Can Puppies Thrive on a Plant-Based Diet?

Puppyhood is a whirlwind of growth and development. From bones and muscles to immune systems and brains, everything is evolving at once, making proper nutrition during these early months absolutely essential. 

If you’re considering a plant-based diet for your puppy, the key question is: is it safe and suitable for growing pups?

The short answer: yes - when it’s expertly formulated.

Let’s explore what puppies need to grow strong and healthy, and how Omni’s vet-designed recipes deliver everything they require without a single bite of meat.

What Do Puppies Need from Their Diet?

Puppies have higher nutritional demands than adult dogs. They’re building the foundation for lifelong health, which means their diet must provide:

• High-quality protein containing all essential amino acids
  

• Balanced calcium and phosphorus for strong bones and teeth
  

• DHA and omega fatty acids to support brain and eye development
  

• Easily digestible energy to fuel growth and play
  

• Prebiotics and fibre to nurture a healthy gut microbiome
  

It’s not about feeding more - it’s about feeding smarter, with the right nutrients at the right stage of life.

Can a Plant-Based Diet Meet These Needs?

Absolutely. Dogs are omnivores, which means they can absorb and utilise nutrients from both plant and animal sources. What matters isn’t the source - it’s whether the diet is complete and balanced.

The systematic review by Knight et al. (2022) found that vegetarian and vegan diets, when properly formulated, can support healthy growth and overall wellbeing in companion animals.

Further research like the 2025 study by Brocieck et al. confirmed that plant-based dog foods can meet the same macronutrient and micronutrient standards as meat-based diets when formulated to recognised guidelines.

Similarly, a 2023 digestibility study by Liversidge et al. demonstrated that dogs can efficiently absorb and utilize nutrients from plant-based extruded diets - showing that properly balanced plant proteins can provide complete nutrition for growth and development.

These studies collectively reinforce that puppies can thrive on plant-based diets when they’re scientifically formulated to meet all nutritional requirements.

What if My Puppy Has a Sensitive Gut or Allergies?

Plant-based diets can be a breakthrough for allergy-prone puppies. By avoiding common animal allergens such as chicken, beef and dairy, Omni helps reduce the risk of digestive upset, skin irritation and food-related sensitivities.

Each recipe is free from fillers, artificial additives and animal by-products, containing only clean, functional ingredients you can trust.

Studies such as Dodd et al., 2021 highlight the safety and nutritional adequacy of properly formulated plant-based diets in dogs, further reinforcing Omni’s scientific approach.

How Should I Transition My Puppy to Omni?

Slow and steady wins the race. Transition over 7–10 days, starting with around 25% Omni puppy food mixed into their current diet, and gradually increasing the proportion each day.

This gradual approach supports digestive comfort and encourages long-term acceptance. Omni’s smaller, easy-to-chew kibble makes mealtimes enjoyable for growing pups while delivering complete, balanced nutrition.

More Than Just Food

Growing puppies need more than nutrients - they need a holistic approach to wellbeing. That’s why Omni offers vet-formulated supplements, probiotic chews and toppers, designed to work synergistically with our complete diets to support gut health, immunity and growth.

Discover Omni’s Puppy Range

Give your pup the best possible start in life with science-led, vet-approved nutrition, formulated for growth, digestion and development - and free from common allergens.

Explore Omni’s Puppy Range

Sources

• Knight, A. et al. (2022). Vegetarian and vegan diets for companion animals – a systematic review. PLOS ONE. Available at: https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0266720

• Brocieck, R. A. et al. (2025). Nutritional analysis of commercially available, complete plant- and meat-based dry dog foods in the UK. PLOS ONE. Available at:  https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0328506&utm_source=chatgpt.com

• Liversidge, E. et al. (2023). Extruded diet macronutrient digestibility: plant-based diet for dogs. Frontiers in Animal Science. Available at: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/animal-science/articles/10.3389/fanim.2023.1288165/full