Top 5 Vegetarian Dog Foods

There's no question that a vegetarian diet treads lightly on the Earth, reduces carbon emissions, and protects the welfare of animals. While most people will at least tolerate vegetarianism for humans, they still bristle when they think of vegetarian dog food. We regard dogs as fierce carnivores, who need massive amounts of meat to survive and to thrive. Depriving a dog of meat may seem like a travesty and an insult-- an attempt to un-dog the dog. What are all those crazy hippies going to do next-- demand that cats start recycling?

Dogs can actually be quite healthy on a vegetarian diet. Dogs-- like humans, and unlike cats-- are omnivores and can derive full nutritional benefit from either plants or meat. But you don't have to make your dog fully veggie-powered to lighten his ecological load. Just a few vegetarian meals a day can drastically reduce his ecological impact (while improving his health). Here are some of the best vegetarian dog foods to consider, as either supplements or as a core component of your pooch's diet.

Natural Balance Vegetarian Formula (Dry)

This organic, all-natural dry food contains brown rice, oatmeal, green peas and potatoes-- a combination of ingredients designed to provide the perfect balance of proteins, fats and carbohydrates. The Natural Balance formula is vegan and has added nutrients to meet a dog's specific nutritional needs.

Natural Balance Vegetarian Formula (Canned)
If your dog is accustomed to eating meat, he's more likely to go for canned vegetarian foods than dry formulas. With brown rice, barley, canola oil, potato, tomato, and added vitamins and minerals, this human-grade pet food can give your dog all the vegetarian nutrition he needs without the ecological or ethical impact of meat.

Natural Life Vegetarian Dog Food

This formula is marginally cheaper than most other vegetarian dog foods. A dry, natural formula, Natural Life is fortified to provide every vitamin, mineral and macronutrient your dog needs. However, some dogs seem to be uninterested in the taste of this meatless kibble.

Lee's Avoderm Vegetarian Dog Food

Avoderm vegetarian dog food contains a combination of gourmet plant-based ingredients, including natural Hass avocado. It's designed to fill the complete spectrum of canine nutritional needs. The company describes this eco-friendly pet food as "ideal" for dogs with sensitivities to other protein sources, since the product is hypoallergenic.

Pet Guard Organic Vegan Entree

Perhaps the finest in organic canine cuisine, Pet Guard's vegan canned formula contains human-grade ingredients that can ethically satisfy the palatte of even the pickiest pooches. Pea protein, barley, quinoa, oats, brown rice and antioxidants comprise this advanced and delicious canned food. It smells so appetizing that even you might be tempted to try it!

If you're interested in feeding your dog a vegetarian or primarily vegetarian diet, get in touch with his veterinarian for safety and nutrition guidelines. Always defer to expert judgment when making a major change in your pet's diet.