A dog that is able to chew is able to keep his mind occupied and keep him from chewing on inappropriate objects – say, the couch, or your favorite dress shoes.

If you’re transitioning to a vegan diet, however, traditional dog chews are likely to clash with your new lifestyle – they’re typically made with things like rawhide, pigs’ ears, and cow’s hooves.

Luckily, there are plenty of safe dog chews on the market to help keep Fido entertained, ranging from all-natural sweet potato chews to durable Nylon-based toys.

Read on to learn more about our favorite chews.

Article NavigationTop Vegan Dog Chew BrandsSam’s Yams Veggie RawhideSnook’s Organic Sweet Potato Dog ChewKONG Goodie Bone Dog ToyNylabone Dura Chew WishboneThings to Consider When Buying a Chew1. Ingredients2. Country of Origin3. Size4. Durability5. TasteAnimal-Friendly Dog Chews

Top Vegan Dog Chew Brands

Sam’s Yams Veggie Rawhide

Rawhide bones are an iconic dog chew, but in addition to being unsuitable for a vegan home, they can also be harmful to dogs’ digestive tracts.

Sam’s Veggie Rawhide provides the same comforting chew, without the potential for tummy trouble.

Made from thick-cut sweet potato slices, the chews are low in calories, high in antioxidants, and have a ridged texture to promote healthy teeth and gums.

The chews won’t stain your carpet, and won’t get soggy and smelly the way traditional rawhide does. The chews are made in the United States, and come in 5- and 14-ounce bags.

What We Love

Even picky dogs love the taste of these chews – reviewers note that even dogs with the most discerning palettes go bonkers for the things. You won’t have to worry about your dog tiring of the flavor or getting bored, as dogs almost universally love the taste of sweet potatoes.

The Downside

While these chews are healthy and nutritious, they aren’t the chew to turn to if you need to keep your dog occupied for a long time. Dogs tend to chew through them quickly, so they’re best used for dental health rather than keeping your dog busy.

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Snook’s Organic Sweet Potato Dog Chew

A safe and natural option for your dog, Snook’s Sweet Potato Dog Chews are exactly as they sound – made from non-GMO dried golden sweet potato, these chews are appropriate for dogs that are 20-60 pounds.

Because they’re made in the United States and don’t contain any plastics or chemicals, your dog can rip these apart and ingest the pieces, unlike a chew made from manmade materials.

The chew consists of eight sweet potato rounds on a handy rope.

What We Love

Aside from being natural and non-GMO, sweet potatoes are great foods for dogs, rich in vitamins and minerals they need. These chews are not only good for dogs’ dental health, but also for their digestive health.

The Downside

Be mindful of how many rounds your dog is eating – some reviewers’ dogs experienced gastric issues and vomiting after tearing through all eight rounds. If you’re worried, take the rounds off the rope and give them to your dog one at a time.

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Zuke’s Z-Bone Box Treat

Especially effective against bad breath in the mouth and gut, Zuke’s Z-Bones are grain-free dental chews for dogs in all shapes and sizes.

The chews are made with whole foods like apple, spinach, and turmeric, while parsley, rosemary, and fennel support a clean mouth and fresh breath. The texture of the bones themselves help polish teeth and maintain healthy gums, creating a healthier mouth inside and out.

These chews are a little more tender than some harder-to-destroy products out there, so if you’re looking for a chew that will provide hours of entertainment for your dog, this product may not fit the bill. These are, however, an ideal chew for short car rides, or simply when you’re bonding with your dog and have a few minutes to supervise his chewing time.

Zuke’s Z-Bones are available in Apple and Fruit flavors are made in the United States and can satisfy a variety of dogs – from five-pound yorkies to 70+ pound pit bulls.

What We Love

These chews are like little scrubbers for dog teeth! In addition to providing them with entertainment and stimulation, reviewers note the huge difference these chews make on their dogs’ teeth and gums. Regular chewers reported less buildup on teeth and fresher breath.

The Downside

While the reviews for this product are overwhelmingly positive, a handful of owners noted their dogs threw up after consuming these chews. If your dog has a sensitive stomach, start them out slowly with these chews, and be sure to supervise them while they’re in chew mode.

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KONG Goodie Bone Dog Toy

Kong chews come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and are usually made from a medium-hard rubber that provides a satisfying chew and is resistant to breaking and shredding.

Most types of these chews are hollowed out on the inside so that you can tuck a treat or a smear of peanut butter on the inside.

By adding the food aspect, your dog won’t get bored as quickly with the toy; his brain will be stimulated to get at the treat, and you’ll be able to keep him occupied for a long time.

Kong products are made in the United States and are available in different sizes for tiny toy breeds to extra-large Newfoundlands and Great Danes.

What We Love

Kong bones step up the mental stimulation aspect of chewing. Because you can hide something in the hollowed-out portion of the Kong, you can keep your dog busy much longer than you could with a just a solid chew. The fillable chew is a good tool to have on hand for long car rides or when you have company.

The Downside

Reviewers note that very large dogs and powerful chewers can easily destroy some Kong toys. If your dog is a large breed, or destroys many toys with ease, you may want to look for a more durable product, so the Kong doesn’t pose a choking hazard or cause digestive distress if eaten.

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Nylabone Dura Chew Wishbone

Nylabone’s Dura Chew products offer a vegan-friendly chew for extra large breeds and powerful chewers that have a tendency to destroy even “durable” toys and chews.

The chews have been designed with your dog’s dental health in mind – in addition to being a medium-hard texture for comfortable chewing, the toy is covered in raised bristles to help clean teeth and remove plaque and tartar buildup.

The chews are extremely light, especially considering their durability, and is available in small/medium and large/extra large sizes.

What We Love

Nylabone is extremely durable – even when chewed on by the strong jaws of danes and pit bulls. This means you’re getting good value for your dollar (some reviewers reported getting 2-4 months out of a single bone!), but it’s also safer for your dog, as they won’t ingest any part of the toy.

The Downside

Dogs, like people, have particular tastes when it comes to flavors. Some purchasers noted their dog didn’t care for the flavor of these chews, so you may need to try a few versions before settling on one your dog enjoys.

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Things to Consider When Buying a Chew

While the products listed above are our top picks for vegan-friendly dog chews, there are countless options available online, as well as at your local pet retailer.

When considering whether or not a certain dog chew is right for your pet, there are several important qualities to keep in mind – not only to make sure your dollar is going as far as it can but also to ensure the safety of your four-legged best friend.

1. Ingredients

With the spotlight focused on natural, “clean” eating, this has of course extended even to the diets of our pets. While the inclusion of whole foods, like sweet potatoes, into chew toys is a smart move for your dog’s health, there are certain foods that are toxic to dogs and should be avoided in anything that’s going to go in your dog’s mouth.

Even though they sound tasty to humans, the following foods can be fatal to your dog:

• Avocado
• Chocolate
• Coffee/caffeine
• exclamation-triangleCitrus
• exclamation-triangleCoconut (not fatal, but can cause stomach problems)
• exclamation-triangleGrapes/raisins
• exclamation-triangleNuts, especially macadamia
• exclamation-triangleOnion/garlic
• exclamation-triangleArtificial sweeteners
• exclamation-triangleYeast dough

In addition to ingredients that are toxic to dogs, you’ll want to be on the lookout for animal products in the chews. Look for the usual offenders, like milk powder and chicken broth, but also sneakier ingredients like glycerin, which are often sourced from animal ingredients.

2. Country of Origin

Several years ago, thousands of pets died after eating Chinese jerky chews tainted with melamine, a toxic ingredient which was meant to boost the protein content of pet food as cheaply as possible.

While most of the reports came from chicken, beef, and duck jerkies, sweet potato chews were also found to contain the poisonous ingredient.

While pet products must now go through more rigorous testing as a result of the pet deaths, it doesn’t mean your pet is entirely safe.

Check the back of the package to see where your chews were manufactured, and if they were made in China, toss them out or put them back on the shelf. Buying chews made in the United States may cost a little more, but your dog’s life is not worth saving a buck or two.

3. Size

Dogs come in all shapes and sizes, from tiny toy breeds to huge dogs that rival small ponies. Just as you can’t give an extra-large chew to a very small dog, giving a tiny chew to a big dog means they won’t get the same chew time from the smaller chew and could wind up ingesting some or too much of the toy.

Look on the chew’s packaging to see the weight range that particular product is suitable for. This will not only make sure your dog won’t completely destroy the thing, but giving them the size chew that’s right for their body type means their chew time will be more enjoyable, and they’ll be more likely to use the toy.

4. Durability

Think about your dog’s personality and the strength of her jaw. Is she more laid back, and doesn’t show a lot of interest in toys, or has she ripped apart every single chew you’ve ever gotten for her?

If your dog is a strong chewer, she’ll need a high-durability chew that can stand up to her jaws, so she still gets enough chew time to keep her teeth and gums healthy.

However, too durable of a bone for a dog that has little interest in chews and toys might be a waste of money, as she could get bored, or it may be too hard for her to eat. Make sure you’re giving your dog the type of chew she needs based on her interest and strength.

5. Taste

Just like people, some dogs are picky eaters, and are either averse to certain tastes, or need a little flavor boost to stay interested. Some chews come pre-flavored, while others need some help from a tucked-away treat or a good glob of peanut butter.

Try a few different varieties of chew flavors and see which one(s) your dog likes best. Changing things up not only allows you to see what kind of flavors your dog enjoys but will also keep them from getting bored.

Animal-Friendly Dog Chews

Your dog depends on you to provide him with the things he needs, and this includes products that allow him to get in much-needed chew time for mental stimulation and dental hygiene.

Of course, these responsibilities as a pet owner can coexist with responsibilities as a member of the animal kingdom – you can provide for your dog without having to promote the suffering of other animals.

Whether you’re looking for a completely natural chew made from nutritious sweet potatoes, or need an extremely durable nylon-based chew to stand up to powerful jaws, there is a variety of options available on the market for a vegan-friendly chew.

By choosing a chew that is animal-friendly not only to your dog, but also to cows, pigs, and chickens, you’re standing up for animals who have not yet received complete protection in the eyes of humans, and showing that there are growing demands for chew toys that are healthy, safe, and kind.

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No milk, meat, or egg products. No leather or silk. No makeup that’s been tested on animals, or contains animal products.

Things start to get a little murky, however, when it comes to feeding those in our care – namely, our pets.

While dogs can thrive on a plant-based diet, cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they have no choice but to eat meat, and cannot survive on a diet that does not include animal products.

While it can be uncomfortable for an ethical vegan to have to purchase cat food made from animals, it is ultimately our responsibility as pet owners to provide our companion animals with the foods they need to keep them healthy.

Quick NavigationWhy Do Cats Need Meat?What Happens If I Make my Cat Vegan?Isn’t It Hypocritical for a Vegan to Feed Their Pet Meat?So What Should a Vegan Feed a Pet Cat?Purchasing Local Meat​Supplements to add to meat-based mealsCommercial frozen/refrigerated mealsVeganism and Companion Animals

Why Do Cats Need Meat?

The “obligate” in “obligate carnivore” means a necessity, or required for survival. When it comes to meat in the feline diet, the obligate is a deliberate choice of words.

Thanks to a long family line of ancestors who only ate meat, the domestic cat’s digestive system evolved over time, eventually losing the ability to create the amino acids and vitamins on their own the way herbivores and omnivores do.

A raw meat diet provides cats with vitamins and fatty acids in a pre-formed state, so they don’t have to worry about making vitamin A from beta-carotene – vitamin A comes that way in meat.

The same goes for the nutrients taurine and arginine, two essential nutrients in the cat’s diet that come almost exclusively in animal foods, as well as high amounts of protein. In fact, arginine is so critical to the cat’s diet that a meal without it can lead to death.

A single meal might sound dramatic, but it’s certainly not an exaggeration – the cat’s digestive system has also adjusted its length to adapt to a diet consisting of only raw flesh. Cats have the shortest digestive tract compared to body size of almost anything in the animal kingdom. Because meat is simple and efficient to digest, cats lost the need for metabolic activities and fermenting bacteria in the gut responsible for breaking down plant matter.

In the true sense of “use it or lose it” the evolution of cats chose to “lose it” – because the diet contains no carbohydrates, their bodies don’t need to be able to break them down

What Happens If I Make my Cat Vegan?

Taurine, one of the amino acids in meat, is an essential nutrient in a cat diet. Taurine occurs almost entirely in animal tissue, mainly the heart and liver, and it cannot be consumed in adequate amounts through plants. When cats are deficient in taurine, it can cause serious health problems, including cardiovascular disease and blindness.

Some vegan and vegetarian cat owners try to implement a taurine supplement into their cat’s otherwise vegan diet. However, this does not fulfill the animal’s requirement for that amino acid.

It is the equivalent of a human eating nothing but iceberg lettuce and taking a synthetic multivitamin – it’s simply not a substitute for whole, nutritious foods, and is meant to be an addition to a healthy diet, rather than the cornerstone of nutrition.

The same goes for supplements in a cat’s diet.

Isn’t It Hypocritical for a Vegan to Feed Their Pet Meat?

Simply put? No. It’s not hypocritical or “unvegan” because:

• Veganism is a choice we make about our own lives, not others’
• Cats don’t have a moral compass and are incapable of having beliefs about right and wrong
• Cats have a physiological need for meat, and feeding them anything else would be harmful to their health
• A cat does not eat meat because of pleasure – it eats that way because that’s what is in its natural wiring

People go vegan for a multitude of reasons – some are ethical vegans, abstaining from animal products because they don’t want to cause harm, all the way to vegans who strive for personal health and the good of the environment.

Despite the difference in the reason why these motivations share a common thread – the fact that these are decisions each of these people are making over their own diet and life.

Veganism, and any ideology is a uniquely human characteristic – we are the only animals in the kingdom capable of having beliefs and a moral compass. In fact, we can consider a common argument used against veganism – that it’s natural. The common image used is the lion eating a zebra, the top of the food chain. But, we know this is a strawman argument – the lion doesn’t eat the zebra out of pleasure or enjoyment, he does so only because he needs to to survive, and he doesn’t have a moral compass that tells him whether eating the zebra is right or wrong. This is no different for our cats.

You can’t force ideology on a cat. Your cat doesn’t know right from wrong, whether that’s eating meat or knocking your glass of water off the table. Unlike humans, cats have a biological, physical need for the nutrients in meat – it is not just that they like the way it tastes, or they never really liked vegetables very much. Feeding your cat a vegan diet would be like trying to feed grass to a human – their bodies simply can’t digest it, and nothing more.

Ultimately, your cat’s diet is not a reflection of how “vegan” you are – it would be like comparing apples to oranges. Humans can choose to eat a vegan diet because they can digest and use the nutrients from carbohydrates and because they feel eating animal products is somehow wrong, whether for the sake of the animals or otherwise.

Feeding your cat a meat-based diet does not somehow kick you out of the vegan club – in fact, it makes you a better vegan since you are providing your pet, who is in your care, with what they need to stay healthy. You can, however, apply vegan ideals to shopping for your cat’s food by doing your research, making compassionate choices, and buying pet food that does not come from factory farmed animals.

So What Should a Vegan Feed a Pet Cat?

While we must choose cat food that contains meat and animal products, there are “better” choices than traditional canned wet food or kibble made from factory-farmed animals. Food options for vegan cat owners, starting with the “best” option, are:

• Homemade pet meals made from local meat and supplements
• Free-range, hormone-free, commercially available pet food, usually frozen or refrigerated
• Canned free-range, hormone-free pet foods

It’s important to remember that the ultimate goal of veganism is not perfection, rather, it is to create as little suffering in the world as possible.

Looking for the most compassionate meat-based cat food is an exercise in such a task – we have no choice but to choose something that contains meat, but we can make it as humane as possible.

Purchasing Local Meat​

The best, most compassionate choice a vegan cat parent could make would be to purchase meats from a farmer they know – perhaps from a vendor at the farmer’s market, or a nearby food co-op.

Get to know the farmer and ask questions about the living conditions of the animals, so you can get a better sense of how they live.

Consider purchasing organ meats from these farmers, as liver, kidney, and other offal are incredibly nutritious for your cat and aren’t usually purchased by humans who choose to eat meat. In this sense, you would be helping use the entire animal that would have been slaughtered for meat anyway, and letting nothing go to waste.

If you would prefer not to purchase livestock from a farmer, consider partnering with a hunter, or choosing food made from animals that cannot be raised with battery farming methods.

These types of animals include:

• Sheep
• Bison
• Deer (venison)
• Quail
• Elk

While it may seem counterintuitive to buy meat from someone who hunts, remember that a hunted animal lives almost its entire life in normalcy, doing what it wants and what comes naturally to it.

This is an excellent option for those who want to give their cats the food they need, but feel conflicted about supporting a business that profits from keeping animals in cages.

It is just about as close to natural as you can get.

Supplements to add to meat-based meals

Note that if you feed your cat a homemade meal with local meats, you’ll need to add supplements – like the meat itself, this is non-negotiable.

You can add a pre-mixed supplement to your own meat and organ mixture, or choose the cost-effective option of creating your own supplement mix using taurine, fish oil, and vitamin B. You can find sample supplement blends and recipes on feline-nutrition.org.

It’s important to reiterate that supplementation in ground meats is not optional. If you fail to add supplements, you will kill your cat.

Commercial frozen/refrigerated meals

For those too busy to mix up their own ground meat and supplements, or who do not have a local source of humanely raised meats, commercial refrigerated and/or frozen meals are an option.

These meals are complete and do not require supplementation. If possible, look for varieties that are grain-free – it’s better suited for your cat’s digestive system.

Here are a few recommended brands:

• Aunt Jeni – Available in chicken, turkey, beef, or rabbit, Aunt Jeni products use free-range meats that are completely free of hormones and antibiotics. Note that the carbohydrate content of this food is 3-4%, as it contains some fruits, vegetables, and seeds, so see how your cat reacts or get your vet’s opinion. These meals are available at stores or will ship frozen to your door when you purchase on Amazon.
• Bravo – Offering complete foods in turkey, chicken, and beef varieties, all the poultry in these meals is hormone and antibiotic free, and the beef comes from grass-fed cows. Like Aunt Jeni’s, Bravo has about a 3-4% carbohydrate content, so get your vet’s opinion when introducing this into your cat’s diet.
• Rad Cat Raw Diet – A completely grain- and vegetable-free blend, Rad Cat uses all natural, free- and pasture-raised meats. The animals are completely hormone and antibiotic free, and the products are available in turkey, chicken, and lamb.

If none of these options are available, look for canned food that is either made from one of the non-factory-farmed animals listed above, or that has the phrases “free-range” or “pasture-raised” on the labeling.

It is true that these free-range, organic, and compassionate foods will be more expensive than low-grade alternatives. However, it is well worth the increase in price. Not only does it ensure the animals used in that food are treated more humanely, and live more decent lives than factory-farmed animals, but it will also mean that you are providing higher quality nutrition for your cat.

And, because veganism is about being the best stewards of the animal kingdom possible, this is a no-brainer when it comes to our responsibilities as pet owners.

Veganism and Companion Animals

In some cases, our beloved pets can survive and thrive on completely plant-based diets.

Unfortunately, because they are obligate carnivores and need meat to survive, it is not possible to feed a vegan diet to a cat and keep it healthy.

It’s important to keep this in mind if you are vegan and considering adopting a cat, or if you already own a cat and are transitioning to a plant-based way of life, you can make compassionate choices while still giving your cat the food it needs to be healthy and nourished.

Remember – veganism is not about perfectionism, it is about creating as little suffering possible.

Because your cat requires nutrients from meat to survive, the best thing you can do is to look for meats from local farmers, hunters, or choose products that are made from animals that cannot be factory farmed.

Being true to vegan values and a good cat parent can coexist – simply do your research, provide your cat, which is dependent on you for well-being, with what it needs, and do the best you can – that is the ultimate goal of an ethical vegan lifestyle.

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So, why is it, when we go shopping for our beloved dog’s food and treats, we still reach for that roll of glutinous meat and animal-based kibble?

That sense of guilt for buying a product that resulted in animal suffering is often accompanied by a self-assurance that our pet needs meat-based products to get proper nutrition, after all, they’re an animal.

However, just like humans, dogs can not only survive but thrive on a plant-based diet.

By switching to dog products that are 100% vegan, your best friend will have an increased quality of health, lowering the risk of serious illness and as a bonus, saving you the cost of expensive health-related vet bills.

Next time you’re looking to reward your dog with their favorite treat, forego the grotesque pig ears or liver snaps and choose the healthier vegan option.

Listed below are five highly rated vegan dog treats that your pooch will surely love.

Old Mother Hubbard Crunchy Classic Natural Dog Treats

Our #1 Pick!

Commencing our list, and one of the most popular on Amazon is the oven baked vegan dog treats from the Old Mother Hubbard Baking Co., an organisation that has ninety years of dog food manufacturing history.

This small treat may look like an ordinary bone shaped doggy snack, but it packs quite a punch.

The crunchy biscuit contains an array of natural vegetables and fruits such as sweet potato, apples, and parsley along with flaxseed, whole wheat flour and oatmeal to guarantee your favorite pooch gets not only a delicious reward but one that is the most beneficial.

Overall, a fantastic wholesome, natural snack!

What We Love

This snacks are very hard and crunchy.  Consumers have applauded the ideal hardness of the bone, and the fact that it takes their dog a reasonable amount of time to consume this snacks.

That’s always a bonus, as your four-legged friend will be satisfied with one treat for longer, or if need be, your dogs can be easily distracted for a few minutes if you need to do something without their attention.

The Downside

The treats are very small.  These treats may be best suited for smaller dogs as consumers were surprised at how very small these treats were after purchasing them. Though consumers agree that their dogs approve of the yumminess of the treats, if you have a bigger pooch, one treat may not be enough to satisfy them. However, an upside to this flaw is that they would be perfect for training new (or old) puppies as a quick and plentiful reward.

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V-Dog Vegan Breathbones Dog Treats

These handy dog treats are not only a tasty treat for your dog, but they also act as a breath freshener!

V-Dog Breathbones are a natural hard chew that becomes soft as your pooch licks and chews them.

They are packed with a wholesome array of superfoods including broccoli, sweet potato, carrots, pumpkin, spinach, cinnamon and chia seeds for your dog’s nutritional needs, as well as brown rice flour to make sure your pooch is 100% satisfied.

It contains the perfect combination of protein, fiber, and fat to give your pooches health that extra kick.

What We Love

The cinnamon! This multi-purpose dog treat leaves your dog’s breath smelling fresh with the aroma of cinnamon, as well as the added parsley eliminating any lingering odors. This means you can play and cuddle with your dog without being turned off by any horrible odors!

The Downside

The expense. Many consumers have complained that the product is overpriced for the amount of dog chews provided in one package (6-10 depending on which size you buy). This is also a concern as other customers have complained that the company often have stock issues, and they often have to wait for a while for them to resupply. Some Breath Bone reviewers recommend to snap the treats in half so they last twice as long!

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Shaded Trails All Natural and Vegan Crunchy Dog Treats

Shaded Trails dog treats are not only vegan but grain-free ensuring that your pooch gets the right type of nutrition for their needs!

These circular human-grade cookies are all natural, containing no wheat, corn, fillers, soy, preservatives or artificial flavors.

Their most popular flavor, Peanut Butter & Banana, consists of only garbanzo bean flour, peanut butter, banana, flaxseed meal, coconut oil, molasses and filtered water.

This simple but perfect combination of ingredients guarantees that your best friend gets rewarded and appreciated without any nasties!

After all, Shaded Trails slogan is, “A treat should be a treat, not more meat!”

What We Love

These are delicious! Your dog might be peeved if he notices you digging into his favorite treats, but yes, consumers have said that these dog treats are even suitable for human consumption and are extremely tasty. After all, if you think it’s delectable, chances are, your dog will too!

The Downside

Consumers and reviewers (with paws and without) have raved about this product and have yet to find a flaw! They seem relatively new on the market and seem to be doing very well as a small San Diego based business. A possible step forward for the company could be producing bigger sized bags of dog treats as they seem very popular and there would be a market for larger sized quantities.

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threepaws GOURMET Organic and Vegan Dog Treats

Threepaws Confetti Bones are colorful, and aesthetically-pleasing dog snacks packed full of goodies.

The treats consist only of locally sourced organic ingredients including coconut flour, garbanzo bean flour, applesauce, peanut butter, coconut flakes, blueberries, beets, and turmeric.

Not only does the added turmeric give this treat anti-inflammatory properties it helps eliminate potent odors in your dog’s breath.

These treats are also free of grains, soy, all animal products or artificial colors or preservatives.

What We Love

We can see the flavor! What makes these dog treats so special is their colorful confetti-like pattern running through their wheat free flour base. What makes this confetti even more special is that each fleck is a 100% organic pieces of beets, blueberries or coconut!

The Downside

The cost! Most consumers agree that although their perfect pooches sure do love these treats, they are quite costly for the amount in the packet. Other consumers have complained that the bones are often smashed and broken before the packaging is even open.

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Grandma Lucys Organic Baked Dog Treats

These completely organic dog treats by Grandma Lucy’s are not manufactured in a factory but rather baked in a bakery by people who love and know their pets!

Since 1999, this company has prided itself on baking delicious and vegan dog treats for “man’s best friend.”

These human-grade cookies come in natural flavors such as Blueberry, Pumpkin, and Sweet Potato and Banana.

What We Love

It’s certified organic! Every single ingredient in these dog snacks is 100% USDA certified organic, ensuring that your dog receives the best quality ingredients for better health.

The Downside

There’s a whole lot of sugar. Even though they’re organic these cookies contain a lot of sugar, such as dehydrated cane juice, cane syrup, and rice starch. So if you are uncomfortable giving your pooch so much sugar, or wary that it might make them a little more hyper, this treat might not be ideal.

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Is it Safe for a Dog to be on a Vegan Diet?

Dogs are not solely carnivores, and most scientific research suggests that dogs are, in fact, omnivores. So, just like humans, dogs can not only exist on a carefully planned vegan diet but live their best possible life.

As you can see by the list above there are plenty of dog treat brands that strive to make vegan and cruelty-free options more readily available. There are also plenty of home-made recipes online that can help you make the perfect treat for your pooch.

A balanced vegan diet for a dog should include, rice, sweet potatoes, carrots, lentils and a wider abundance of fruit and vegetables as well as any other supplements a dog might need.

Just do proper research as some fruits and vegetables such as onion, grapes and avocado are known to be toxic to dogs.

How Can I Tell Whether My Dog Treats Are vegan?

Most conventional dog brands pride themselves on using real meat in their products or having meaty flavors. Therefore, when a product is cruelty-free, it will usually say it on the packet.

If you’re still unsure whether the treats contain animal products, you could always look at the ingredients list.  Look for ingredients that are fruit and vegetable based and are easy to pronounce.  Stay away from long ingredient lists that are hard to pronounce and chemical based as it’s usually not good for your dog’s health and it has a higher chance of not being vegan.

Choosing to give your dog cruelty-free and natural treats mean providing them with the best possible nutrition that they can get without the chemical toxins, ensuring that they have a long and happy life.

Today, more than ever, finding cruelty-free pooch snacks is easy, and there are plenty of varieties and flavors on offer to satisfy your unique best friend’s tastes.

The post Best Vegan Dog Treats & Biscuits appeared first on Urban Vegan.

vegan dog food?

Wait, what?

Yep, it’s true!, which means that it’s more convenient now than ever.

In addition to the convenience factor, purchasing a vegan dog food that’s been certified by the American Association of Feed Control Officials means you can have peace of mind that all your dog’s nutritional needs are being met by their diet. It takes a lot of the guesswork – and pressure – off of you, and ensures that they’re eating a sound diet that will sustain their health.

But how do you know which brands to give to your beloved pet?

We’ve rounded up the top five brands below:

Quick NavigationList of Vegan Dog Food BrandsBut Aren’t Dogs Carnivores?Animals Used in Pet FoodWhat Should I Feed My Vegan Dog?Homemade OptionsThriving Vegan Dogs

List of Vegan Dog Food Brands

Evolution Food for Dogs

Evolution Vegan Diet kibble is made in the U.S. and includes non-GMO ingredients like soy, oats and potato flakes. The formula also includes essential nutrients for dogs like taurine as well as plenty of minerals and vitamins for healthy digestion.

What We Love

Dogs love the stuff! This kibble has a 94% 5-star rating and is considered one of the best foods for transitioning your dog to a plant-based diet. Many reviewers note that they would feed their dogs meat if they thought it would harm them, but the blood tests and checkups while their dogs are eating this kibble come back pristine.

The Downside

If you can find this dog food locally, it may help you save a few bucks – shipping for a 40-pound bag of food can add up quickly, and the item is not usually available on Amazon Prime.

Natural Balance Vegetarian Dog Food

Available in Dry Kibble or Wet Food

Founded in 1989 by actor and animal activist Dick Van Patten, Natural Balance meat-free dog food comes in both wet food and dry kibble forms. The formula is 100% complete, so there’s no need to supplement your dog’s food with extra vitamins or nutrients, except by suggestion of your vet. The dry kibble is made from brown rice, oatmeal, potatoes, and green peas,

What We Love

Another winner as far as being dog-approved, many reviewers note that Natural Balance dry and wet foods helped their dogs’ itchy skin, loose stools, and gas (especially in flat-nose breeds like pugs). Also, both the dry kibble and ultra premium canned food are available on Amazon Prime, which helps save you time and money on shipping.

The Downside

Some reviewers note that, while their dogs love the taste and texture of the canned variety, some cans delivered via Amazon were badly damaged.

Available in Dry Kibble or Wet Food

V-Dog Vegan Kibble Dry Dog Food

A “kinder, healthier, greener” kibble, V-Dog is a highly rated brand that packs a dog-friendly 24% protein formula into their kibble. Amazon Prime members can have this 30-pound bag of kibble shipped for free to their doorstep in just two days.

What We Love

Out of 107 Amazon reviews, 83% are 5-star reviews – this formula is vegan pooch-approved! Additionally, V-Dog kibble packs a super wholesome ingredient list with recognizable components like peas, brown rice, oats, lentils, and millet. In fact, almost the entire ingredient list is easy-to-read, and even sounds tasty to people! Like Natural Balance, users also report that this food helps solve irritating skin and digestive issues in dogs.

The Downside

The bag the kibble comes in isn’t resealable, which can be frustrating when you’re buying in bulk. You’ll need a chip clip or a container to keep the food in to keep it fresh.

Halo Vegan Garden Medley Dry & Wet Dog Food

Available in Dry Kibble or Wet Food

Marketed as “stew for dogs”, Halo Dog Food is available in both wet and dry varieties. You can find both textures available on Amazon Prime, which gets the food to you faster, without having to pay expensive shipping fees.

What We Love

Halo’s Vegan Garden Medley blend is perfect for dogs with multiple food sensitivities. It’s made from nutrient rich chickpeas and peas, contains no animal or dairy fat, and is corn, wheat, and wheat gluten free. Owners of dogs with sensitive digestive systems, sleep issues or gas problems can use this food to alleviate those negative symptoms and help keep their food-sensitive dogs as healthy as possible!

The Downside

The dry food seems to be much more highly rated than the canned option. While it’s worth a try, some users note that the wet food tended to make gas and digestive problems worse, while the dry kibble seemed to alleviate those problems. If your dog is very sensitive to certain foods, choose the dry option.

Available in Dry Kibble or Wet Food

Nature's Recipe Healthy Skin Dry Dog Food

Nature’s Recipe uses healthy soybean meal as a primary source of high-quality protein. Their dry kibble blend is recommended for dogs with dermatological problems like itchy skin and a dull coat.

What We Love

Owners of itchy dogs, rejoice! This food formula has a solid 5-star review average, contains no corn, wheat, or artificial flavors, and boosts omega fatty acids to support healthy skin and fur. This is a great specialty blend for your dog without breaking the bank, as it’s one of the more affordable vegan dog blends available.

The Downside

While Nature’s Recipe is available on Amazon with free shipping, it is not available on Amazon Prime, so it may take a little longer to arrive on your doorstep.

UPDATE – September 2017:  Since posting this article, it has been brought to our attention that Nature’s Recipe is now available on Amazon Prime!

But Aren’t Dogs Carnivores?

It’s a little-known and much-confused fact that, while man’s best friend belongs to the order Carnivora, the domesticated dog is an omnivore. This means Fido can lead a healthy, happy life on a plant-based diet – just like us!

Dogs’ bodies have the ability to transform certain amino acids (the building blocks of protein) into the proteins they need, meaning their amazing little bodies can create them from plants while completely avoiding meat.

It’s important to note that while dogs can lead happy, healthy lives without meat, cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they cannot get the nutrients they need from plants alone. It is not safe to feed your cat a diet that does not contain meat.

Much of our thoughts on dogs’ eating habits are influenced by dog food advertising, which touts meat and less “filler”, or images of wolves surrounding a kill. But even wild wolves eat the grains from the stomachs of their prey and are known to eat the occasional berry during their travels, meaning their bodies are equipped to process plant foods.

When you look at the inner workings of your dog’s digestive system, it lends some insight into why dogs can be classified as omnivores – because meat is very easy to digest and doesn’t require much effort to break down, the intestinal tracts of true carnivores like cats tend to be very short.

Humans, horses, pigs, and dogs have slightly longer intestinal tracts, as plant matter takes more time and effort to break down and extract every last nutrient from fruits, vegetables, and grains.

This means that, from a health perspective alone, your dog can thrive on a completely plant-based diet (of course, with the right ratio of nutrients to meet his needs). For vegans, the health and safety of their dog are only one side of the coin.

Animals Used in Pet Food

There has been a massive movement of people who want to know all the details of how animals raised for meat and other products are fed, treated, and housed.

However, the details of animals used for pet food doesn’t tend to be something on people’s radar (yet) – and the pet food industry takes advantage of its ability to operate behind “closed doors”.

Most dry or wet pet food is a veritable slop of animals unfit for human consumption. Society seems to accept the idea that dogs’ food can be a lesser quality that humans, but most people don’t realize just how bad it gets.

About 50% of an animal’s body is designated as “safe” for human consumption. The rest of the animal is comprised of “undesirables”, which includes things like skin, guts, hooves, bones, brains, udders, even feces – the stuff they’re not even allowed to make low-grade hot dogs out of.

It’s shocking, but think about the math here – if you can spend $15 for 15 pounds of dog food, chances are the quality of the ingredients is going to reflect the price. These leftover parts, along with things like expired meats from grocery stores (styrofoam packaging and all), road kill, dead zoo animals, and even euthanized pets from animal shelters, all make their way to a rendering plant.

You can think of a rendering plant as a giant meat grinder where huge amounts of random dead things are tossed in, and some ground substance comes out. The slop is boiled, the fat is skimmed off, and it is relabelled as “meat and bone meal”, which is an acceptable ingredient to be used in livestock feed, pet food, and fertilizer.

It’s one of those sneaky ingredients that might appear on the back of your dog’s food, and you’d have no idea that it might contain ground up dead dogs. Aside from being gross, this means your dog could also be ingesting everything those animals consumed before him – which include antibiotics, steroids, and even sodium pentobarbital sodium, which is used to euthanize shelter animals.

Traditional commercial pet food goes against nearly every aspect of veganism – ultimately, someone who is otherwise vegan is purchasing the leftover product from the direct exploitation of animals.

Vegan or not, if the ingredient list on the bag listed “ground up dogs and cats”, would you feed it to your pet, much less spend hard-earned money on it?

I wouldn’t either.

What Should I Feed My Vegan Dog?

So, knowing that dogs can not only survive, but thrive on an entirely plant-based diet, any self-respecting vegan wouldn’t purchase traditional commercial pet food knowing the horrors of what’s included in a seemingly innocent bag or can.

It’s totally possible to shift your dog to a completely vegan lifestyle.

But what about making sure your friend gets the necessary nutrients he needs?

Dog nutrition isn’t something we tend to think about very often, but if you’re thinking of making the switch from traditional to plant-based dog food, it’s of the utmost importance to do your research and make sure you’re giving your dog everything he needs to be healthy.

After all, your dog is completely dependent on you for his nutrition, and it’s the responsibility of every dog owner, vegan or otherwise, to ensure the health and safety of their pet.

Whether you plan to go a homemade option or purchase vegan dog food at the store, your first step should be consulting your veterinarian on successfully transitioning your dog to a plant-based diet.

While dogs can ultimately thrive on plants like you and me, their nutrition needs, like protein and micronutrients are different than ours, so you’ll want to consult your vet on exactly the right ratios and amount of food for your dog.

Homemade Options

If you’ve talked to your vet, done your research, and are planning to make homemade vegan dog food, you should focus the bulk of the recipe on high-quality proteins and grains.

Dog-friendly plant proteins include legumes like lentils and pinto beans, while sweet potatoes and long-grain rice complete the protein and are good for your vegan dog. A little vegan-friendly peanut butter can help entice dogs who are used to a meat-based meal into digging in while you’re transitioning them from typical dog food.

For a recipe template, try this formula from PETA and adjust based on your dogs’ weight.

While you do have some flexibility as to exactly which foods you choose to include in your homemade dog food recipe, it’s important to note that some foods beloved by healthy vegan humans are toxic to dogs.

You should never include alcohol, avocado, chocolate, caffeine, citrus, coconut, grapes/raisins, nuts, onions, garlic, chives, xylitol, or yeast – the side effects of these foods can range anywhere from an upset stomach and diarrhea to death, so take care to avoid adding any of the foods on this list.

Thriving Vegan Dogs

With so many options for healthy vegan dog food, it’s easy to provide your beloved pet with a 100% healthy diet without having to support cruel animal practices. Whether Fido prefers wet food or dry food, has bad gas or itchy skin, or is just a plain picky eater, there is a convenient and affordable option for his dinner.

Remember to discuss any dietary changes with your vet, and to slowly transition your dog off traditional food to avoid any digestive irritation. By mixing a little more vegan food each day into his diet, you’ll be well on your way to raising a healthy, plant-based pet.

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