I’ve been vegan for over 20 years, and for me, veganism isn’t just about what I eat, it’s about how I live. It’s a commitment to compassion, health, and sustainability. Naturally, that extends to how I care for my beloved dog. I’ve experienced the benefits of a whole-food, plant-based diet in my own life, and I’ve seen my dog thrive on thoughtfully prepared vegan meals.
Of course, feeding a vegan diet to dogs takes planning. It’s not about tossing vegetables into a bowl. Dogs require a variety of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vegetables, and fruits to meet their nutritional needs. With balance and consistency, vegan dogs can live long, healthy, and energetic lives.
Addressing the Skepticism
Now, I do know there are those who don’t believe canines can survive on a vegan diet. But the truth is, not only can they survive, they can thrive when served balanced, carefully prepared meals. Science supports this.
A 2022 study published in PLOS ONE found that dogs fed nutritionally complete vegan diets had fewer health issues compared to those fed conventional or raw diets. Another long-term study concluded that dogs maintained excellent clinical and blood health markers after a full year on a vegan diet. Research published in BMC Veterinary Research also showed that vegan-fed dogs were less likely to suffer from gastrointestinal or liver problems and were more often rated in very good health. When prepared properly, vegan diets aren’t just viable, they’re beneficial.
The Building Blocks of a Vegan Dog Diet
When I prepare food for my dogs, I rely on variety and rotation. This ensures they get a wide range of nutrients:
- Proteins: Lentils, chickpeas, beans, quinoa, soybeans, green peas
- Carbohydrates: Potatoes, sweet potatoes, rice, oats, brown rice
- Healthy Fats: Olive oil, flaxseed oil, hemp oil
- Vegetables: Carrots, cauliflower, corn, green beans
- Fruits: Blueberries, bananas, cantaloupe
Preparation is key. Legumes should be cooked thoroughly, vegetables steamed or lightly boiled, and everything cooled before serving. I avoid seasonings, salt, and unsafe foods for dogs.
The Probiotic Advantage
Even with carefully prepared meals, digestion plays a huge role in how nutrients are absorbed. That’s why I include a probiotic and enzyme blend in my dogs’ meals. One of my favorites is Digest All Plus+, a probiotic and enzyme formula that helps break down food, enhances nutrient absorption, and supports gut health. Just like humans, dogs benefit tremendously from probiotics.
3 Nutritious Homemade Vegan Dog Food Recipes
Here are three easy, balanced recipes that I rotate in my dogs’ meal plan.
1. Lentil & Sweet Potato Power Bowl
Ingredients
- 1 cup lentils
- ½ cup sweet potatoes, cubed
- ¼ cup carrots, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp green peas
Preparation
- Rinse lentils and cook in water until tender (about 20–25 minutes). Drain excess water.
- Boil or steam sweet potato cubes until soft, then mash.
- Steam carrots and peas until tender. Chop carrots finely.
- Combine all ingredients in a bowl and drizzle with olive oil.
- Allow to cool completely before serving.
2. Chickpea & Rice Comfort Meal
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked chickpeas, mashed
- ½ cup cooked brown rice
- ¼ cup cauliflower, steamed
- 1 tbsp flaxseed oil
- A small handful of blueberries
Preparation
If using dried chickpeas, soak overnight and boil until soft. Or use canned chickpeas (rinsed well). Mash slightly.
- Cook brown rice until fluffy (30–40 minutes).
- Steam cauliflower florets until tender, then chop.
- Mix chickpeas, rice, and cauliflower together.
- Top with blueberries and drizzle flaxseed oil before serving.
3. Oat & Veggie Morning Mix
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked oats
- ½ cup quinoa, cooked
- ¼ cup corn kernels, cooked
- 2 tbsp chopped green beans, steamed
- 1 tbsp hemp seeds
Preparation
- Cook oats in plain water until soft.
- Rinse quinoa and simmer until fluffy (about 15 minutes).
- Steam corn and green beans until tender. Chop green beans into small pieces.
- Combine oats, quinoa, corn, and green beans in a bowl.
- Sprinkle hemp seeds on top. Let cool before serving.
The Effort is Worth It
Being vegan has shaped every aspect of my life, including how I care for my dogs. With the right ingredients, a rotation of whole foods, and the addition of probiotics, I’ve seen them thrive, bright eyes, shiny coats, steady energy, and healthy digestion.
Feeding a vegan dog diet takes planning and commitment, but it’s one of the most rewarding choices I’ve made. It’s better for my dogs, better for the animals spared, and better for the planet we all share.
About Cheryl Moss
Cheryl Moss is the host of the Better Life for Animals podcast, where she shares uplifting stories from sanctuaries and highlights the work of vegan activists, ethical consumers, and animal welfare leaders. A passionate advocate for animal welfare, she is dedicated to ending factory farming and is working to raise $100,000 for Mercy For Animals to support underrepresented sanctuaries.
Beyond podcasting, Cheryl is a banking professional and an accomplished children’s author. A graduate of Main Street Vegan Academy, she promotes plant-based living through her books, Gabriel, Cluck, and Pickle the Pig, which inspire young readers to embrace kindness, sustainability, and compassion for animals.
When not advocating, she enjoys Pilates, and spending time with her rescue dogs and grandchildren. Through her work, writing, and activism, Cheryl continues to inspire positive change for animals and the planet.
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