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Best Plant-Based Dog Food 2025
Written by Wag! Staff
Veterinary reviewed by:
Published: 10/03/2023, edited: 01/21/2025
The Wag! team conducts independent research and consults pet experts to curate our recommendations. This content is supported by our affiliate pet partners and we may receive a commission on the links provided.
A 2022 report revealed that more pet parents are searching for information about vegan pet food. There are many reasons why pet parents would consider switching their pups to a plant-based diet: health, ethics, and the environment.
Conventional dog food has a large environmental paw print due to the tremendous amount of natural resources it requires to produce. Some pet parents would also like to meet their dog’s nutritional needs without harming other animals. Additionally, plant-based diets do not include most of the major food allergens for dogs. But can dogs be vegan?
Dogs are omnivores, which means they can get all of their essential nutrients from plant foods. A 2023 study found that vet-formulated vegan diets are safe for dogs, and experts agree that dogs can be healthy on meatless diets as long as they’re carefully designed. So, when looking for a vegan dog food for your pup, choose something that’s formulated by veterinarians and animal nutritionists.
As interest in vegan pet food increases, so do the available options on the market. Here are Wag!’s recommendations for the best plant-based dog food!
Overview
Halo Holistic Plant-Based
5
Halo is one of our highest-rated dog food brands, producing some of the best and most popular plant-based dog foods available.
You can pick from two kibble and one canned recipe, each made with a mix of plant-based proteins like chickpeas, lentils, and peas to keep your pup in prime condition. Plus, Halo loads its plant-based recipes with nutritious superfoods like cranberries, blueberries, carrots, and pumpkin. With protein levels around 27% and fat levels around 16% percent, Halo Plant-Based dog foods are the real deal—highly recommended.
Halo Holistic Plant-Based dog food varieties:
- With Superfoods (dry)
- With Kelp (dry)
- Garden of Vegan (wet)
Halo Holistic Plant-Based with Superfoods
Why Wag! Loves It
- Excellent protein-to-fat ratios for a plant-based dog food
- Complete and balanced according to AAFCO guidelines
- Recipes are designed to support digestive health
- Generous money-back guarantee if you're unsatisfied
Considerations & Concerns
- On the pricey side
- Only suitable for adult dogs
What pet parents say about Halo Holistic Plant-Based
"We tried so many of the healthy options. He loved each one for the first month before getting tired of it and we had to switch to something else halfway through the second bag. From the better-quality dog brands, we tried one other vegan one, many different meat flavors from different brands, and finally, this was the one that he has not tired of in over two years."
Read more reviews on Chewy.
Image sourced from Chewy. Copyright Halo Pets.
Petaluma
5
Petaluma is a sustainable pet nutrition brand that creates “dog food for the next generation.” It currently has two veterinarian-designed recipes for adult and senior dogs, both of which are gently oven-baked to preserve nutrients and flavors.
The ingredients used, which offer optimal nutrition and reduced environmental impact, include plant proteins such as chickpeas, peanut butter, and brewer’s yeast; vegetables and herbs such as sweet potatoes, carrots, turmeric, and parsley; and healthy fats such as marine microalgae and sunflower oil.
The senior formula also contains DHA, glucosamine, and other age-defying nutrients.
Petaluma baked dog food flavors:
- Roasted Peanut Butter & Sweet Potato Flavor for Adult Dogs
- Baked Pumpkin & Peanut Butter Flavor for Senior Dogs
Petaluma Dog Food
Why Wag! Loves It
- Contains organic-certified ingredients
- Made in a solar-powered facility
- Free samples available
- Transparent; lab test results are available online
- Donates to fight climate change and food insecurity
Considerations & Concerns
- No puppy-specific formula
- Some dogs won’t eat it
- Pricey
What pet parents say about Petaluma
“...we had a wake up call when our then 13 yr old pit mix started suffering from heart failure. Our vet told us she had stage 4 heart failure and even with medication, we’d likely have to drain the heart fluid every 4-6 weeks. Knowing what a meat based diet does to the heart in humans, we did more research, found Petaluma and haven’t looked back. Piper is now 15, and her heart issues have improved significantly - she never had fluid buildup again. We did a recent check up and our vet was floored, saying it looked like our dog was aging backwards. Thanks to Petaluma we’re getting many extra years with our senior girl, and she still looks forward to meals, finishing every bite.”
Read more reviews on Petaluma.
Product image sourced from the Petaluma website. Copyright Petaluma Inc.
V-dog
4.5
V-dog prides itself on being “a totally different kind of dog food company” and has been making vegan dog food since 2005.
Formulated by canine nutritionists and veterinarians, its dry recipe is chock-full of healthy ingredients such as peas, brown rice, oatmeal, flaxseeds, quinoa, blueberries, cranberries, and watercress, as well as added taurine, DHA, and prebiotics.
V-dog also has a wet formula containing pea protein, chickpeas, carrots, and sweet potatoes. Unlike most plant-based dog foods that are for adult dogs only, this one’s suitable for puppies too.
V-dog dry dog food flavors:
- Kind Kibble
- Mini Bites
V-dog wet dog food flavors:
- Happy Harvest
V-Dog Dog Food
What pet parents say about V-dog
“I have had 3 dogs on V-dog. 2 have crossed the bridge well beyond average mortality for their breeds. Anyway, I'm not a vegan but I always got this because my dogs have done well on it. Firm stools always. Never the runny poops like they used to get and the poops don't smell as bad. Even my picky eater preferred it over the other high end kibble that they were on previously.”
Read more reviews on Chewy.
Product image sourced from Chewy. Copyright V-Dog.
Wild Earth
4
Wild Earth is an award-winning plant-based dog food brand that offers healthy and flavorful recipes developed by veterinarians and food scientists.
The ingredients, which were chosen for specific health benefits, include non-animal proteins such as dried yeast and ancient grains for strong muscles, complex carbohydrates such as sweet potatoes for smooth digestion, and good fats such as flaxseed and sunflower oil for healthy skin.
The Performance Formula also contains fruits and vegetables such as spinach and blueberries for vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Wild Earth dry dog food flavors:
- Performance Formula Veggie Chick’n Kabob Flavor
- Maintenance Formula Classic Roast Flavor
- Maintenance Formula Golden Rotisserie Flavor
Wild Earth Dog Food
Why Wag! Loves It
- Free from common dog food allergens
- Does not contain corn, wheat, soy, or legumes
- No artificial preservatives, flavors, or colors
- Limited ingredient formulas available
- Backed by a Happiness Guarantee
Considerations & Concerns
- No puppy-specific formula
- Some dogs won’t eat it
- Bag isn’t resealable
What pet parents say about Wild Earth
“My dog who can’t handle some undetermined animal protein does very well with this food. Was able to stop buying the prescription stuff that smells and must taste horrid!”
Read more reviews on Wild Earth.
Product image sourced from the Wild Earth website. Copyright Wild Earth.
PawCo
5
PawCo is a new pet food company that makes fresh plant-based meals for pups. All of its recipes were created by board-certified animal nutritionists and food scientists and its original GreenBites recipes feature GreenMeat, the world’s first plant-based meat for dogs.
GreenMeat is a complete meat alternative that contains plant and yeast proteins, vegetable oils and fats, vitamins, minerals, and probiotics.
By combining GreenMeat with fresh fruits and vegetables like peas, broccoli, carrots, pumpkin, cranberries, blueberries, and green apples, PawCo’s recipes offer benefits such as reduced inflammation, better digestion, and more energy.
In early 2024, PawCo introduced LuxBites and InstaBites. LuxBites is a premium fresh dog food packed with fermented protein and postbiotics, while InstaBites is the first fresh shelf-stable plant-based dog food, with a customizable texture. InstaBites features a nutritious blend of mixed greens that provide calcium, iron, and important vitamins.
PawCo fresh dog food flavors:
- GreenBites Green Mix & Carrots
- GreenBites Peanut Butter & Apple
- GreenBites Pumpkin & Cranberries
- GreenBites Blueberries & Veggies
- LuxBites
- InstaBites (shelf-stable)
PawCo Dog Food
Why Wag! Loves It
- Made with human-grade ingredients sourced in the USA
- Does not contain artificial flavors or colors
- Has more flavor options than other brands
- Uses eco-friendly packaging
- Starter box comes with a money-back guarantee
Considerations & Concerns
- No a la carte option
- Fresh frozen recipes can take up a lot of freezer space
- Not recommended for puppies
What pet parents say about PawCo
“I love Pawco! My two dogs, a 4 year old Japanese Chin and a 1 year old Boston Terrier are both on Pawco and thriving. Our Japanese chin has always been a very picky eater! We’ve tried everything, including popular meat based dog food subscriptions and no luck. He eats Pawco!! Both dogs are happy, healthy and our vet says they are doing fantastic!”
Read more reviews on Trustpilot.
Product image sourced from the PawCo website. Copyright PawCo.
Bramble
5
Bramble is a fresh plant-based dog food company with a health-first approach. Formulated by board-certified veterinary nutritionists and expert animal nutritionists, its recipes are packed with whole food ingredients such as lentils, sweet potatoes, peas, apples, potatoes, chickpeas, carrots, and butternut squash.
Both of its current offerings are also high in protein, with one containing more protein than most animal-based pet foods! Bramble’s vegan dog food is lab tested to ensure it provides all the amino acids and nutrients dogs need.
Bramble fresh dog food flavors:
- The Cowbell
- The Roost
Bramble Dog Food
Why Wag! Loves It
- Made with human-grade ingredients sourced in the USA
- Gently cooked in small batches
- Does not contain preservatives or chemicals
- Grain-free and grain-inclusive options available
- Donates to animal welfare
Considerations & Concerns
- No a la carte option
- Can take up a lot of freezer space
- No recipe for puppies
What pet parents say about Bramble
“She cleans her bowl in minutes! When Willa comes back into the house, she goes straight to her bowl looking for more Bramble!”
Read more reviews on Bramble.
Product image sourced from the Bramble website. Copyright Bramble.
FAQ
What is plant-based pet food?
What are the best plant-based protein sources for dogs?
Is a plant-based diet good for dogs?
Why plant-based dog food?
How does Wag! determine paw ratings for pet food?
