PETA’s Complete Guide to Vegan Dog and Cat Food
Do you know a dog or cat who loves a tasty vegan meal just as much as you do? If you’re looking to add vegan food to your animal companion’s menu, look no further. Several companies offer nutritious vegan dog and cat food products that your animal companion is bound to gobble up. By feeding a nutritious vegan diet, you won’t be supporting the rape, abuse, and violent death that animals exploited in the food industry endure. After all, animals used for food are individuals who experience pain, hunger, fear, thirst, love, joy, and loneliness just like dogs, cats, and we do.
Can Dogs and Cats Be Vegan?
Yes! With the right planning and care, your dog or cat can be vegan. Of course, it’s important to ensure that their nutritional requirements are met. Dogs require two amino acids, L-carnitine and taurine, which are usually added to vegan dog foods or can be added as supplements. Vitamin A, taurine, and arachidonic acid are essential to maintaining a cat’s health, and they’re usually added to vegan cat foods or can be supplemented as well. Many vegan cats and dogs enjoy excellent health. One remarkable example is that of Bramble, a 27-year-old border collie whose vegan diet of rice, lentils, and organic vegetables earned her consideration by the Guinness Book of World Records as the world’s oldest living dog in 2002. You might want to consider trying out homemade recipes, which you can find online. But if that isn’t an option, check out these cat and dog food brands that have vegan options:
Vegan Dog Food Products
PawCo Foods
PawCo is on a mission to bring your canine companion fresh, balanced food that’s 100% vegan and made without animal testing. The brand is also environmentally conscious.
V-dog
V-dog is a 100% vegan-owned and -operated company offering a variety of dry kibble and treat options featuring superfood ingredients.
Amì
Amì has a number of vegan products for dogs, including kibble, canned food, cookies, and treats.
Petaluma
Producing traditional dog food leaves an environmental mess, but Petaluma is formulated to care for the planet as well as you care for your dog. It’s baked, plant-based, and protein-packed.
Benevo
Benevo offers both canned food and dry kibble options formulated with wheat-free ingredients and plant-based proteins.
Wysong Vegan
Wysong’s dry kibble consists of a variety of vegetables, grains, and added supplements.
Vegan Cat Food Products
Benevo
Benevo offers a dry kibble for cats in addition to its Benevo Duo canned food.
Wysong Vegan
Wysong’s vegan kibble is available for cats, too, and features brown rice, soybeans, potato protein, and a variety of seeds.
Helping Cats and Dogs Adjust to Vegan Food
Introduce the new food to your dog or cat gradually. Start by mixing the vegan food with the meat-based food they’re currently eating. Gradually increase the vegan food portion and decrease the portion of meat-based food over a period of one to two weeks. Many, but not all, dogs and cats do well on a vegan diet, so watch them closely to ensure that the new vegan food is agreeing with them. You may need to make adjustments if you notice skin, digestive, or other health problems. Try a different brand or recipe, and if necessary go back to feeding the previous diet.
