First published in 2019. Rewritten in October 2026 to reflect current evidence.
More people are choosing plant-based diets for themselves, and some want the same for their dogs. The reasons are often thoughtful ones, about animal welfare or the environment, and we respect them. Here's what to consider before making the change, and why KetoPet suggests a meat-based diet for most dogs.
Can dogs eat a vegan diet?
Dogs are more flexible eaters than cats, and a carefully formulated plant-based food can meet their basic nutritional needs. But there is little room for error, and long-term research in dogs is still limited.
What to watch for
- Protein quality. Plant proteins are lower in some essential amino acids than animal proteins, including methionine. Dogs use methionine, together with cysteine, to make taurine, which the heart depends on.
- Taurine and heart health. Many plant-based foods rely heavily on peas, lentils and other legumes, the ingredients at the center of the concern about diet and heart disease in dogs. Read more in Taurine, Grain-Free Diets and Heart Disease in Dogs.
- Other nutrients. Vitamin B12, iron, zinc, L-carnitine and certain fatty acids are harder to supply from plants and usually need careful supplementation.
- Carbohydrate. Plant-based diets are usually much higher in carbohydrate, the opposite of the low-carbohydrate approach KetoPet suggests.
If you choose a plant-based diet
Choose a commercial food labeled "complete and balanced" for your dog's life stage rather than making your own, and talk to your veterinarian first. If you want to feed a homemade plant-based diet, ask for a recipe from a board-certified veterinary nutritionist. Regular checkups, including bloodwork and a heart check if your veterinarian advises it, are especially important.
What KetoPet suggests
For most dogs, we suggest a low-carbohydrate diet built mainly on meat: high in protein, moderate in fat. It supplies the amino acids dogs need in the form their bodies use most easily, and it helps keep them lean. Any change to your dog's diet should be gradual, and made with your veterinarian if your dog has a health condition.
Our free guide, What's Really in the Bowl, explains what goes into dog food and how to choose well, and our meal calculator can help you plan your dog's meals. If you have questions, the KetoPet community on Facebook is a good place to ask.
This article is general information, not veterinary advice.