Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

    rewards header
    Become a member today!
    Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
    Already a member? Sign in
    Petco Pay LogoBecome a credit card member today!

    Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
    when you use Petco Pay!

    APPLY NOW
    Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

My dog thrives on vegetarian, but is a vegan diet truly healthy?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Cairn Terrier | Male | neutered | 4 years and 4 months old | 21 lbs

Hi! I'm a vegan for ethical reasons and switched my dog to Nature's Recipe Vegetarian Dog food a little over a year ago. He seems to be doing well, doesn't itch as much, and his bowl movements are much more regular than when I was feeding him chicken-based dog food. I've read/heard conflicting advice on the internet, in pet stores, and from friends about whether or not dogs can eat a vegan diet and still be happy and healthy. What's your opinion on this?

This question includes photos that may contain sensitive content. Click to view.

View more to consider that the photos may include sensitive content.

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Image profile

Answered By Rebecca, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on June 6th, 2017

No. I understand the ethical reasons for becoming vegan but feel that it is unhealthy and inhumane to force that diet on omnivorous or carnivorous pets. Dogs have not evolved to utilize a completely plant based diet efficiently and will end up malnourished or sick on a vegan diet.

Vote icon

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

  • Image profile

    Answered By Linda G, MS, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on December 3rd, 2018

    Hello. Dogs are omnivores which mean they need a varied diet of meat & some plant based foods. Without the nutrition derived from meat, dogs will develop some very severe amino acid deficiencies which can lead to long term chronic disease & possibly even death. Dogs are not people & should be fed a good balanced diet made for them. Anything else is just misguided. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

    Vote icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Image profile

    Answered By Sara Farmer, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on April 14th, 2019

    There is not a commercially available vegan diet that I would recommend. It is very difficult to make a balanced vegan diet for a dog - a board certified nutritionist would certainly need to be involved. In my opnion it would not be ethical to knowlingly feed an unbalanced diet to a dog.

    Vote icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

See More Answers

Related Questions

Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
What fish dog food helps dry skin if my dog eats Science Diet?
Is your dog's dry skin a concern? A certified vet offers expert advice on finding the best fish-based dog food alternatives to Science Diet for essential oils.
Updated on February 04, 2026
Petco Pet Education Center
Food & Nutrition
What's the best way to feed my hamster when I'm going on a trip?
Planning a trip to Chicago and need to feed your Syrian hamster? A certified vet offers expert advice on feeding options for short and long trips, plus finding trusted pet sitters.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Food & Nutrition
Can chickens eat bell peppers daily and what about veggie salads?
Can your chickens eat bell peppers and salads? Veterinarian Dr. Elizabeth offers expert advice on safe feeding, frequency, and how fresh veggies boost vibrant yolks.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Food & Nutrition
Is Purina Layer Pellets good for chickens? What other feeds exist?
Is Purina Layer Pellets the right choice for your flock? Get expert advice from a Petco veterinarian on Purina and other top chicken feed brands for your chickens.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Food & Nutrition
My newly adopted pet won't eat hay. What can I do to encourage it?
Adopted a pet not eating hay? Dr. Stafford, a certified vet, offers expert guidance on encouraging hay consumption, including adjusting pellets and trying fresh types.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Food & Nutrition
My mice eat all their food together from one bowl. Is this normal?
Do your mice quickly eat together from one bowl? A Licensed Vet Tech explains normal mouse eating behavior and when to watch for aggression. Get expert insights.
Updated on December 04, 2025
image
Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Book Now

Sponsored