Can dogs be vegan or vegetarian?

Dogs, like humans, are omnivores and often enjoy both meat and plants as part of their diet. But whether they can get all the nutrients they need on an exclusively vegan or vegetarian diet will depend on the exact ingredients in their food. 

While there are high quality, complete vegan or vegetarian diets available, there can also be some that won't meet the safety and nutritional standards of other types of food. Whichever food you choose, always check that the manufacturer is reputable, it's complete and has been tested to confirm its safety and nutritional value.

If you're thinking about feeding your dog an exclusively vegetarian or vegan diet, the most important thing to do is speak to your vet and a qualified veterinary nutritionist.

What are the risks of dogs being vegan or vegetarian?

Dogs are omnivores, but it can be hard to ensure they get the right nutrients in the correct amounts on a vegan or vegetarian diet. Here are some of the challenges:

• Not all dogs are the same and some pets won't tolerate a vegan or vegetarian diet
• As with other homemade diets, cooking vegan or vegetarian dog food carries a high risk that it will not consistently give your dog what they need
• We don't know about the long term impact of these diets

Like us, if our pets don't get the nutrients they need, it can quickly lead to more serious health conditions.

What are the benefits of vegan or vegetarian dog food?

There have been a number of research studies looking at vegetarian or vegan diets for dogs. Here's what we know so far:

• Dogs can get the nutrition they need on a vegan or vegetarian diet with the right nutritional and veterinary advice
• Lots of dogs love veggies
• They can be lower in calories, but it depends on what else is added and how it's prepared

There are new plant-based pet foods coming on the market all the time. Some may have been produced with a veterinary nutritionist, but if you're thinking of switching to a veggie or vegan pet food brand, speak to your vet first for independent advice and to make sure it's right for them.

Can I make vegan dog food at home?

We do not recommend that you make a homemade diet for your pet, whether this is meat-based, vegetarian of vegan.

Is it cruel to put a dog on a vegan diet?

Whether you feed a vegan, vegetarian or meat-based diet, all pets need a nutritionally balanced diet to be healthy. And did you know that owners are legally responsible for making sure their pets eat a diet suitable for their species under the Animal Welfare Act 2006?

If you're unable to give your pet the nutrition they need to be happy and healthy, you are putting them at risk of developing serious health conditions and might also be committing a crime. 

More about what laws owners need to follow.