Should your dog be vegan? New research says maybe—if you do it exactly right

A few years ago, the idea of feeding your dog a vegan diet might’ve sounded as out-there as teaching them yoga. But today, more and more plant-based pet parents are asking the question: If I thrive on plants, could my pup do the same?

It’s not just a philosophical debate anymore. New research is starting to shift the conversation from “should we?” to “how could we do it responsibly?”

Let’s dig into what the science says—and what it doesn’t—so you can decide what’s best for your four-legged family member.

First, the big question: Can dogs survive on a vegan diet?

Short answer? Yes.

Longer answer? Yes—but survival and health aren’t always the same thing.

According to a 2022 peer-reviewed study published in PLOS ONE, dogs fed a nutritionally complete vegan diet may actually be healthier overall than those on conventional meat-based diets.

The study surveyed over 2,500 dog guardians and found that vegan-fed dogs had fewer health disorders, needed fewer medications, and visited the vet less frequently.

Another study tested blood and urine biomarkers of dogs on a commercial vegan diet over 12 months and found no negative health effects—in fact, many metrics like cholesterol and body condition scores improved.

But here’s the kicker: these dogs weren’t just eating leftover lentils or veggie scraps. They were on commercially formulated vegan dog food designed to meet AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) standards for canine nutrition.

So yes, dogs can thrive on a vegan diet—but only if it’s carefully crafted to meet their nutritional needs.

Dogs aren’t tiny wolves—they’re actually plant-adapted omnivores

You may have heard the argument: “Dogs are carnivores! Look at their teeth!”

But modern science tells a more nuanced story.

While dogs are descended from gray wolves, thousands of years of domestication and dietary shifts alongside humans have changed their digestive biology. A 2013 Nature study found that dogs have up to 30 times more AMY2B genes than wolves. That’s the gene responsible for producing amylase, an enzyme that helps break down starches.

Translation: Dogs evolved to digest plants.

They’re classified as facultative carnivores or omnivores—meaning they can eat meat, but don’t require it the way obligate carnivores like cats do.

Still, digesting plants isn’t the same as meeting all your nutritional needs with them. Dogs have specific requirements for amino acids (like taurine and methionine), essential fatty acids, vitamin B12, calcium, and iron—all nutrients that need careful attention in a plant-based formulation.

What could go wrong with a poorly executed vegan dog diet?

Just like with human nutrition, not all plant-based diets are created equal. Some common pitfalls:

• Homemade meals without veterinary input can be dangerously deficient in key nutrients. A 2018 study published in The Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association found that over 90% of homemade dog food recipes online lacked essential nutrients.

• Protein imbalance. Dogs need a complete profile of essential amino acids. Missing even one can impact muscle maintenance, immunity, and heart health.

• Vitamin and mineral deficiencies, especially in B12, calcium, zinc, and iron. These are harder to get from plants in the right forms and amounts.

• Low palatability. Some dogs are picky eaters. A sudden switch to an unfamiliar-tasting vegan kibble can cause appetite loss, which leads to nutrient gaps from simply not eating enough.

In other words: if you wouldn’t wing your own nutrition without a plan, don’t do it to your dog.

Here’s how to do it right—step by step

If you’re serious about trying a vegan diet for your dog, here’s how to make the transition safely:

1. Talk to a veterinarian (ideally a board-certified veterinary nutritionist)

Not all vets are trained in plant-based diets, but many are open to helping you do it right. A vet can run baseline bloodwork and advise on specific formulations, supplements, or adjustments your dog might need based on breed, age, and health conditions.

Don’t skip this step. What works for your neighbor’s pug might be dangerous for your senior husky.

2. Choose a commercial vegan dog food that meets AAFCO standards

Look for brands that label their food as "complete and balanced for adult maintenance" or "all life stages," and verify that the formulation was developed with veterinary input.

Some well-known plant-based dog food brands include:

• V-Dog

• Wild Earth

• Halo Garden of Vegan

• Petaluma

Each of these brands has undergone some level of nutritional analysis and is designed to meet AAFCO guidelines. Still, double-check and ask for a nutrient profile if it's not on the package.

3. Transition slowly—over 7 to 10 days

Mix the new food with your dog’s existing diet, gradually increasing the plant-based portion while watching for any digestive issues like gas, loose stools, or changes in energy. Some dogs may need more time to adjust.

This is also a good time to test palatability—if your dog flat-out refuses the new food, forcing it isn’t the answer. Try mixing in warm water or low-sodium veggie broth to boost smell and taste.

4. Monitor weight, energy, coat, and stool

Once fully transitioned, keep a close eye on your pup for the first few months. Healthy dogs should maintain their weight, have good energy, and pass regular stools.

Red flags? Lethargy, hair loss, itchy skin, chronic gas, or weight loss. If you see any of these, stop and consult a vet.

5. Schedule regular vet checkups and bloodwork

Check nutrient levels—especially B12, folate, iron, taurine, and L-carnitine—at least once a year, or more frequently in the early transition period. These markers will give you concrete feedback on how your dog is responding.

Some guardians also choose to add vegan supplements designed for dogs to fill any small gaps. Again, only do this with a vet’s guidance.

What about puppies?

Plant-based diets for puppies are a whole different story.

Puppies have more demanding nutritional needs for growth and development, and most experts—including plant-based vets—recommend sticking to traditional diets or specialized puppy formulas unless you’re working very closely with a veterinary nutritionist.

If you’re raising a puppy vegan, you’ll need to be even more rigorous about food selection, supplementation, and monitoring.

Why people are doing it: ethics, allergies, and sustainability

There are several reasons why plant-based guardians consider vegan diets for their dogs:

• Ethics. Some don’t feel comfortable feeding animal products while personally avoiding them. It’s an emotional tension—and for some, switching their pet is about aligning values.

• Allergies. Believe it or not, many common dog allergies are to chicken, beef, dairy, and lamb. Plant-based diets eliminate those triggers for many dogs.

• Sustainability. The pet food industry is responsible for up to 30% of the environmental impact of animal agriculture, according to a study in PLOS ONE. Shifting dogs to sustainable, plant-forward diets could help reduce that footprint.

That said, none of these reasons justify a diet that compromises a dog’s health. The best vegan dog diets are those that meet both ethical and biological needs.

The bottom line

If you’re willing to do the homework—and invest in the right food—a vegan diet for dogs can be a healthy, ethical, and sustainable option.

But this isn’t a DIY tofu experiment.

It’s a science-backed, vet-guided journey that requires commitment, observation, and a whole lot of label reading.

Your dog can’t tell you if they’re low on taurine or if their food is too carb-heavy. That’s your job. So if you decide to go the plant-powered route, do it with your eyes open and your vet on speed dial.

Because plant-based or not, we all want the same thing: a healthy, tail-wagging companion who thrives.