Real examples of 5 vegan pet food alternatives (that actually work)

1. Everyday examples of 5 examples of vegan pet food alternatives

Let’s start where most people start: “What does this actually look like in a bowl?” When people ask for examples of 5 examples of vegan pet food alternatives, they usually mean: show me real brands, real ingredients, and real ways people are feeding their pets.

Here are five common directions pet parents take, and how they play out in real life:

• A fully balanced vegan dry dog food from a reputable brand, fed as the main diet.
• A plant-based wet food used as a topper on regular kibble to cut down on meat.
• A vet-formulated homemade vegan recipe for dogs, made with a supplement mix.
• High-protein, plant-based treats used to replace meat jerky and chews.
• Insect-based and plant-forward formulas as a lower-impact transition option.

From there, pet parents often mix and match. Some go 100% plant-based. Others use these as partial swaps to reduce the overall amount of animal protein. The best examples are the ones that fit your pet’s health needs, your schedule, and your comfort level—with your veterinarian on board.

2. Real examples of complete vegan dog food brands

Dogs are omnivores, which gives us more flexibility. Modern research suggests that carefully formulated vegan diets can meet their nutritional needs when done correctly. A 2022 study in PLOS ONE comparing dogs on conventional, raw, and vegan diets found that dogs on nutritionally sound vegan diets were, on average, as healthy or sometimes healthier than those on meat-based diets (PLOS ONE, 2022).

Here are some of the best examples of commercial vegan dog foods commonly used in the US and internationally:

Example of a pea- and lentil-based kibble

One popular example of a vegan dog food alternative is a pea- and lentil-based dry kibble. These formulas usually combine peas, lentils, chickpeas, brown rice, and added amino acids like L-carnitine and taurine.

Why people like it:

• Easy transition from regular kibble (same format, different ingredients).
• Often fortified with all required vitamins and minerals.
• Shelf-stable and budget-friendlier than some fresh options.

What to watch:

• Pea- and lentil-heavy diets have been discussed in relation to canine heart disease (dilated cardiomyopathy). The FDA has investigated this link (FDA.gov). If you choose this route, talk with your vet, and consider periodic heart checks—especially for at-risk breeds.

Example of a soy-based, vet-formulated vegan diet

Another example of 5 examples of vegan pet food alternatives comes from soy-based formulas. These diets typically use non-GMO soy, grains like oats or rice, and added synthetic nutrients to meet AAFCO standards.

Why people like it:

• Soy is a complete plant protein with all essential amino acids.
• Some formulas are created with veterinary nutritionists.

What to watch:

• Dogs with food sensitivities may react to soy.
• As with any diet, look for brands that conduct feeding trials, not just lab formulation.

Example of a fresh or gently cooked vegan subscription service

In 2024–2025, more fresh-food companies are offering plant-based recipes. These are delivered frozen or refrigerated and gently cooked.

Why people like it:

• Short, recognizable ingredient lists (e.g., sweet potatoes, lentils, quinoa, kale, added vitamins).
• Convenient, pre-portioned packs.

What to watch:

• Higher cost than kibble.
• Requires freezer space and regular deliveries.

These real examples include a range of feeding styles, but the pattern is the same: complete, balanced, and ideally vetted by an animal nutrition professional.

3. Examples of vegan wet food, toppers, and mix-ins

Not ready to switch completely? Many of the best examples of 5 examples of vegan pet food alternatives are partial swaps. You keep your pet’s main diet but shift part of it to plant-based options.

Example of a vegan wet topper

A typical example of a vegan topper might be a canned stew made with:

• Pumpkin, carrots, peas, and spinach
• Chickpeas or lentils for protein
• Brown rice or barley for carbs
• Added vitamins and minerals

How people use it:

• Mix 25–50% vegan topper with regular meat-based kibble.
• Use it a few days a week instead of every day.

This approach lowers the environmental impact of each meal without making a sudden, full switch.

Example of homemade plant-based mix-ins

Some pet parents prefer to cook. A common homemade mix-in might include:

• Cooked lentils or chickpeas
• Steamed veggies like green beans or carrots
• A small amount of olive or flaxseed oil

You’d add a spoonful or two to your dog’s regular food. This is not a complete diet by itself but a way to gently introduce plant-based ingredients.

For homemade diets—vegan or not—veterinary nutritionists strongly recommend using evidence-based recipes and supplements. The American College of Veterinary Nutrition (ACVN) offers guidance and a directory of board-certified nutritionists (ACVN.org).

4. Examples of vegan treats, chews, and training rewards

Sometimes the easiest starting point is treats. When people ask for examples of 5 examples of vegan pet food alternatives, I often suggest they experiment with treats first. It’s low-risk, and your pet gives you instant feedback.

Example of soft training treats

Many brands now make soft, bite-sized vegan training treats using:

• Peanut butter or other nut butters (for dogs only, never for pets with allergies)
• Oats or chickpea flour
• Sweet potato or banana

These are great for training sessions or puzzle toys. They replace meat-based treats without changing your pet’s main diet.

Example of crunchy plant-based biscuits

Another example of a vegan pet food alternative is the classic biscuit:

• Whole wheat or oat flour
• Pumpkin or apple
• Flaxseed or chia for omega-3s

Some brands highlight upcycled ingredients (like spent brewer’s grains or fruit pulp) to cut food waste—a sustainability bonus.

Example of long-lasting vegan chews

If your dog loves to chew, there are now plant-based options made from:

• Dried sweet potato
• Rice and vegetable starch blends
• Peanut or other plant proteins

Are they identical to animal bones or rawhide? No. But for many dogs, they scratch the itch to gnaw and keep their mouths busy, while lowering the environmental footprint of their treat habit.

5. Insect and plant-forward diets as stepping-stone alternatives

Strictly speaking, insect-based diets are not vegan, but they often come up in the same conversation because they dramatically reduce land use, water use, and greenhouse gas emissions compared to conventional meat.

Some of the best examples of lower-impact alternatives include:

• Kibble with a blend of insect protein and plant proteins
• Treats made primarily from black soldier fly larvae or crickets, with grains and veggies

For pet parents who aren’t ready to go fully plant-based, these can be a middle ground. They’re not vegan, but they push the pet food industry toward more sustainable protein sources.

If your priority is environmental impact rather than strict veganism, these examples of 5 examples of vegan pet food alternatives plus insect-forward diets give you a broader menu of options.

6. Are vegan diets safe for pets? What the science says

Safety is where the conversation has to get serious. The examples of 5 examples of vegan pet food alternatives above are only good options if they truly meet your pet’s nutritional needs.

Dogs and vegan diets

• Dogs are omnivores and can, in many cases, thrive on well-formulated vegan diets.
• A 2022 survey-based study mentioned earlier found that dogs on vegan diets had health outcomes comparable to, and sometimes better than, dogs on meat diets.
• The key phrase is well-formulated: the diet must meet established nutrient standards (like AAFCO or FEDIAF) and ideally be tested in feeding trials.

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) emphasizes that any home-prepared or unconventional diet should be discussed with a veterinarian, especially for growing puppies, pregnant or nursing dogs, or pets with health conditions (AVMA.org – different topic, but same caution about nonstandard diets).

Cats and vegan diets

Cats are obligate carnivores. They have very specific needs for nutrients like taurine, arachidonic acid, and vitamin A. Some commercial vegan cat foods attempt to meet these needs with synthetic nutrients, but this is more controversial.

Many veterinary nutritionists remain cautious about fully vegan cat diets. If you’re considering one:

• Work closely with a vet or board-certified veterinary nutritionist.
• Monitor your cat’s bloodwork and urinary health regularly.
• Watch for any signs of deficiency: eye problems, heart issues, poor coat quality, or urinary issues.

If you want to reduce your cat’s environmental impact without going fully vegan, you might:

• Use plant-based treats.
• Add small amounts of plant-based toppers (approved by your vet).
• Choose meat-based diets that use more sustainable proteins (like poultry instead of beef, or responsibly sourced fish).

7. How to transition using these examples of 5 examples of vegan pet food alternatives

If you decide to try any of these options, go slowly. Sudden changes can upset your pet’s stomach.

A simple, vet-approved transition plan might look like this over 7–10 days:

• Start with 75% old food, 25% new vegan food or topper.
• If stools stay normal, move to 50/50.
• Then 25% old, 75% new.
• Finally, 100% new—if that’s your goal.

Along the way, watch for:

• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Refusal to eat
• Lethargy or behavior changes

If anything feels off, pause and call your vet. They can help you decide whether to slow down, switch brands, or reconsider the plan.

For homemade vegan diets, never guess on supplements. Use a recipe formulated by a veterinary nutritionist or a reputable tool designed for complete diets. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) and related research often emphasize the importance of complete micronutrient profiles in both human and animal diets (NIH.gov). The same logic applies to pets: missing nutrients might not show up right away but can cause long-term damage.

8. Environmental reasons people choose vegan pet food alternatives

Why are people so interested in real examples of 5 examples of vegan pet food alternatives in the first place? A big driver is climate and resource use.

Research published in recent years suggests that pet food accounts for a notable slice of global meat production. Livestock production as a whole contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, land use, and water consumption. By shifting even part of a pet’s diet toward plant-based ingredients, pet parents hope to:

• Reduce demand for resource-intensive animal proteins.
• Support companies investing in sustainable agriculture and alternative proteins.
• Align their pet’s lifestyle more closely with their own ethical or environmental values.

This doesn’t mean every pet should be vegan. It does mean we have more tools than ever—more examples include carefully formulated vegan diets, toppers, treats, and hybrid options—to reduce impact without compromising care.

FAQ: examples of vegan pet food alternatives

What are some simple examples of vegan foods I can safely give my dog?

Common examples of safe vegan foods for many healthy dogs (in moderation) include plain cooked sweet potato, green beans, carrots, pumpkin, blueberries, and small amounts of cooked lentils. These are not complete diets but can be used as snacks or mix-ins. Always avoid onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, and anything sweetened with xylitol.

Can cats be healthy on vegan diets?

It’s controversial. Some owners report success using commercial vegan cat foods with added synthetic taurine and other nutrients, but many veterinary nutritionists remain cautious. Cats are obligate carnivores. If you’re considering a vegan diet for a cat, work closely with a vet, monitor bloodwork, and understand the risks.

Are vegan pet food alternatives more expensive?

It depends. Some vegan kibbles are priced similarly to premium meat-based foods. Fresh or subscription-style vegan diets tend to cost more. On the other hand, using plant-based toppers or treats as partial replacements can sometimes save money compared to meat-heavy chews and jerky.

What is one example of a balanced vegan diet for dogs?

One example of a balanced vegan diet for a healthy adult dog would be a commercial kibble that meets AAFCO standards for adult maintenance, with ingredients like peas, lentils, whole grains, and added amino acids, vitamins, and minerals. You’d feed it according to the label and your vet’s guidance, monitor your dog’s weight and energy, and do regular checkups.

How do I know if a vegan pet food is nutritionally adequate?

Look for:

• A statement that it meets AAFCO (or FEDIAF) nutrient profiles for your pet’s life stage.
• Brands that have conducted feeding trials, not just lab formulation.
• Transparent ingredient lists and contactable customer support.
• Your vet’s approval, especially if your pet has medical issues.

These checks help you separate the best examples of 5 examples of vegan pet food alternatives from trendy but poorly designed products.

If you take nothing else from all these examples, take this: vegan pet food alternatives are tools, not rules. Use the examples that fit your pet’s biology and your values, keep your vet in the loop, and adjust as you learn how your individual animal responds.