The Best Vegan Dog Treats
Over the past few years, vegan diets have exploded in popularity all over the world. Between the added health benefits and cruelty-free ethos behind the vegan movement, there are more than a few good reasons to make the switch. In fact, veganism has become so popular that dog owners are beginning to seek out vegan dog treats for their pooches. Vegan dog treats are plant-based alternatives to traditional dog treats that contain no animal meat or animal byproducts. From reducing inflammation to cutting back on calories, there are plenty of good reasons to turn your dog into a veggie lover. In this list, we've outlined the cream of the crop when it comes to vegan dog treats.
What to Look For
When searching for the best vegan dog treats, we consider several key factors, including the quality of ingredients, flavor, and any additional health advantages beyond a vegan formula. If you’re looking for a treat that’s as natural as it is delicious, we recommend the ones from Wholesome Pride, which contain the single ingredient of sweet potato. Alternatively, for a meat imitation treat, we suggest the jerky strips from V-Planet, which are just as tasty as the real thing. For more on these picks and to see all of our favorite vegan dog treats on the market, read on.
Wholesome Pride Sweet Potato Vegan Dog Treats
Potatoes for your pooch
A good rule of thumb to think about when purchasing god treats is, “the fewer ingredients, the better.” Luckily, Wholesome Pride’s vegan dog treats only include one delicious ingredient: sweet potato. Free of animal products, preservatives, fillers, and GMOs, Wholesome Pride’s vegan dog treats are sourced from family-owned and operated farms in North Carolina, ensuring each bag is packed with care and attention. If your dog suffers from digestive issues or dairy allergies, there’s no better vegan dog treat option to try than this one from Wholesome Pride.
Pros:
- Gluten-free
- Only one ingredient
- Locally sourced
Cons:
- Some dogs might find the strong vegetable taste unpalatable
V-Planet Kind Jerky Vegan Dog Treats
Just like jerky
While vegan dog treats might be a healthier choice than their traditional meat-based counterparts, it might take your dog some time to get used to these greener treats. Thankfully, V-Planet’s Kind Jerky is here to make the transition smooth and painless for you and your canine companion. It has the same meaty taste your dog craves without any of the hormones, additives, and mystery ingredients that go along with traditional dog treats. With just eight simple ingredients, V-Planet has perfected a formula that your dog is sure to love just as much as their old meat-based treats.
Pros:
- Just a handful of ingredients
- Plant-based ingredients with a meaty flavor and texture
- GMO-free
Cons:
- They are somewhat difficult to chew; not great for puppies
Halo Grain-Free Vegan Dog Treats
Better biscuits
A diet full of heavily processed meat and dairy can do a number on a dog’s digestive system, but another less notable culprit in that regard is gluten. Some believe that gluten can cause digestive issues and weight gain in dogs. That’s why these grain-free vegan dog treats from Halo are such a smart option for gluten-wary dog owners. Halo’s vegan dog treats come in multiple irresistible flavors, including peanut and pumpkin, as well as a potato, carrot, and quinoa blend. Your dog will thank you for switching over to these healthy, affordable, and delectable baked vegan dog treats from Halo.
Pros:
- 100% baked
- Gluten-free
- Two flavors available
Cons:
- Some of the biscuits may be overbaked
Old Mother Hubbard Just Vegg’n Vegan Dog Treats
Veg out
If your pooch is like most dogs, they can’t get enough of doggie biscuits. Unfortunately, traditional dog biscuits are filled with preservatives, mystery dairy products, and chemical additives. With these vegan dog treats from Old Mother Hubbard, you can provide your dog with the same biscuit flavor they love without all the preservatives. These biscuits are made with a winning blend of carrots, apples, sweet potatoes, and a hint of parsley. They’re also offered in three different sizes, making them easy for dogs of all sizes to enjoy safely.
Pros:
- Three sizes available
- Gluten-free options available
- Includes real peanut butter in the ingredient list
Cons:
- The biscuits may be hard for some dogs to chew
Fruitables Vegan Dog Treats
Fabulous fruits
It’s no secret that dogs love to snack on meat. However, one less talked about doggie delicacy is fruit. When presented with the right flavor, dogs will stop at nothing to get a taste of more fruits. That’s why these vegan dog treats from Fruitables are such a great option for health-conscious dog owners. These treats come in multiple different flavors, including pumpkin and apple, pumpkin and blueberry, and pumpkin and cranberry. The pumpkin provides various essential nutrients vital for your dog’s health, and the fruits offer that sweet irresistible taste that will leave your dog barking for more.
Pros:
- Mixes fruits and vegetables
- Multiple flavors available
Cons:
- The non-meaty flavor might take some getting used to
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some of the health benefits associated with switching to vegan dog treats?
There is a multitude of reasons for owners to consider switching out their traditional meat-based dog treats for vegan ones. For one, many dogs have hidden allergies to enzymes in meat and dairy that can go undiagnosed for years. With vegan dog treats, you can ensure your dog’s diet isn’t causing allergy-induced flare-ups. Another common reason to take the plant-based plunge is digestive health. More and more veterinarians are recommending vegan dog treats to reduce inflammation in the digestive tract and promote healthier bowel movements. Not to mention, vegan dog treats are also well-known for containing less fattening materials, helping you to manage your dog’s weight more effectively.
Are vegan dog treats harmful to dogs?
The concept of “vegan dog treats” may seem foreign to some because canines are natural carnivores. However, studies have shown that vegan dog treats can be even healthier for dogs than their traditional meat-based counterparts. As long as your dog is getting all the nutrients they require for a balanced diet, vegan dog treats are more than acceptable.
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