In North America, vegan and vegetarian dog foods are rapidly growing in popularity for many reasons. Not only are plant-based dog foods considerably more eco-friendly than traditional meat-based dog foods, they also make for some of the most effective hypoallergenic alternatives for dogs struggling with food allergies.
As the science community’s understanding of canine nutrition has expanded, so has the quality of commercial plant-based dog foods. Resultantly, meat-free dog foods now compete among the highest quality brands on today’s competitive pet food marketplace.
After countless hours of research, we have ranked the highest quality vegan and vegetarian dog foods available in Canada. Remarkably, some of these super premium plant-based dog foods are made in Canada, too!
What are the best plant-based dog foods in Canada?
1. Oven Baked Tradition Vegan Adult Dog Food
Vegan ⚬ Kibble ⚬ $4.50 per pound
This Canadian-made food comes in second on our list, and for good reason; this lightly baked kibble is dehydrated at exceptionally low temperatures, making it more akin to a dehydrated raw food than a traditional kibble. It’s made in small batches to ensure quality, too. This recipe is a nutrient dense, complete and balanced meal – from plants! It is a cruelty-free recipe that starts with wholesome lentils as the primary ingredient, supplying your pooch with plenty of easy-to-digest protein. Healthful oat meal and barley provide energy. Delicious peas and hemp seeds provide even more sources of protein to promote muscle health, too. This recipe makes smart use of other healthy ingredients like spinach, flaxseed, coconut oil, bananas, sweet potatoes, blueberries, and more! Plus, it’s available in smaller kibbles for small and medium breeds – see here.
Ingredients:
Green lentils, oat meal, whole peas, pea meal, whole ground barley, pea protein, organic shelled hemp seed, ground whole flaxseed (source of omega-3 fatty acids), canola oil (source of omega-6 fatty acids, preserved with mixed tocopherols and citric acid), brewer’s yeast, calcium carbonate, natural flavor, choline chloride, sea salt, taurine, DL-methionine, dried kelp, vitamin E supplement, spinach, glucosamine hydrochloride, zinc proteinate, iron proteinate, coconut oil, inulin (prebiotic), apples, bananas, blueberries, broccoli, cranberries, sweet potatoes, Yucca schidigera extract, copper proteinate, green tea extract, manganese proteinate, niacin supplement, vitamin A supplement, d-calcium pantothenate, riboflavin supplement, thiamine mononitrate, vitamin D3 supplement, vitamin B12 supplement, pyridoxine hydrochloride, calcium iodate, folic acid, sodium selenite, rosemary extract.
Cost:
This formula starts at $4.50 per pound, or approximate $1.13 per cup. An average adult dog requires 1-1.5 cups per every 25 lbs of body weight daily.
2. Nature’s Hug Vegan Dog Food
Vegan ⚬ Kibble ⚬ $4.75 per pound
This innovative brand is quickly becoming one of our best sellers! It uses a unique yeast as the main ingredient, that has an almost identical amino acid profile as chicken. It’s also one of the only grain free plant-based dog foods on the market, making it particularly appealing for pets with common allergies and sensitivities. It’s packed with all of the essential nutrients and vitamins your pooch needs, in an easy to digest formula. Their line includes formulas for large, medium, and even toy breeds. Plus, there’s a formula for pups of all ages, from puppy to adult to senior.
Nature’s Hug is proudly made in Canada, with many Canadian sourced ingredients. It includes a plethora of healthy wholefoods, like chickpeas, blackberries, avocado, algae, carrots, pumpkin, and so much more.
Ingredients (Medium and Large Breed Maintenance Formula):
Whole green peas, dried yeast, whole green lentils, whole navy beans, whole chickpeas, canola oil (preserved with mixed tocopherols), monocalcium phosphate, whole flaxseed, sunflower oil (preserved with mixed tocopherols), calcium carbonate, sesame seeds, apple pomace, sun cured alfalfa meal, natural flavor, salt, yeast culture choline chloride, lecithin, DL-methionine, tapioca, taurine, potassium chloride, calcium propionate, betaine hydrochloride, vitamin E supplement, L-threonine, L-lysine, dried kelp, dried algae meal, yeast extract, chicory root extract, L-ascorbic acid (vitamin C), L-carnitine, carrots, pumpkin, apples, kale, spinach, pomegranate, cranberries, blueberries, blackberries, avocado, turmeric, green tea extract, yucca schidigera extract, fumaric acid, lactic acid, citric acid, malic acid, ferrous sulfate, zinc oxide, zinc proteinate, vitamin E supplement, copper sulfate, copper proteinate, sodium selenite, vitamin B12 supplement, folic acid, nicotinic acid, vitamin A supplement, calcium pantothenate, manganese oxide, manganese proteinate, riboflavin, biotin supplement, pyridoxine hydrochloride, thiamine mononitrate, vitamin D3 supplement, calcium iodate, cobalt proteinate, dried Enterococcus faecium fermentation product, dried Bacillus subtilis fermentation product, dried Bacillus licheniformis fermentation product, dried Bacillus amyloliquefaciens fermentation product.
Cost:
This formula starts at $4.50 per pound, or roughly $1.20 per cup. An average dog will require 1.5 to 2 cups per day for every 25 lbs of body weight.
3. Noochy Poochy
Made in the UK, the Noochy Poochy brand has formulated delicious cheesy-flavoured kibbles featuring nutritional yeast. This nutrient dense recipe is loaded with protein from responsibly sourced soybeans, peas, lupin beans, chickpeas, lentils, and more. Plus, your pooch will love the taste of sweet potato, oats, carrots, and mixed herbs. A number of ingredients used in their recipes are organic, too. Choose from adult or puppy formulas.
Ingredients (Adult Formula):
responsibly sourced soybean, pea protein, UK grown naked oats, sweet potato, sweet lupin beans, chickpeas, organic brown rice, nutritional yeast, basil, thyme, marjoram, oregano, lentils, olive oil, rapeseed oil, linseed oil, tomatoes, carrots, organic rice protein concentrate, chelated minerals, extract of yucca plant
4. Open Farm Kind Earth Plant Based Dog Food
Vegan ⚬ Kibble ⚬ $4.75 per pound
Made in North America, this recipe is loaded with essential vitamins and nutrients from GMO-free, premium ingredients. In fact, every wholefood ingredient is completely traceable, right back to the farm. It has a rich amino acid profile from beneficial yeast, and is fortified to ensure nothing is missed. It’s loaded with omega fatty acids, zinc, iron, and so much more. This is an exceptional quality recipe, and is owned by a Canadian brand, too.
Every batch comes in a bag made from recycle plastic, making it more eco-friendly than most other plant-based dog foods.
Ingredients:
Whole grain barley, fava beans, oats, dried yeast, sweet potato, potato protein, coconut oil, sunflower oil, flaxseed, natural vegetable flavour, tricalcium phosphate, pumpkin, kale, carrots, dandelion greens, vitamins, choline chloride, minerals, potassium chloride, dried kelp, taurine, salt, DL-methionine, mixed tocopherols, cinnamon, turmeric, rosemary extract
Cost:
This formulas starts as low as $4.75 per pound, or $1.19 per cup. An average dog needs 1.5-2 cups per day for every 25 lbs of weight.
5. Gather Endless Valley Vegan Dog Food
Vegan ⚬ Kibble ⚬ $5.75 per pound
Manufactured in Ontario, this super premium recipe is made by Canadian brand Petcurean, makers of the highly rated brands Now Fresh, Go! and Summit. Gather Endless Valley is a human-grade recipe meeting the nutritional needs of all adult dog breeds. Gather is entirely plant-based, starting with certified organic and sustainably grown peas as the main ingredient.
Gather is a GMO-free recipe, and is free from artificial dyes, preservatives, and flavourings. It is also corn, soy, and wheat free. Gather adds nutritious wholefoods like lentils, quinoa, blueberries, cranberries, and carrots, for a delicious, meat-free meal.
Formulated to meet AAFCO standards, this recipe is ideal for adult dogs of all breeds.
Ingredients:
Organic peas, organic barley, organic oats, lentils, organic sunflower oil (preserved with mixed tocopherols), potatoes, quinoa, organic flaxseed, primary dried yeast, calcium carbonate, natural vegetable flavouring, blueberries, cranberries, carrots, choline chloride, salt, dicalcium phosphate, potassium chloride, vitamins (vitamin A supplement, vitamin D2 supplement, vitamin E supplement, niacin, L-ascorbyl-2-polyphosphate (a source of vitamin C), d-calcium pantothenate, thiamine mononitrate, riboflavin, pyridoxine hydrochloride, folic acid, biotin, vitamin B12 supplement), minerals (zinc proteinate, iron proteinate, copper proteinate, manganese proteinate, calcium iodate, selenium yeast), taurine, DL-methionine, L-lysine, dried rosemary
Cost:
At $5.75 per pound, or $1.44 per cup, Gather is among the more expensive options. However, the main ingredients are all certified organic, something that is hard to find in any Canadian-made pet food. Plus, Gather is certified vegan by vegan.org.
Feeding guidelines suggest a dog should be fed 1½ to 2 cups daily per 25 pounds of body weight.
6. Benevo Vegan Dog Food
Vegan ⚬ Kibble ⚬ $3.49 per pound
One of the oldest vegan dog foods in the world, Benevo is made in the UK. In fact, it’s approved by the UK Vegan and Vegetarian Societies. This completely plant-based line of dog foods includes puppy and adult kibbles, as well as canned food, too. It’s made with a combination of soy, peas, rice, and prebiotics. Every bite is fortified to ensure it’s complete and balanced, too. Plus, it comes in a foil fresh packaging, to keep it fresher longer.
The Benevo brand also offers a great line of treats that includes everything from jerky strips to cake mix.
Ingredients (Original Adult formula):
(all ingredients are non-GMO) Soya, Corn, Rice, Sunflower Oil, Peas, Brewers Yeast, Beet Pulp, Tomato Pomace, Yeast Based Palatant, Minerals, Vitamins, Yucca Schidigera Extract (0.1%), Fructo-Oligosaccharides (Prebiotic FOS) (0.01%), Vitamin A (as retinyl acetate) 17,224 IU, Vitamin D2 (as ergocalciferol) 2,392 IU, Vitamin E 120 IU, Iron (as Ferrous Sulphate Monohydrate) 159 mg, Zinc (as Zinc Sulphate Monohydrate) 133 mg, Manganese (as Manganous Sulphate Monohydrate) 105 mg, Copper (as Cupric Sulphate Pentahydrate) 45 mg, Selenium (as Sodium Selenite) 0.6 mg, Iodine (as Calcium Iodate Anhydrous) 1.5 mg, Linoleic Acid (Omega 6) 6.46%, Linolenic Acid (Omega 3) 0.09%, Taurine 910 mg, L-Carnitine 480 mg
Cost:
This formulas starts as low as $3.49 per pound, or $0.87 per cup. An average dog needs 1.5-2 cups per day for every 25 lbs of weight.
7. Benevo Duo Canned Dog Food
Vegan ⚬ Canned food ⚬ $5.25 per can
Made in the UK, this canned food is a completely plant-based wet food that your pet will love. It’s made with wholesome fresh ingredients like potatoes, carrots, peas, blueberries, cranberries, and more. Plus, there are no genetically modified ingredients used in this recipe. It’s free from wheat, gluten, soya, dairy, and animal proteins. Every batch is fortified with essential nutrients like taurine, B vitamins, zinc, iron, and much more.
Benevo Duo Vegan Canned Pet Food is complete and balanced for dogs and cats of all ages. Use it as a complete meal, a food topper, or a tasty treat. Plus, this recipe is approved by the UK Vegetarian and Vegan societies. This is one of the only vegan wet dog foods available in Canada. Made in the UK since 2006. Available in a case of 12 X 369 gram cans with easy pull rings.
Ingredients:
(all ingredients are non-GMO) Water, Potatoes, Carrots, Oat groats, Vegetable oil, Peas, Brown rice, Tomatoes, Blueberries, Cranberries, Dried brewers yeast, Vitamin A acetate, Vitamin D2 supplement, Vitamin E supplement, Ascorbic acid, Niacin supplement, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin supplement, Thiamin mononitrate, Pyridoxine hydrochloride, Vitamin B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B12, supplement, Biotin, Folic acid, Zinc sulphate, Ferrous sulphate, Manganese sulphate, Copper sulphate, Calcium iodate and Sodium selenite, Taurine
Cost:
At $5.25 per can, it is the most expensive vegan canned dogfood on the market. However, an average 20 lb dog would only need to eat one can per day – it is much more calorie and nutrient dense than competing formulas. This means it costs approximately the same to feed as other canned options.
8. V-planet Vegan Adult Dog Food
Vegan ⚬ Kibble ⚬ $4.40 per pound
Manufactured in Ontario, v-Planet is the sister brand to the widely popular plant-based American brand v-dog. This super premium dog food is backed by an entirely vegan brand, something no other plant-based manufacturer in Canada can claim.
Available in dry kibble form, v-Planet is free from wheat, corn, soy, artificial flavours, artificial dyes, artificial preservatives, and of course animal products.
V-planet’s recipe is made with non-GMO ingredients, utilizing easy to digest protein from peas, lentils, and quinoa. Other nutrient-dense superfoods like spinach, blueberries, sweet potatoes, and cranberries contribute to an overall well-rounded plant-based canine diet.
V-planet is complete and balanced for adult dogs of all breeds.
Ingredients:
Dried Peas, Ground Oats, Pea Protein, Ground Brown Rice, Potato Protein, Rapeseed Oil (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Brewers Dried Yeast, Dried Alfalfa Meal, Natural Vegetable Flavors, Ground Flaxseed, Calcium Carbonate, Calcium Phosphate, Dried Lentils, Ground Quinoa Seeds, Salt, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, Taurine, Dried Chicory Root, Dried Carrots, DL-Methionine, Dried Blueberries, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin Supplement, Beta Carotene, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin D Supplement, Folic Acid, Biotin), Minerals (Copper Sulfate, Calcium Iodate, Iron Sulfate, Manganous Oxide, Zinc Oxide, Selenium Yeast, Copper Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Zinc Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate), Dried Spinach, Dried Apples, Dried Sweet Potatoes, Dried Cranberries, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (Source of Vitamin C Activity), Yucca Schidigera Extract, L-Carnitine, Rosemary Extract.
Cost:
This formula starts at as low as $3.80 per pound, or $1.10 per cup. The average adult dog requires 1.5-2 cups per every 25 lbs of body weight daily.
9. Natural Balance Vegetarian Dry Dog Food
Vegan ⚬ Kibble ⚬ $2.86 per pound
Natural Balance Vegetarian dry dog food is very similar to their popular canned formula, but in a convenient dry kibble form. It is complete and fortified for adult dogs, and has been a popular plant-based option in Canada for quite some time. In fact, many Veterinarians promote this recipe as a healthy option for dogs with allergies or sensitivities to animal proteins.
Like many plant based recipes, this formula features brown rice, oatmeal, barley, and peas as the main ingredients. It’s made in the USA using high quality ingredients.
Ingredients:
Brown Rice, Oatmeal, Cracked Pearled Barley, Peas, Potato Protein, Canola Oil, Potatoes, Tomato Pomace, Vegetable Flavoring, Calcium Carbonate, Dicalcium Phosphate, Flaxseed, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, Taurine, Natural Mixed Tocopherols, Spinach, Parsley Flakes, Cranberries, L-Lysine, L-Carnitine, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Kelp, Vitamin E Supplement, Iron Proteinate, Zinc Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Potassium Iodide, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B-1), Manganese Proteinate, Manganous Oxide, Ascorbic Acid, Vitamin A Supplement, Biotin, Niacin, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Manganese Sulfate, Sodium Selenite, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B-6), Vitamin B-12 Supplement, Riboflavin (Vitamin B-2), Vitamin D-2 Supplement, Folic Acid.
Cost:
This is the most cost-efficient option on this list at $2.68 per pound, or $0.71 per cup. An average 25 pound dog would need about 1.5 to 2 cups daily.
10. Natural Balance Vegetarian Canned Dog Food
Vegan ⚬ Canned food ⚬ $2.89 per can
This is a completely plant-based wet dog food, something that is difficult to find in this industry. Natural Balance’s Vegetarian canned dog food has been a consistently reliable formula for over a decade.
This recipe is complete and balanced for adult dogs, however it is not recommended as a primary meal for puppies. Natural Balance Vegetarian canned dog food starts with healthy whole grains like brown rice, barley, and oats. Other tasty and nutritious ingredients like carrots, peas, and spinach make this pate-style food an enticing offering.
Because it is a canned food, Natural Balance Vegetarian canned dog food can be used as a complete meal, a food topper, a treat, or for stuffing the kong-like toys of the world. Canned foods have a higher moisture content than kibbles, helping to keep your pooch properly hydrated, too.
Ingredients:
Water For Processing, Brown Rice, Barley, Oat Groats, Canola Oil (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols), Carrots, Potato Protein, Dried Tomato Pomace, Potatoes, Dehydrated Potatoes, Peas, Dicalcium Phosphate, Natural Flavor, Calcium Carbonate, Carrageenan, Cassia Gum, Minerals (Zinc Proteinate, Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Iron Proteinate, Copper Sulfate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Sulfate, Manganese Proteinate, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite), Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin A Supplement, Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), D-Calcium Pantothenate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin D2 Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement, Folic Acid, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement), Natural Smoke Flavor, Salt, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, Taurine, Dried Spinach, Parsley, L-Carnitine, Rosemary Extract
Cost:
A 13 ounce can of this food comes in at $2.89, making it much more affordable than leading meat-based canned dog foods. An average 25 pound dog would need to eat approximately 2.5 cans per day to meet their daily calorie and nutrition needs.
As you can see, there are many high quality vegan and vegetarian dog food options available to pet owners in Canada. Whether you choose these recipes for ethical reasons, allergies or sensitivities, or as the basis for an elimination diet, you can rest assured that your dog is receiving complete and balanced nutrition with every brand on this list.
14 Responses
Just wanted to say my two 75-85lb staffy/pitty/mastiffy/mixed breeds have been on V-Planet for 4 years. So much dog food is full of nastiness but V-planet in addition to being plant-based is also non-GMO. My dogs still love the food and get super excited about every single mealtime even 4 years later.
Before they started on V-Planet, they had skin issues and allergies but since switching they have been in perfect health with no issues or allergies at all!
It’s also manufactured in Ontario and ships very quickly!
Hello Valerie,
Thank you for your comments. I am glad to hear your dogs are doing well on vPlanet! Keep up the good work 🙂
Hello Brandon, I realize this is an older article of your’s but it’s facinating and timely for me. I myself am PBWF for close to a yr now and find it ironic that I’ve been feeding my 3 dogs (2 exclusively raised on it) Big Country Raw (5yrs now with no issues, good health other then the 9yr old sheepdog/poodle with ragweed allergy in Aug-Sept)
But of course Vets have never been happy hearing it’s what I feed & with recently learning of a tapeworm that posses a threat to both host/dog and humans, I find I’m getting concerned, considering a change. Ziwi Peak is interesting to me but, SO expensive for my 75lb dog and 2 small 20lb ones.
Now I’m reading your article about plant based and wondering do dogs, with their shorter intestinal track, do well on a no meat protein diet? I’ve really not considered this, nor was aware of this as an alternative for dogs.
Any more info you have over the last 2 yrs now, on how dogs do on a WFPB diet, would be most appreciated.
Thank you, what a great site!
Hello Christine,
Thank you for your comment and for sharing your experience. I’m glad you found the article interesting and timely.
Feeding dogs a plant-based diet is becoming more popular. Despite having shorter intestinal tracts than humans, dogs can thrive on a well-balanced, whole-food, plant-based (WFPB) diet if it’s carefully planned.
Here are some points to consider:
1. Nutritional Balance: Ensure the diet provides all necessary nutrients, including amino acids, vitamins, and minerals.
2. Commercial Foods: High-quality vegan dog foods are available and formulated to meet dogs’ nutritional needs.
3. Digestibility: Some dogs may adjust quickly, while others may take time. Transition gradually and monitor their health.
Many pet owners have successfully switched their dogs to plant-based diets, noting improvements in health and allergy symptoms. Start with a high-quality vegan dog food, introduce it gradually, and monitor your dogs’ health.
If you have more questions or need further information, feel free to reach out.
Thank you for posting. I have come across this article just looking to see who else is out there other than Open Farm. My toy Maltese has been on Open Farm Vegan for 1 month and I have seen some changes, such as the staining disappearing.
I feel like Halo should be on this list! They have both dry and canned options and my dogs absolutely love canned Halo which we use whenever we need to hide pills or supplement powders in their food which we can’t do with kibble. We also feed Oven Baked Traditions vegan kibble and Gather endless valley. Yum yum! So happy there are vegan options for dogs.
Hello Julie. Thanks for commenting!
Halo is a wonderful brand and should be considered among the best. I will give that consideration as I update this list regularly. Thanks for bringing this to my attention!
Our dog is 7 years old and we have been struggling with protein allergies since he was a year old. Vomiting, diarrhea, scratching. All these symptoms have been severe. We finally got him on a fish diet, but his sensitivities have progressed with this as well. To the point we were struggling to figure out how to help him. We put him on Vegan-gather endless valley food, and are just finishing the first bag. The change has been amazing. Almost no scratching, his colitis is so much better and no vomiting in the 2 weeks he’s been on this food. We were reluctant to try a vegan diet, but the changes in him, man I have no words.
We transitioned our 11 year old shitz tzu to a vegan diet a couple years ago using Gather and then switched to Nature’s Hug (can remember why?) and haven’t looked back, he seems healthier, more energy, still is bothered a bit with the paw licking as we were told his allergies are seasonal, but we are happy with the plant based. Now, our local vet told us they cannot get the Natures Hug anymore so we may be going back to the Gather we had him on
before. Otherwise love the plant based good.
Hello Sharon,
Thank you for sharing your experience. It’s great to hear that your Shih Tzu is doing well on a vegan diet and has more energy, despite the seasonal allergies. It’s unfortunate that you can’t get Nature’s Hug anymore, but switching back to Gather, which worked well before, should be a good option. If you need any more help with plant-based food options, feel free to reach out.
Hi. Would you recommend these vegan dog foods for a dog who is having a lot of allergy issues with proteins? I am currently feeding him a hydrolyzed diet but I’m not happy with the ingredients as the first three items are corn starch (GMO?), hydrolyzed chicken livers and powdered cellulose.
Thank you,
Candace
Hello, Candace. Thank you for your post.
Feeding a plant-based diet to a dog with suspected allergies is a highly effective method of determining if your dog’s reactions are indeed due to animal protein(s). Keep in mind, you have to consider all other consumables like treats, cookies, people food, and more.
If you need any help with this, please don’t hesitate to reach out!
Thanks Good morning
Tried it all for my young Lab,re food sensitivities
loosing hair,scratching,white around the eyes
Thinking Vegan,is there a low cooking heat,food that you would recommend
Thanks Murray
Hello, Murray. Thank you for posting.
If you are looking to eliminate animal-based ingredients from your dog’s diet, then you certainly found the right place. These products are made using very similar extrusion processes. Unfortunately, I do not have the answer to your question about low cooking heat, as this information needs to be obtained from every individual manufacturer.
If you need any help going forward, please don’t hesitate to reach out!