Vegetarian Pet Food - The Advantages and Disadvantages of Putting a Dog on a Vegetarian Diet

Vegetarian pet food, unlike most food intended for our pets, contains absolutely no meat or meat byproducts. Many pet owners are leery about feeding their dogs a strictly vegetarian diet. After all, dogs are generally perceived as being carnivores. However, for some dogs with certain health conditions such as allergies, a vegetarian food may indeed be the best choice.

Although scientifically classified as carnivores, dogs are opportunistic eaters and also omnivorous, meaning they can survive rather well without meat, provided they are given a balanced diet. A surprising number of dogs have allergies to animal products, and many are considered to be "meat sensitive". Moreover, countless others have digestive problems related to eating too much protein, making them prime candidates for a vegetarian diet. Besides alleviating allergies, some of the distinct advantages believed to come from feeding your dog a vegetarian diet include a longer life span, fewer problems such as heart and kidney conditions, and less risk of serious diseases such as cancer.

However, there are some drawbacks to a vegetarian dog food diet. This diet can lead to complications in some dogs such as protein, vitamin and mineral deficiencies, a poor functioning immune system, and weak bones. Because of this, it is extremely important to feed your dog a vegetarian diet that is well balanced with supplements, if necessary.

Beyond the issue of vitamin or mineral deficiencies, a commercial vegetarian dog food may cost quite a bit more than the usual array of brands containing meats. Although raw meat prepared at home can definitely be pricey depending on the size of your dog, most commercial brands contain only meat byproducts, which are considerably less expensive.

The following are three of the top brands of vegetarian dog food based on factors such as ingredients, price, and consumer opinion:


Wenaewe Adult Vegetarian Dry Dog Food is organic and hypoallergenic. It contains a blend of digestible grains, vegetables including broccoli, carrots, and red beets, vegetable oils, herbs, and all non-chemical preservatives. A 15-pound bag costs around $36.
Natural Balance L.I.D. Allergy Formula Vegetarian Dry Dog Food is touted by pet owners as an ideal solution for dogs with allergies to animal proteins. This blend contains ingredients like brown rice, oatmeal, pearled barley, dried kelp, and fresh green peas. A 15-pound bag of this vegetarian canine food costs around $28.
AvoDerm Natural Vegetarian Adult Dry Dog Food is designed for meat sensitive dogs. It is antioxidant rich and contains ingredients to promote healthy skin and coats. Some of the ingredients in this meat-free dog food from AvoDerm include avocado meal, carrots, pearled barley, peas, and potatoes. A 17.5-pound bag costs around $28.

Although many dogs thrive on an all vegetarian diet, you should look for signs of imbalances. These could include a dull, flaky coat, low energy levels, and digestive problems. You need to be sure that your dog is faring well on this diet and is as healthy as possible. You may want to consider adding supplements of carnitine, taurine, calcium, and vitamins such as B12 to your dog's vegetarian diet.

This article is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as official medical advice. You should always consult with your own veterinarian before making significant changes to your dog's diet.