FAQ: Your Most Common Questions About Plant-Based Dog Nutrition Answered

Considering a plant-based diet for your dog? You’re not alone. More and more people are choosing to live ethically and sustainably, and extending those choices to their dogs is a natural next step.

Here’s the good news: with the right nutritional balance, dogs don’t just survive on a plant-based diet - they can genuinely thrive.

We’ve gathered the most common questions we hear from dog families, answered with evidence, experience, and veterinary insight.

Can dogs live without meat?

Yes - and they can do very well. Dogs are omnivores, meaning they can digest and absorb nutrients from both animal and plant sources. What matters most is the nutritional balance, not the ingredient list.

A 2022 systematic review by Knight et al. examined vegetarian and vegan diets for companion animals and found that dogs can maintain good health when fed nutritionally complete, well-formulated plant-based diets.

Do plant-based diets provide enough protein?

Absolutely. Dogs need amino acids - the building blocks of protein - not meat itself. When high-quality plant ingredients like peas, lentils, and yeast are combined correctly, they provide all ten essential amino acids.

A 2025 review by Klinmalai et al. supports this, showing that alternative proteins such as plant, insect, and fungal sources can meet dogs’ protein requirements while offering environmental and ethical advantages.

These findings confirm that plant-based diets can be complete and balanced when designed with proper formulation and vet oversight.

What happens to my dog’s energy levels?

Most dogs experience more consistent energy on a balanced plant-based diet. Slow-release carbohydrates and gut-friendly fibres help stabilise blood sugar, reducing mid-day energy crashes.

Owners often notice their dogs have steady vitality, sharper focus, and plenty of enthusiasm for walks and play.

Is plant-based food suitable for puppies or senior dogs?

Yes - when properly formulated. Dogs at different life stages have unique nutritional needs, but the same science applies. Diets that meet FEDIAF (the European Pet Food Industry Federation) standards are considered nutritionally complete for their intended life stage.

This ensures puppies, adults, and seniors all receive optimal levels of protein, fat, and micronutrients to stay healthy and active.

What about allergies or sensitivities?

That’s one of the key advantages. By avoiding common animal allergens such as beef, chicken, and dairy, novel protein diets can significantly reduce allergy flare-ups.

Research like Dodd et al. (2021) supports that properly designed plant-based diets can promote healthy digestion and skin by eliminating typical triggers linked to animal protein.

Many dogs with recurring itchiness or loose stools show noticeable improvement after switching to plant-based nutrition.

Will my dog enjoy the taste?

Yes. When formulated with high-quality, natural ingredients, plant-based diets are both tasty and aromatic. Dogs respond well to flavours from ingredients such as peas, yeast, and natural oils - no artificial flavourings required.

For picky eaters, mixing in a small amount of wet food or a plant-based topper can make mealtimes even more enjoyable.

Is this “vegan dog food”?

Technically yes, but that’s not the focus. The goal of a plant-based diet isn’t about a label - it’s about scientifically backed nutrition that’s sustainable, allergy-friendly, and complete.

The emphasis is on health and ethical sourcing, not lifestyle branding.

Can I mix plant-based and meat-based diets?

Yes, you can. Some people use a hybrid approach, mixing plant-based and meat-based meals. This can help reduce meat consumption, manage allergies, or add variety while maintaining balanced nutrition.

The most important thing is that your dog’s total diet remains consistent and complete.

How do I transition my dog to a plant-based diet?

Gradually. Transition over five to seven days, starting with 25% new food and increasing the amount each day. This allows your dog’s gut to adjust comfortably to the new ingredients.

Make sure fresh water is always available - hydration supports smooth digestion during the transition period.

Still have questions?

If you’re considering switching to a plant-based diet, talk to your vet. They can assess your dog’s individual needs and guide you on how to transition safely.

Evidence-based, nutritionally complete diets can give dogs everything they need to live full, happy, and healthy lives - without relying on meat.

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

• Klinmalai, P. et al. (2025). Comprehensive Review of Alternative Proteins in Pet Food. Foods. Available at: https://www.mdpi.com/2304-8158/14/15/2640