Vegan Dry Dog Food, Vegetarian Dry Dog Food




Vegan dry dog food, vegetarian dry dog food – do you know how to select a good product? Below I take an objective, in-depth look at six of the most popular Vegan DRY dog food, and vegetarian DRY dog food products to help you understand how to choose what’s best for your dog.

An Objective Look at Six Popular Vegan and Vegetarian Dry Dog Food Products

Petguard Organics Vegetarian Adult Dry Dog Food

Ingredients: Organic Quinoa, Organic Oat Meal, Organic Ground Barley, Organic Brown Rice, Organic Dried Eggs, Organic Sunflower Oil, Organic Apples, Organic Peas, Organic Carrots, Organic Potatoes, Organic Flaxseed, Organic Amaranth, Organic Kelp, Organic Cranberries, Calcium Carbonate, Potassium Chloride, Calcium Ascorbate (Source Of Vitamin C), Choline Chloride, Vitamin A Supplement, D-Alpha Tocopherol, Calciferol (Source Of Vitamin D), Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement, Inositol, Niacin, Calcium Pantothenate, Biotin, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Source Of Vitamin B6), Zinc Amino Acid Chelate, Calcium Amino Acid Chelate, Iron Amino Acid Chelate, Folic Acid, Manganese Amino Acid Chelate, Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Cobalt Amino Acid Chelate, Sodium Selenite. Omega-3: 0.8 min. Omega-6: 4.2 min.
  • Issues
    • Not a species appropriate food for dogs.
    • Sweet potato. Starchy root vegetables cause and contribute to inflammatory disease in dogs.
    • Critically low in Omega-3 fatty acids increases the inflammatory nature of this food.
    • Contains species inappropriate ingredients.
      • Grains are a leading cause of immune system issues and other inflammatory conditions and diseases in dogs – for example - allergies, diabetes, gastrointestinal problems, urinary tract and renal system problems, oral health problems, cancer, insect and parasite infestations, etc.
    • Peas (and other pulses,\) contain lectin proteins which can interfere with nutrient absorption, and create auto immune responses leading to inflammation and chronic disease.
  • Vitamins and minerals added to product to ‘fortify and enrich’ the product due to loss of viable nutrients from processing.
    • Vitamins and minerals used are not organic.
      • If soured from China are contaminated with heavy metals and other toxins.
      • If sourced from the USA are contaminated with GMOs. 
      • Chelated minerals are not well absorbed by the body and contribute to toxic load.
Vdog Vegan Dry Dog Food
Ingredients: Dried Peas, Brown Rice, Pea Protein Concentrate, Oats, Sorghum, Lentils, Canola Oil, Peanuts, Sunflower Hearts, Potato Protein, Brewers Dried Yeast, Alfalfa Meal, Flaxseeds, Natural Vegetable Flavor, Quinoa, Millet, Calcium Carbonate, Dicalcium Phosphate, Salt, Potassium Chloride, Vegetable Pomace (Carrot, Celery, Beet, Parsley, Lettuce, Watercress & Spinach), Taurine, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Supplement, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Vitamin D2 Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Folic Acid), Choline Chloride, Minerals (Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Manganous Oxide, Sodium Selenite & Calcium Iodate), DL-Methionine, L-Lysine, L-Carnitine, Parsley Flakes, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (Source of Vitamin C), Dried Cranberries, Dried Blueberries, Preserved With Citric Acid and Mixed Tocopherols (Form of Vitamin E). Omega-3: not disclosed. Omega-6: not disclosed – however, based on ingredient profile product is critically low in Omega-3.
    • Issues
      • VDog does not state that their ingredients are human food-grade. This is troubling as animal feed-grade ingredients are permitted to contain more, and higher levels of toxic contaminants than human food-grade ingredient.
      • Insufficient variety and quantity of nutrient dense fruits.
      • Vegetable pomice – low in nutritional value. Vegetable pomice is a by-product of manufacturing made-for-human processed foods.
      • Product contains high levels of common salt – in fact there is more salt in this product than fruit. Common salt, table salt (iodized salt) is a toxin. It causes inflammation and cardiovascular issues.
      • Alfalfa - when used in small amounts alfalfa meal is an acceptable source of whole-food nutrients. When alfalfa is used as a major ingredient - alfalfa becomes a health hazard.  The saponins in alfalfa interfere with the absorption of nutrients by the body. Non-organic alfalfa is also high in herbicide residue, making it a source of toxins and carcinogen.
      • Contains species inappropriate ingredients.
        • Grains are a leading cause of immune system issues and other inflammatory conditions and diseases in dogs – for example - allergies, diabetes, gastrointestinal problems, urinary tract and renal system problems, oral health problems, cancer, insect and parasite infestations, etc.
      • Lentils and peas (and other pulses) contain lectin proteins which can interfere with nutrient absorption, and create auto immune responses leading to inflammation and chronic disease in some dogs – not an appropriate ingredient to use in large quantities.
      • Peanuts (a legume) cause inflammatory issues in dogs. Note that the peanuts in this product used are not organic, and are not human food-grade thus increasing their inflammatory effect.
      • Natural flavor – a source of emulsifiers, preservatives, MSG, and solvents, (all three are placed in the category ‘incidental additives, a category that manufacturers are not required to list/disclose. These incidental additives typically contain GMOs, toxins, carcinogens. Increases the inflammatory nature of this food product.
      • Product is critically low in Omega-3 fatty acids increases the inflammatory nature of this food.
      • Product contains poor-source Omega-6 fatty acids that increase the inflammatory nature of this food. Canola oil is GMO, mixed tocopherols typically GMO contaminated. Source of herbicide residue, typically glyphosate. This residue is toxic and carcinogenic, inflammatory disease promoting, serotonin disrupting, dementia causing, and more. The FDA does not regulate testing for glyphosate residue in food. Interferes with absorption of nutrients and adjuncts absorption of toxins such as mercury from vaccinations, and non-organic arsenic which is present in non-organic grains such as rice, interferes with healing.
      • Citric acid (is not organic) is typically GMO, and MSG contaminated, increases the inflammatory nature of this food.
      • Vitamins and minerals added to product to ‘fortify and enrich’ the product due to loss of viable nutrients from processing.
        • Vitamins and minerals used are not organic-source.
        • If soured from China are contaminated with heavy metals and other toxins.
        • If sourced from the USA are contaminated with GMOs. 
        • Citric acid is a common source of MSG (a neurotoxin).
      • VDog products are endorsed by PETA. PETA does do good in educating people regarding cruelty to animals on a larger scale – i.e. animal testing, and circuses - HOWEVER when it comes to ‘pets’ such as dogs and cats PETA KILLS 98% of all healthy, adoptable dogs and cats that they ‘rescue’/ ‘save’. Take a look at PETA's kill records for the last few years...
      • PETA’s official annual pet-killing reports as submitted to the state government of Virginia – location of PETA’s head office, and main center for their pet slaughter activities:
      • Over the span of 11 years, PETA has killed 29,426 dogs, cats, rabbits, and other domestic animals. I personally do NOT consider PETA to be an ethical organization. PETA’s endorsement of this product provides zero meaningful value to the safety of this product. Facts regarding PETS’s lack of ethics when it comes to domestic dogs, cats and other small animals you can go here – Nathan Winograd keeps an accurate, and close watch on PETA’s ongoing cruelty, you can also follow him on Facebook – I do.  You can find additional evidence of PETA’s unwarranted, unnecessary killing of dogs and cats by going here, and here, and here.  In light of PETA’s ongoing actions of animal cruelty to small animals, in my opinion, PETA’s endorsement of this product is completely inappropriate.
      • PETA supports a KILL policy for ALL Pit Bulls in shelters across North America - you can see the OpEd piece on this PETA endorsed policy as written by the founder of PETA Iingrid Newkirk by going here.
    Halo Vegan Garden Medley
    Ingredients: Green Peas, Chickpeas, Pearled Barley, Oat Groats, Pea Protein, Whole Flaxseed, Sunflower Oil, Dried Plain Beet Pulp, Potato, Sweet Potato, Alfalfa Meal, Carrot, Celery, Beet, Parsley, Lettuce, Watercress, Spinach, Canola Oil (preserved with mixed tocopherols), Dicalcium Phosphate, Monocalcium Phosphate, Dried Kelp, Natural Vegetable Flavors, Flaxseed Oil, Carrots, Dried Apple, Dried Blueberry, Dried Cranberry, Chicory Root, Taurine, Rosemary Extract, L-Carnitine, Potassium Chloride, DL Methionine, Salt, Calcium Carbonate, Choline Chloride, Vitamins (Vitamin B12 Supplement, Niacin, Vitamin A Supplement, Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin D-2 Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Biotin, Folic Acid), Minerals (Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Zinc Sulfate, Iron Sulfate, Manganese Proteinate, Manganese Sulfate, Cobalt Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Copper Sulfate, Ethylene Diamine Dihydriodide, Sodium Selenite). Omega-3: 1.25 min. Omega-6: 4.25 min.
      • Issues
        • Alfalfa - when used in small amounts alfalfa meal is an acceptable source of whole-food nutrients. When alfalfa is used as a major ingredient - alfalfa becomes a health hazard.  The saponins in alfalfa are anti-nutrients that interfere with the absorption of nutrients by the body. Non-organic alfalfa is also high in herbicide residue, making it a source of toxins and carcinogens
        • Contains species inappropriate ingredients
          • Grains are a leading cause of immune system issues and other inflammatory conditions and diseases in dogs – for example - allergies, diabetes, gastrointestinal problems, urinary tract and renal system problems, oral health problems, cancer, insect and parasite infestations, etc.
        • Chick peas and peas (pulses) contain lectin proteins which interfere with nutrient absorption, and create auto immune responses leading to inflammation and chronic disease in some dogs – not an appropriate ingredient to use in large quantities.
        • Product contains poor-source Omega-6 fatty acids that increase the inflammatory nature of this food. Canola oil is GMO, mixed tocopherols typically GMO contaminated. Source of herbicide residue, typically glyphosate. This residue is toxic and carcinogenic, inflammatory disease promoting, serotonin disrupting, dementia causing, and more. The FDA does not regulate testing for glyphosate residue in food. Interferes with absorption of nutrients and adjuncts absorption of toxins such as mercury from vaccinations, and non-organic arsenic which is present in non-organic grains such as rice, interferes with healing.
        • Product is critically low in Omega-3 fatty acids increases the inflammatory nature of this food product 
        • Natural flavor – a source of emulsifiers, preservatives, and solvents, (all three are placed in the category ‘incidental additives, a category that manufacturers are not required to list/disclose. These incidental additives typically contain GMOs, toxins, carcinogens. Increases the inflammatory nature of this food product
        • Vitamins and minerals added to product to ‘fortify and enrich’ the product due to loss of viable nutrients from processing.
          • Vitamins and minerals used are not organic-sourced
          • If soured from China are contaminated with heavy metals and other toxins
          • If sourced from the USA are contaminated with GMOs

      Royal Canin Vegetarian
      Ingredients: Oat groats, brewers rice, potato protein, coconut oil, natural flavors, dried plain beet pulp, tomato pomace, flaxseed, calcium carbonate, monocalcium phosphate, carrot pomace, potassium chloride, calcium sulfate, salt, fructooligosaccharides, choline chloride, taurine, vitamins [DL-alpha tocopherol acetate (source of vitamin E), L-ascorbyl-2-polyphosphate (source of vitamin C), biotin, D-calcium pantothenate, vitamin A acetate, niacin supplement, pyridoxine hydrochloride (vitamin B6), thiamine mononitrate (vitamin B1), vitamin B12 supplement, riboflavin supplement, folic acid, vitamin D3 supplement], trace minerals [zinc proteinate, zinc oxide, ferrous sulfate, manganese proteinate, manganous oxide, copper sulfate, calcium iodate, sodium selenite, copper proteinate] , L-carnitine, carotene, rosemary extract, preserved with mixed tocopherols and citric acid. Omega-3: not disclosed. Omega-6: not disclosed – however, based on ingredient profile product is critically low in Omega-3.
        • Issues
          • A species inappropriate product that causes and contributes to inflammatory disease in dogs.
          • Royal Canin does not use human food-grade ingredients. This is troubling as animal feed-grade ingredients are permitted to contain more, and higher levels of toxic contaminants than human food-grade ingredient.
          • Product contains non-organic coconut oil, high in synthetic chemical residue. The coconut oil in this product is not organic. It does not have the same healthful value as organic coconut oil 
          • Tomato pomice – low in nutritional value, tomato pomice is a by-product of manufacturing ketchup,
          • Contains starchy root vegetables that cause inflammatory disease in dogs.
          • Contains toxic common salt (iodized salt), causes inflammatory disease in dogs.
          • Contains species inappropriate ingredients
            • Grains are a leading cause of immune system issues and other inflammatory conditions and diseases in dogs – for example - allergies, diabetes, gastrointestinal problems, urinary tract and renal system problems, oral health problems, cancer, insect and parasite infestations, etc.
            • Brewer’s rice – a by-product of made-for human processed food, brewers rice is stripped of nutrients, has very little nutritional value, is an inexpensive filler
          • Mixed tocopherols typically GMO contaminated. Source of herbicide residue, typically glyphosate. This residue is toxic and carcinogenic, inflammatory disease promoting, serotonin disrupting and more.  Interferes with absorption of nutrients and adjuncts absorption of toxins such as mercury from vaccinations, and non-organic arsenic which is present in non-organic grains such as rice, interferes with healing. Increase the inflammatory nature of this food product
          • Product is critically low in Omega-3 fatty acids increases the inflammatory nature of this food product
          • Coconut oil used is not organic
          • Product contains poor-source Omega-6 fatty acids increases the inflammatory nature of this food product
          • Vitamins and minerals added to product to ‘fortify and enrich’ the product due to loss of viable nutrients from processing.
            • Chealted minerals contribute to toxic load and inflammatory disease.
            • If sourced from the USA are contaminated with GMOs
            • If soured from China are contaminated with heavy metals and other toxins 
            • Citric acid - a common source of MSG
        Nature’s Recipe Healthy Skin Vegetarian Recipe
        Ingredients: Ground Rice, Soybean Meal, Cracked Pearled Barley, Canola Oil (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Calcium Carbonate, Dicalcium Phosphate, Salt, Dehydrated Carrots, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (Source of Vitamin C), Inositol, Niacin Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Beta-Carotene, Riboflavin Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement), Garlic Oil, Minerals (Zinc Proteinate, Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Oxide, Iron Proteinate, Copper Sulfate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Manganous Oxide, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite), Onion Extract, Garlic Powder, Rosemary Extract. Omega-3: 0.6 min. Omega-6: 1.9 min.
        • Issues
          • MenadioneSodium Bisulfite Complex is toxic to kidneys, liver, mucous membranes. Repeated or prolonged exposure can produce damage to target organs, is carcinogenic and mutagenic.
          • Onion extract – inappropriate for dogs due to thiophosphate – a substance that causes Heinz factor anemia in dog.
          • Source of garlic is undisclosed, if from China the garlic has a high level of toxic contamination.
          • Nature's Recipe does not use human food-grade ingredients. This is troubling as animal feed-grade ingredients are permitted to contain more, and higher levels of toxic contaminants than human food-grade ingredient.
          • Contains toxic common salt (iodized salt), causes inflammatory disease in dogs.
          • Contains species inappropriate ingredients
            • Grains are a leading cause of immune system issues and other inflammatory conditions and diseases in dogs – for example - allergies, diabetes, gastrointestinal problems, urinary tract and renal system problems, oral health problems, cancer, insect and parasite infestations, etc.
          • Soy beans in this product are GMO.  Source of herbicide residue, typically glyphosate. This residue is toxic and carcinogenic, inflammatory disease promoting, serotonin disrupting and more.  Interferes with absorption of nutrients and adjuncts absorption of toxins such as mercury from vaccinations, and non-organic arsenic which is present in non-organic grains such as rice, interferes with healing. Increases the inflammatory nature of this food. 
          • Soy beans (and other legumes) cause inflammatory disease in dogs.
          • Poor-source Omega-6 fatty acids. Canola oil is GMO, mixed tocopherols typically GMO contaminated. Source of herbicide residue, typically glyphosate. This residue is toxic and carcinogenic, inflammatory disease promoting, serotonin disrupting, dementia causing, and more. The FDA does not regulate testing for glyphosate residue in food. Interferes with absorption of nutrients and adjuncts absorption of toxins such as mercury from vaccinations, and non-organic arsenic which is present in non-organic grains such as rice, interferes with healing.
          • Critically low in Omega-3 fatty acids increases the inflammatory nature of this food product
          • Vitamins and minerals added to product to ‘fortify and enrich’ the product due to loss of viable nutrients from processing.
            •  Chelated minerals contribute to toxic load and inflammatory disease.
            • If sourced from the USA are contaminated with GMOs
            • If soured from China are contaminated with heavy metals and other toxins
        Natural Balance – Vegetarian Dry Dog Food Formula
        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. Omega-3: 0.3 min. Omega-6: 2.0 min.
          • Issues
            • Nature Balance does not use human food-grade ingredients. This is troubling as animal feed-grade ingredients are permitted to contain more, and higher levels of toxic contaminants than human food-grade ingredient.  
            • Tomato pomice – a by-product of manufacturing ketchup, low in nutritional value
            • Contains starchy root vegetables that cause inflammatory disease in dogs.
            • Contains species inappropriate ingredients.
              • Grains are a leading cause of immune system issues and other inflammatory conditions and diseases in dogs – for example - allergies, diabetes, gastrointestinal problems, urinary tract and renal system problems, oral health problems, cancer, insect and parasite infestations, etc.
            • Chick peas and peas (and other pulses), cause inflammatory disease in dogs. contain lectin proteins which can interfere with nutrient absorption, and create auto immune responses leading to inflammation, and chronic disease in some dogs – not an appropriate ingredient to use in large quantities.
            • Natural flavor – a source of emulsifiers, preservatives, and solvents, (all three are placed in the category ‘incidental additives, a category that manufacturers are not required to list/disclose. These incidental additives typically contain GMOs, toxins, carcinogens. Increases the inflammatory nature of this food product
            • Product is critically low in Omega-3 fatty acids increases the inflammatory nature of this food product
            • Product contains poor-source Omega-6 fatty acids increases the inflammatory nature of this food product. Canola oil is GMO, mixed tocopherols typically GMO contaminated. Source of herbicide residue, typically glyphosate. This residue is toxic and carcinogenic, inflammatory disease promoting, serotonin disrupting, dementia causing, and more. The FDA does not regulate testing for glyphosate residue in food. Interferes with absorption of nutrients and adjuncts absorption of toxins such as mercury from vaccinations, and non-organic arsenic which is present in non-organic grains such as rice, interferes with healing.
            • Vitamins and minerals added to product to ‘fortify and enrich’ the product due to loss of viable nutrients from processing.
              •  Chelated minerals contribute to toxic load and inflammatory disease.
              • If sourced from the USA are contaminated with GMOs
              • If soured from China are contaminated with heavy metals and other toxin
          Are These Products Nutritionally Complete?

          According to AFFCO the answer is yes. All six of the above products meet AAFCO’s ‘standards’. But how meaningful are AAFCO standards? Dig a little deeper – consider who AFFCO is, and who they represent…

          AAFCO is an acronym for the American Association of Feed Control Officials. Although AAFCO promotes itself as THE 'governing' body for the pet food industry. AFFCO's claim is a self-proclamation - they are a partisan organization comprised of people directly involved in  the pet food manufacturing industry. AAFCO is directly responsible for unclear labeling on pet food products including dry and wet dog food and treats. AAFCO allows toxins and carcinogens into the food that they 'approve'. AAFCO is responsible for the confusion around poor vs. good quality dog food (and cat food) products. AAFCO guidelines, and standards are not sufficient to ensure a food product is ‘nutritionally balanced’, ‘nutritionally complete’, truly health supporting or species appropriate.


          Animal Cruelty?

          The Vegan Dry Dog Food, Vegetarian Dry Dog Food products analyzed above contain inappropriate, highly inflammatory ingredients known to degrade a dog’s quality of life by destroying his/her physical health, and mental health – this is animal cruelty perpetrated by the pet food industry in the name of profit. These dry dog foods do NOT offer the opportunity to end cruelty to animals.
           
          A species appropriate diet for dogs is not vegan, or vegetarian.

          In an accompanying article, I look at an actual Case Study of a dog fed a vegan diet - what went right, what went wrong, and why. I discuss in further depth ethical issues and impacts – you can read that article by going here.

          Don’t allow your dog to be a victim of accidental cruelty.  Get help to design the best possible, cruelty-free species appropriate homemade diet  – don’t make your dog eat dry vegan or dry vegetarian highly processed dog food. 
           
           
          Holistic Diet, Nutrition, Wellness Services Tailored to Your Individual Dog and Cat
           
          For information about my holistic diet, nutrition, wellness services visit my:
           
          Maintain good health | Address acute and chronic health issues | Pre and post surgery support and recovery
           
          My holistic wellness services are available worldwide via video consultation.

          🌎  USA | Canada | UK | Europe | Australia | New Zealand | Asia | South and Central America | Africa | UAE
           
          📱 FaceTime | Facebook | Skype | WhatsApp
           
          To set-up your holistic wellness consultation get in-touch via email:
          Contact me.

           
          Holistic Behavioral Services For Your Dog
           
          For information about my holistic behavioral services visit my:
          For dogs of all ages, sizes and breeds
           
          My holistic behavioral services are available locally in-person and worldwide via video session.
           
          🌎  USA | Canada | UK | Europe | Australia | New Zealand | Asia | South and Central America | Africa | UAE
           
          📱 FaceTime | Facebook | Skype | WhatsApp
           
          To set-up your holistic behavioral session get in-touch via email:
          Contact me.
           
          Affiliations to Companies
          ✓ None.
          ✓ I don't sell food or supplements.
          ✓ I'm not aligned with any companies.

          Article by Karen Rosenfeld

          Popular Posts