Pick a vegan dog food of good quality
This one is a no-brainer and the list of vegan dog food products mentioned in the list contains many high-quality vegan dog food products. So, the food product you pick must retain all the necessary nutrients that are needed for dogs and meet their nutrition requirements.
Hence, make sure the vegan dog food you choose provides sufficient protein, vitamins and minerals, amino acids, and omega fatty acids.
- Follow the instructions mentioned on the label
Regardless of the vegan dog food pack you pick, each of them will have specific instructions on how you should feed it. There will be variation for sure but, you can trust the measurements because they provide different parameters for different ages of dogs or different weights.
However, you can adjust the quantity as per your dog’s appetite, activity level, and health condition. Also, if you are just making your dog switch from a regular diet to a vegan food diet, you may have to use less amount of vegan dog food for a better transition.
- Feed twice a day
In general, you can feed vegan dog food twice a day to eliminate chances of overeating and also make sure the dog is not hungry. The quantity of vegan dog food will depend on how much nutrition and calorie intake your dog needs or can handle without causing health issues.
Ensuring the dog receives the proper amount of vegan dog food will help in maintaining its metabolism and blood sugar levels. You can put the food out there and allow your dog to eat at their own pace to avoid the risk of obesity or any other health issue.
- Monitor dogs health
After you begin feeding vegan dog food to your furry friend, it’s crucial for you to continuously monitor your dog’s health. Check their weight and analyse their body condition score to get insights into variation after regular feeding of vegan dog food.
Now, it’s possible your dog may show no drastic changes in their body weight or health condition but, if there is a substantial gain or loss of weight, you may have to adjust the quantity for maintaining its health.
- Provide fresh water
Make sure your dog gets enough fresh water supply while having vegan dog food. This is crucial for keeping them hydrated and making them feel similar to what they feel while having their regular meals.
In addition, along with the hydration, the dog’s digestive system and overall health remain proper because of the freshwater supply. Change the bowls after some time and replace the older ones with clean ones.
Tips for transitioning dog from regular to vegan food diet
In general, there are some guidelines for helping dogs switch to vegan dog food from regular food. But, every dog is different and based on their nutritional requirements and other preferences, the steps for transition will differ. Below are some of the tips that will help you get started:
#1. Consult your vet or a nutritionist
Before you plan on switching your dog’s regular diet, you must consult your vet or the nutritionist. They know your dog’s body and how healthy they are, also, which types of food ingredients are helpful and which of them are not suitable for them.
Their insights will be based on these prospects and if you are lucky you might even get a recommendation from them on which product is the best fit and will provide proper nutrition to your furry friend.
#2. Breakdown the approach
Once you have the talk with a nutritionist or the vet, you can gradually introduce vegan dog food to your furry friend. Gradual because a sudden change in their regular diet will lead to diarrhoea, digestive upset, loss of appetite, or vomiting issues. Here is a possible breakdown of the approach:
- Begin with a small quantity – you can begin by mixing a small amount of vegan dog food with their regular diet. Include 25% of vegan dog food with 75% of the regular food item.
- Gradually increase the quantity – once your dog is used to having mixed food and showing no signs of health issues, you can add more amount of vegan dog food i.e. make the ratio 50%. Keep the same ratio for three to four days.
- Replace the regular diet – when your dog begins to have vegan dog food with 50% mix regularly, you can then move on to 100%. This means replacing their regular diet with vegan dog food. If you wish to play it safe, make the ratio 75% and then replace their regular food.
- Monitor dog – after every altercation, you need to monitor your dog’s behaviour. Make sure they are not in distress or showing signs of weight gain or weight loss. Because if there is a significant change, you may have to stop mixing vegan dog food.
Observe the changes in your dog’s condition and also, consult with your vet or the nutritionist to gauge the progress they made after switching to vegan dog food.
#3. Add supplements
In general, there is no need to add supplements to the vegan food diet but some dogs may need more nutrition and so, to match their nutrition level, you may have to add some additional supplements. Vitamin D, Vitamin B12, Calcium, Iron, Zinc, and Iodine are some of the supplements that are added to increase nutrition levels.
Remember, supplements are only necessary if the vegan dog food does not match the daily nutrition requirement for your furry friend. So, before you plan on adding some, have a discussion with the nutritionist or your vet to make sure you add the supplements that are good for your furry friend and not toxic or allergic.
Perks of Using Vegan Dog Food
Vegan dog food doesn’t retain animal or dairy products, if you analysed the product list properly, you may have noticed many of the vegan dog food products don’t even have wheat in the mix of ingredients.
So, if served properly to the dog, there are many perks of using vegan dog food. Below are some of the prominent benefits a dog owner can leverage:
- Digestion improves
Vegan dog food manages to tackle many digestive issues such as gas, constipation, loose stools, or vomiting. The reason is simple, vegan dog food retains high fibre content and it helps in initiating regular bowel movements. Regular bowel movement helps in improving their gut and also, prevents other issues.
- Less allergies
Many dogs are intolerant or have allergic reactions to animal proteins like chicken, lamb, fish, or beef. These allergies often lead to infection, inflammation and digestive issues. A vegan dog food contains no such ingredients in the mix and all of these issues are prevented.
- Low risk for obesity
Vegan dog food reduces the chances of obesity in dogs. The calories and fat in vegan food dog is less in comparison with meat-based dog food. So, there are minimal chances of weight gain or cause issues like diabetes, or heart problem. Also, providing vegan food to dogs is good for controlling their appetite.
- Boosts immunity
Vegan dog food provides various minerals, vitamins, and phytochemicals that fight free radicals and make the dog’s immune system better. Also, some of the vegan dog food packs include ingredients that help in tackling various diseases and infection issues in dogs.
- Improved joint health
The anti-inflammatory properties in vegan dog food help improve the mobility and joint health of the dogs. Old age dogs or the ones suffering from arthritis, get ample benefits by having a vegan dog food diet.
The anti-inflammatory properties reduce the stiffness and pain that is triggered because of joint inflammation. Further, the presence of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids facilitates lubrication and helps repair the joints of dogs.
- Low risk of cancer
Serving vegan dog food to dogs can help in lowering the risk of cancer. The presence of phytochemicals like carotenoids, flavonoids, and polyphenols helps in reducing or preventing the growth of cancer cells.
In addition, vegan dog food also helps in avoiding carcinogens like heterocyclic amines, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons that are formed when the meat is cooked at high temperatures.
- Better dental health
Vegan dog food makes dogs’ teeth better as it helps in reducing the tartar and plaque buildup which often leads to gum disease, bad breath, or tooth decay. In addition, vegan dog food retains vitamin C that helps make the gums strong and stop bleeding. It can also help avoid starches and sugars that can feed the bacteria in a dog’s mouth and cause dental issues.
- Longer lifespan
A vegan dog food has an optimal nutrition distribution and no presence of animal proteins like meat beef, or other toxic ingredients in the recipe. This prospect makes sure that the dogs maintain a healthy weight and that their overall health condition also remains steady.
There is less stress on different organs and also, no joint issues when a dog has vegan dog food. In addition, they also provide antioxidants that help protect dogs’ cells and prevent them from ageing or damage, thus extending their lifespan.
These were some of the perks of using vegan dog food for your furry friend. Now, there is one ethical benefit of using vegan dog food, you are reducing the demand for meat-based food products that are made in cruel ways. You are also saving the environment while not picking a meat-based dog food product.
Drawbacks of using vegan dog food
Dog owners choose vegan dog food for their furry friends for different reasons. Some prefer it for improving their health while some choose it because of ethical perspective and save the environment.
Regardless, there are some drawbacks of using vegan dog food for dogs that dog owners must know. This may help in making them a decision whether or not the theory should switch their dog’s diet or not. Below are some of the drawbacks of using vegan dog food:
- Protein deficiency
Protein is crucial for dogs to maintain their muscle mass, skin coat health, immune system and overall health. Vegan dog food does have protein-based ingredients but, is not as complete as animal-based sources. So, a lack of amino acids from a vegan dog food diet can result in protein deficiency and compromise their coat, cause muscle loss, or increase the risk for infection.
- Vitamins and minerals deficiency
A vegan dog food diet may lack some crucial vitamins and minerals that are needed for maintaining good health in dogs. A dog will get less iron, calcium, vitamin B12, iodine, and zinc while having vegan food. This can compromise their bone health, and also cause issues with blood formation, thyroid function, and the immune system.
- L-carnitine and Taurine deficiency
These two amino acids are significant for a dog’s metabolism, vision, and heart function. They are mainly found in animal tissues like fish, eggs, and dairy products. Vegan dog food does provide L-carnitine and Taurine but not enough to match the required levels. Lack of these amino acids will elevate the risk of a heart condition called DCM (dilated cardiomyopathy). This condition makes dogs’ hearts weak and enlarged.
- Digestive problems
Dogs’ digestive tract is short and simple in comparison with humans. They can adapt to animal-based food products and may have difficulty digesting vegan dog food. Some dogs may adjust to the food but, some might face issues like soft stools, bloating, gas, or diarrhoea.
FAQs
What is the general cost of vegan dog food UK?
The general cost of vegan dog food in the UK is between £2 to £10. One can easily find suitable vegan dog food within this price range. However, based on the quantity, brands, demand, availability and other factors, the price range can elevate significantly. A simple example of this is – a vegan dog food pack of 70lb will cost you roughly £10, and, a pack of 350 lb can cost you about £50.
Are homemade vegan dog recipes beneficial for dogs?
Homemade vegan dog recipes can be useful for dogs if made with proper care. They can be beneficial for canines who have allergies or intolerances. Commercial vegan dog food packs follow an extensive process to include a variety of nutrition in their vegan dog food product that is suitable for every dog. So, to match the nutritional levels of individual dogs, a dog owner might have to add some supplements. A homemade vegan dog recipe provides the flexibility to adjust the quantity of the ingredients and tailor the best possible diet for the dogs.
What dog breeds cannot handle vegan dog food?
In general, there is no specific answer to which dog breeds cannot handle vegan dog food. Because every dog has different needs, sensitivities, and allergy issues. However, there have been instances where some dogs have shown heart problems after having a change in their regular diet i.e. having vegan dog food. Dog breeds like Doberman pinschers, boxers, and American cocker spaniels are susceptible to DCM (dilated cardiomyopathy). The vegan dog food has less taurine and L-carnitine so, the deficiency creates heart issues.
Why is vegan dog food expensive in the UK?
Vegan dog food doesn’t contain ingredients such as eggs, dairy, or honey. Some of them don’t even contain ingredients like corn, soy, or wheat in the mix. There are plant-based ingredients used in the mix and the brands producing vegan dog food have to compete with meat-based products that are subsidized by the uk government. In addition, the concept of vegan dog food is new and hence, very few companies have the equipment and relevant skills to invest in vegan dog food so, the production and maintenance cost for making vegan food for dogs makes the prices high.
Conclusive Remarks
Dog owners prefer vegan dog food for their dogs for different reasons like environmental, ethical, or health. They are made using plant-based ingredients and there is no presence of animal products like eggs, dairy, meat, or honey. Some of the vegan dog food products are hypoallergenic so, there is no presence of wheat or corn as well.
But, dogs have a tough time while transitioning from a regular good diet to a vegan food diet. So, before you plan on introducing the vegan diet food to your dog, you’ll have to consult with your vet or a nutritionist regarding the switching of diet. Because if you begin to feed vegan dog food to your furry friend randomly, they might face health issues. A professional opinion on this prospect is a must, and it will help you provide clarity on whether the vegan food dog is suitable for your furry friend or not.
Lastly, I hope the list curated by our team at Wewantdogs helped you find the best vegan dog food for your furry friend. If you pick a product, consult with your nutritionist or simply share your views or queries in the comments, I will be ready to assist you to help you get a better perspective on transitioning your dog to vegan dog food.
