Dry vegan dog food is hard to come by and expensive, but you can actually make it yourself. It is a long process, but it’s relatively straightforward and simple. It’s basically like making a giant cookie.
Dog’s Diet Needs
Most people think dogs need meat, but the truth is dogs are omnivores, and like people, they can thrive on plant-based foods as long as the foods are prepared properly.
Domesticated dogs co-evolved with humans over the course of thousands of years – some experts think as much as 100 thousand years – so their bodies are quite adept at processing many of the same foods we eat. However, dogs have shorter digestive tracts, so it’s important that the plant-based foods you feed them are well broken down beforehand. Otherwise, they won’t be able to properly digest them and absorb all the nutrients because the food will pass through them too quickly. So, you need to be picky about their diet.
Benefits and Downsides of Vegan Dog Food Made at Home
If you’re trying to feed your dog a vegan diet on a budget, the good news is many of the vegan foods that are good for dogs are also very cheap. These foods include beans, lentils, rice, oats, sweet potatoes, carrots, peanut butter, lettuce, and apples, just to name a few.
You could simply toss any combination of these foods in a food processor and feed them to your dog as a puree.
The only problem is, if the food is wet, you won’t be able to make and store it in large batches because it will eventually spoil if it’s not all consumed right away. Also, your dog might miss the crunchy satisfaction of dry food. But turning that doggie puree into dry dog food only requires a few extra steps. Essentially, you just have to bake it and dry it out. You just need a little bit of courage and effort to perform these.
Dog-Friendly Vegan Foods
- Beans
- Lentils
- Chickpeas
- Rice
- Oats
- Quinoa
- Wheat (some dogs may be allergic)
- Broccoli
- Spinach (in moderation)
- Lettuce
- Green Beans
- Cabbage
- Peas
- Potatoes (cooked)
- Carrots
- Zucchini
- Squash
- Cucumber
- Celery
- Bell Peppers
- Apples
- Pears
- Mango
- Watermelon
- Strawberries
- Blueberries
- Raspberries
- Oranges
- Pineapple
- Bananas (in moderation)
- Peanut Butter
- Sunflower Seeds
- Pumpkin Seeds
- Sesame Seeds
- Chia Seeds
- Flax Seeds
- Hemp Seeds
- Coconut Oil
Note: While peanut butter and seeds are on the list, dogs should not be fed nuts. Nuts can cause an upset stomach and digestive problems.
Suggested Read: Vegan Natural Flavoring
How to Make Dry Vegan Dog Food
The recipe below is just one example of dry vegan dog food you can make for your pup. I made it using the doggie-safe foods we just happened to have on hand at the moment. You can apply the methods to your own blend of ingredients specialized for your furry buddy and get the same results. I would even suggest changing the formula from time to time to ensure your dog gets a wide variety of nutrients. Plus you can broaden your knowledge about making these DIY recipes.
Homemade Dry Vegan Dog Food
Cook/Cool Time: 3 hours, 30 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 cups dried pinto beans
- 2 cups brown rice
- 1 large sweet potato, chopped
- 1 large carrot, chopped
- 1 cup lettuce
- 2 tbsp flax seeds
- 2 tbsp peanut butter
- 1 tbsp coconut oil
Instructions
- Cook dried beans and rice according to package directions.
- Add beans, potatoes, carrots, and flax seeds to a large pot and boil until potatoes and carrots are soft. Let cool.
- Add all ingredients to a food processor and puree.
- Grease a baking sheet with coconut oil and spread mixture over it in a thin layer. Bake at 350º F for 45 min. Remove from oven and flip. Reduce heat to 300º F and bake for another 45 min. Remove from oven and break into piece. Reduce heat to 200º F and bake pieces until they are completely dry – about 30 to 60 min.
Notes
This recipe makes a small batch. We have a 60 lb athletic dog that eats a lot, and it lasted her about 2 days. Now that we know she likes it, the next time we make it, I will scale it up about 10 times so that it lasts about a month.
It is very important that the food is completely dry. If there is any moisture in it, it will get moldy after a few days. Store it in a Tupperware contain in the fridge for maximum freshness and shelf life.
http://veganfoodlover.com/homemade-dry-vegan-dog-food-recipe/
© VeganFoodLover.com
Disclaimer: We are not saying this is the only food you should feed your dog. Dogs need a well-balanced diet. Make sure your dog is eating a wide variety of foods and getting all the nutrients they need.
You might also wanna check out related articles like Vegan Gelato Recipes, Vegan Coconut Curry, Vegan Sausage Potato Soup, and more.
FAQs
Vegan dog food may incorporate the use of fruits, vegetables, cereals, legumes including soya, nuts, vegetable oils, as well as any other non-animal based foods.
Can I make dry dog food at home? ›
Homemade Dog Kibble
- 1 cup and 1 tablespoon (200 g) brown rice.
- ½ cup (100 g) lentils.
- 5 cups (1¼ liters) water.
- 3 medium carrots (200 g), peeled and chopped.
- 1 medium sweet potato (200 g), scrubbed and chopped.
- 1 apple, peeled, cored, and chopped, or ½ cup (100 g) unsweetened applesauce.
- ¾ cup (100 g) steel-cut oats.
As long as they're consuming the essential nutrients in the correct amounts and ratios, dogs can be vegan, vegetarian, or meat-eaters,” Swanson says. “Knowledge of ingredient composition and nutrient needs are critical, however.
How to cook for vegan dog? ›
Add the ingredients to pressure cooker in order: beans, rice, lentils, oats (for dogs over 7 years old, if using) peas, green beans, broccoli, and spinach plus water. Cook for 12 minutes with natural release. It can take almost 45 minutes for the pressure to come down and release.
What do vets think of vegan dog food? ›
Nutritional requirements of pets
While it is theoretically possible, the British Veterinary Association does not recommend giving a dog a vegetarian or a vegan diet as it is much easier to get the balance of essential nutrients wrong than to get it right.
What do vets say about vegan dogs? ›
“I do not recommend vegan/vegetarian diets for dogs,” veterinarian Dr. Kaite Pagan of Heart + Paw told Outward Hound. “Dogs are omnivores and thrive on both plant and animal diets. We risk our furry friends becoming nutritionally deficient on vegan or vegetarian diets.”
What not to put in homemade dog food? ›
There is a wide variety of unhealthy and unsafe foods to avoid when preparing meals for your dog. Potentially toxic ingredients are of special concern, including chocolate, xylitol, avocado, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, and macadamia nuts.
What are the best ingredients to put in homemade dog food? ›
Proper Nutrition for Dogs
- At least 10% protein, such as chicken, turkey, fish, lean beef.
- Up to 50% carbohydrates, such as rice, pasta, and potatoes (also provides some fiber)
- About 2.5-4.5% fiber, which can come from vegetables like peas, green beans, and carrots.
- At least 5.5% fat, usually in the form of vegetable oil.
Your pet needs protein (animal meat, seafood, dairy, or eggs), fat (from meat or oil) and carbohydrates (grains or vegetables). They also need calcium (from dairy or an ingredient such as egg shells), and essential fatty acids (from certain plant oils, egg yolks, oatmeal, and other foods).
What do vegans feed their dogs with? ›
Look for a commercial vegan dog food that meets these minimum requirements. Instead of meat, check for high-protein plant ingredients like beans or legumes. Plant protein concentrates like potato protein, pea protein, or soy protein isolate can also help meet your dog's protein requirements.
Just like in humans, sudden changes in diet can lead to stomach upsets so try transitioning your dog slowly. Mix half vegan food with half animal meat and gradually increase the percentage of the plant-based portion.
How long can dogs be vegan? ›
Researchers from the University of Guelph collected and analysed data from over 1,400 dog guardians across Canada and the US for the study which found that dogs on plant-based diets had a mean lifespan of 14.1 years, based on a sample of 103 dogs, compared to a mean 12.6 years for those on meat-based diets.
Do I need to add vitamins to homemade dog food? ›
Therefore, when you make or create your own dog food, most veterinarians recommend adding a multivitamin for homemade dog food to balance out the nutrients. Many recipes will start with a standard base mix for homemade dog food and then allow you to add vitamins and supplements as needed afterward.
Can dogs eat kidney beans? ›
Yes, dogs can eat cooked kidney beans in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Kidney beans offer protein, fiber, and antioxidants beneficial for dogs. Some dogs may find the texture of kidney beans unpleasant. Never feed your dog raw kidney beans, as they can be toxic.
What vegetables are good for dogs? ›
What Vegetables Can Dogs Eat?
- Beets. Beets, which are packed in nutrients, are often found in commercial dog food. ...
- Bell Peppers. Bell peppers are made up of 92% water and packed with nutrients, including vitamins A, E, B6, potassium and folate. ...
- Broccoli. ...
- Carrots. ...
- Celery. ...
- Green Beans. ...
- Peas. ...
- Spinach.
Some authors say that in order to really fulfill the commitment to "ensure the health and welfare of animals," veterinarians should practice veganism, which has been characterized as a philosophy and way of life that rejects animal exploitation and cruelty. However, others believe that going vegan is a choice.
What supplements do vegan dogs need? ›
Top supplements to add
TAURINE AND L-CARNITINE NEEDS SUPPLEMENTING AS WELL AS VIT B12, ZINC, IRON, SULPHUR AMINO ACIDS SUCH AS METHIONINE AND CALCIUM AS WELL AS PROBIOTICS FOR A HEALTHY GUT MICROBIOME – JUST BE KIND SUPPLEMENT SUPPLIES ALL OF THESE.
Can dogs digest plant protein? ›
FACT: Dogs need protein, but it doesn't have to come from meat. Plant foods like peas, lentils, and chickpeas are high in protein and easily digestible for dogs. Dog food companies have been using these plant-based protein sources for decades, and dogs in India have been on meatless diets for centuries.
Why plant-based dog food? ›
Scientific evidence shows that plant-based foods can provide all the nutrients, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that dogs need to stay healthy, whilst offering a clean, transparent and sustainable alternative to meat-based diets …it could be a great first step in helping your dog to a longer life and better health.
