It may sound unusual, but dogs can be vegan too! The best vegan dog treats are formulated to be healthy for not only your dog but the environment and other animals too! They are made from plant-based ingredients that offer a healthy meat-free dog snack for vegan dogs.
Many of the rack dog kibbles contain undesirable substances like additives and preservatives for it to have a longer shelf life and expiry date. This is why it is not recommended that you feed them such treats that could be taking a toll on their health in the long run.
However, vegan dog food is not synonymous with healthy treats. Many vegan treats contain sugary fillers and an unhealthy amount of carbohydrates. This is why you should do your research when buying the right vegan treats for dogs.
Try to read up on the ingredients and see if they are fresh and plant-based. In addition, read up on the nutrition facts that will allow you to know what kind of nutrients you are constituting in your dog’s diet.
How To Pick The Best Vegan Treats For My Dog?
Vegan treats for dogs sound like a good option, but as a dog owner, it is important to check what kind of treats your dogs will be ingesting. Dogs are sensitive to new treats, and it is important to inspect them first.
Ingredients List
The first thing you should notice is the ingredient list. Vegan treats for dogs are all-natural, but that does not mean they are free from allergens. Check the list for ingredients your dog might be sensitive to and avoid them at all costs.
These ingredients can easily upset the digestive system or cause inflammation. It is better to inspect food and what effect they have before making it a regular item in their diet.
Protein Count
Vegan treats for dogs contain high protein content even though their ingredients avoid natural protein supplements like meat and poultry. This is why vegan treats are a good substitute for dogs who are sensitive to the different types of meat.
It acts as a good option for dogs who are completely switched to all-vegan treats and need an adequate amount of protein in their diets. The best vegan treat formulas contain a high count of protein, which helps your dogs with muscle growth, maintaining their immune system and having the right balance of amino acids.
Dental Health
Many dog species are prone to different kinds of gum diseases that involve the build-up of tartar and plaque. This can be difficult to deal with as dog ages, thus, it is a smart decision to offer them treats that help with dental health.
Many vegan treats for dogs offer different shapes and sizes that provide chewing stimulation. In addition to this, they also have a blend of herbs that keep the dog’s breath smelling fresh. Oral stimulation is important for dogs in order to maintain their teeth and gums.
Therapeutic Benefits
Many vegan treats for dogs contain ingredients that tend to calm them down. Often times, dogs are hyperactive or perhaps stressed. Some of the best vegan treats for dogs contain soothing ingredients like chamomile extract.
It helps calm your dog down. Moreover, other brands make use of hemp seed meals, which can alleviate stress. In addition to the nutrients, its beneficial for their mental wellbeing. Dog owners who wanted their hyperactive pups to calm down, find it extremely useful.
10 Best Vegan Dog Treats
There are many different kinds of vegan treats for dogs available in the market. Here is a breakdown of the top 10 best vegan dog treats that you can buy for your dog, and see what the right fit for them is.
1. Chippin Vegan Spirulina Healthy Dog Treats
The delicious spirulina vegan dog treats from Chippin Pets, a pet brand with a huge emphasis on sustainability and health, are made in the USA with high-quality ingredients. They’re all-natural and gluten-free. They use 90% fewer resources to produce than traditional treats. The protein used in these vegan dog treats comes from sustainable sources. The treats don’t use any artificial flavors or preservatives, they are non-GMO, and the owners make sure only all-natural premium ingredients are used in the process.
Each bite is packed with Spirulina algae which provides your dog with a natural source of antioxidants, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals. Spirulina is a blue-green alga that has been used for centuries in the Pacific Ocean region, and these days, pet parents use it for their dogs as a hypoallergenic puppy treat, great for dogs with allergies or sensitive tummies, or just for health-conscious dog owners.
These Chippin vegan dog treats are perfect for dogs of all sizes and are really appreciated by dogs with stomach, skin, and weight issues.
2. V-Dog Pet Treats
The V-dog pet treats come in different flavors like blueberry and peanut butter. Each bag contains 8 ounces of product which amounts to 10 bones per bag. The formula is 100% plant-based. Moreover, it contains no wheat, corn, or soy. In addition to that, it is free from dairy, sugary fillers, and does not support factory farmed products.
It is beneficial for the environment but will also serve your dog’s dental health and will get rid of bad breath. Users state that it is one of the best dog vegan treats out there. Their dogs enjoyed the flavor and its chewing sensation. Customers prefer this brand over store-bought kibble because of its eco-friendly production methods!
3. VeggieDent Tartar Control Chews For Dogs
The VeggieDent chews come in different quantities ranging from an extra small, all the way up to a large packet. It is great if you have multiple dogs as well. It aims to create vegetarian dog treats that are great for their dental hygiene.
The treats are shaped in a ‘Z’ like formation, which is easier to grip on and provides your dog with chewing stimulation. It decreases tartar and prevents gum diseases in many smaller dog species. It is also aimed to freshen their breath and improve overall gum health. The manufacturer recommends giving your dog one chew daily.
Consumers are satisfied with the product and state that it is great for dental hygiene. It creates a self-cleaning mechanism for many smaller dog breeds. In addition to which, it also prevents decaying teeth. While a bag can be expensive, it is worth the investment for most!
4. Whimzees Natural Grain-Free Dental Dog Treats
The Whimzees grain dog treats have all-natural ingredients. They come in small, medium, and large packaging, convenient for all types of use. What is special about this product is that it is in the shape of little alligators, which creates a unique form that gives it a chewable quality.
These treats are an excellent option for your dog’s dental health. They treat the buildup of plaque, bad breath, and tartar, especially in smaller dogs. The manufacturer also formulates the product to be free from gluten, GMO’s, grains, artificial coloring, and flavoring! That also makes it ideal for dogs who are sensitive to different kinds of treats and are prone to allergies.
Consumers who have been using the product for a while found it to be a miracle worker. Dogs seem to enjoy the chewing sensation as well as the flavor. It also improves their dental hygiene in the long run; however, some dogs did face digestive problems after ingesting it. So, it is recommended that you test out the product for a few days before making it a regular treat.
5. Sam’s Yams Sweet Potato Dog Chewz
Sam’s Yams consist of thinly cut sweet potatoes, that are rich in antioxidants and do not have a lot of calories. Each piece has ridges in them, which makes it great for dental hygiene and stimulation. The treats contain vitamin A, B6, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, and iron. All of which are essentials in a dog’s diet.
Most dogs enjoyed the product as dogs tend to enjoy the flavor of sweet potatoes. However, they recommend giving this treat to medium to large-sized dogs, who have more chewing capability. The treat itself is a little too hard for small dogs to chew on.
6. Zuke’s Z-Bone Dental Chew Dog Treats
Zuke’s Chew Dog treats come in a fresh apple and carrot flavor. The treats come in a ‘z’ shape that gives an excellent chewing stimulation to your dog. Moreover, the added spinach and herbs make the formula ideal for a balanced diet.
It also contains herbs like parsley and fennel to give your fresh dog breath and a clean mouth. The formula is free from synthetic flavorings, wheat, and gluten as well. Users thoroughly enjoyed the products as their dogs enjoy the fresh fruit flavor. However, users do complain about the price point is a little too high.
7. Shameless Pets All-Natural Dog Treats
The Shameless Pets all-natural dog treats offer different flavors ranging from apple, blueberry, lobster to egg, and cheese. These dog treats are rich in omega-three fatty acids, protein, and antioxidants. These are fundamentals in a dog’s diet. The natural formula is great for the dog’s coat, teeth, digestion, and health. It is also free from corn, soy, artificial flavors, and colors.
Consumers state that they prefer the treats to store-bought kibble that has too many harmful ingredients in them. However, the treats can produce an odor, and some pups do not always enjoy the different fruity flavors.
8. Snook’s Large GMO-Free Sweet Potato Dog Chew
The Snooks vegan dog treats are made of sweet potatoes. The treats contain an all-natural formula that is rich in vitamin E. It consists of chewable treats attached to natural hemp rope, which is free from chemicals. It is also classified as a non-GMO product. The treats are great for their digestive health, teeth, and gums.
It satisfies dogs who enjoy the taste of sweet potato. Moreover, it is a natural substitute for store-bought kibble. Although, some users did have the complaint that it is quite expensive for a treat that does not last too long. It is likely, that your dog will chew through the rope in a day or perhaps two!
9. Halo Vegan Grain-Free Natural Crunchy Treats
The Halo vegan grain-free natural treats come in an 8-ounce bag. They offer a peanut and a pumpkin flavor. The treats are rich in protein and fiber and have natural flavors. They are great for your dog’s digestion since it offers a low-fat vegetarian formula. In addition, the formula is also free from grains and wheat.
User state that it is great for dogs with sensitivities and allergies. Most dogs don’t do too well with natural treats, and their stomachs get upset, but this is not the case with Halo vegan treats. They are also very affordable for dog owners to purchase these multiple times a month. The only downside is that not all dogs enjoy the flavor, and the brand lacks variety.
10. Old Mother Hubbard Crunchy Classic Natural Dog Treats
The Old Mother Hubbard natural dog treats consist of different biscuit sizes. That means that it is great for different dog breeds and sizes. The formula contains carrots, sweet potatoes, apples, and parsley. It has premium ingredients, all of which are naturally sourced.
Users state that it is great as a treat and also for training their dogs. However, be sure to get the right size of a treat for your dog. Smaller dogs would do well with the smallest size, and the larger breeds can do well with medium to large-sized biscuits. This treat is also good for dogs who suffer from allergies and sensitivities.
A Reason to Give Your Dog Vegan Treats
There are many reasons vegan treats for dogs are a good option to explore. They are made from natural ingredients that are eco-friendly and free from additives and preservatives. They make use of clean ingredients that are good not just for your dog, but the environment as well.
As the world progresses and is in dire need of change, it is important for us to make choices that do not harm the environment. Vegan treats make use of fresh ingredients that due to which, they are a great option for dogs with food allergies and sensitivities. Vegan treats tend to be lighter on their stomachs, which is why vets recommend it to dogs who cannot adjust to other kinds of treats.