The Top 10 Vegan and Vegetarian Dog Foods in Canada for 2023

In North America, vegan and vegetarian dog foods are rapidly growing in popularity for many reasons. Not only are plant-based dog foods considerably more eco-friendly than traditional meat-based dog foods, they also make for some of the most effective hypoallergenic alternatives for dogs struggling with food allergies. 

As the science community’s understanding of canine nutrition has expanded, so has the quality of commercial plant-based dog foods. Resultantly, meat-free dog foods now compete among  the highest quality brands on today’s competitive pet food marketplace.

After countless hours of research, we have ranked the highest quality vegan and vegetarian dog foods available in Canada. Remarkably, some of these super premium plant-based dog foods are made in Canada, too!

What are the best plant-based dog foods in Canada?

1. Oven Baked Tradition Vegan Adult Dog Food

Vegan ⚬ Kibble ⚬ $4.50 per pound

This Canadian-made food comes in second on our list, and for good reason; this lightly baked kibble is dehydrated at exceptionally low temperatures, making it more akin to a dehydrated raw food than a traditional kibble. It’s made in small batches to ensure quality, too. This recipe is a nutrient dense, complete and balanced meal – from plants! It is a cruelty-free recipe that starts with wholesome lentils as the primary ingredient, supplying your pooch with plenty of easy-to-digest protein. Healthful oat meal and barley provide energy. Delicious peas and hemp seeds provide even more sources of protein to promote muscle health, too. This recipe makes smart use of other healthy ingredients like spinach, flaxseed, coconut oil, bananas, sweet potatoes, blueberries, and more! Plus, it’s available in smaller kibbles for small and medium breeds – see here.

Ingredients:

Green lentils, oat meal, whole peas, pea meal, whole ground barley, pea protein, organic shelled hemp seed, ground whole flaxseed (source of omega-3 fatty acids), canola oil (source of omega-6 fatty acids, preserved with mixed tocopherols and citric acid), brewer’s yeast, calcium carbonate, natural flavor, choline chloride, sea salt, taurine, DL-methionine, dried kelp, vitamin E supplement, spinach, glucosamine hydrochloride, zinc proteinate, iron proteinate, coconut oil, inulin (prebiotic), apples, bananas, blueberries, broccoli, cranberries, sweet potatoes, Yucca schidigera extract, copper proteinate, green tea extract, manganese proteinate, niacin supplement, vitamin A supplement, d-calcium pantothenate, riboflavin supplement, thiamine mononitrate, vitamin D3 supplement, vitamin B12 supplement, pyridoxine hydrochloride, calcium iodate, folic acid, sodium selenite, rosemary extract.

Cost: 

This formula starts at $4.50 per pound, or approximate $1.13 per cup. An average adult dog requires 1-1.5 cups per every 25 lbs of body weight daily.

2. Nature’s Hug Vegan Dog Food

Vegan ⚬ Kibble ⚬ $4.75 per pound

This innovative brand is quickly becoming one of our best sellers! It uses a unique yeast as the main ingredient, that has an almost identical amino acid profile as chicken. It’s also one of the only grain free plant-based dog foods on the market, making it particularly appealing for pets with common allergies and sensitivities. It’s packed with all of the essential nutrients and vitamins your pooch needs, in an easy to digest formula. Their line includes formulas for large, medium, and even toy breeds. Plus, there’s a formula for pups of all ages, from puppy to adult to senior.

Nature’s Hug is proudly made in Canada, with many Canadian sourced ingredients. It includes a plethora of healthy wholefoods, like chickpeas, blackberries, avocado, algae, carrots, pumpkin, and so much more.

Ingredients (Medium and Large Breed Maintenance Formula):

Whole green peas, dried yeast, whole green lentils, whole navy beans, whole chickpeas, canola oil (preserved with mixed tocopherols), monocalcium phosphate, whole flaxseed, sunflower oil (preserved with mixed tocopherols), calcium carbonate, sesame seeds, apple pomace, sun cured alfalfa meal, natural flavor, salt, yeast culture choline chloride, lecithin, DL-methionine, tapioca, taurine, potassium chloride, calcium propionate, betaine hydrochloride, vitamin E supplement, L-threonine, L-lysine, dried kelp, dried algae meal, yeast extract, chicory root extract, L-ascorbic acid (vitamin C),  L-carnitine, carrots, pumpkin, apples, kale, spinach, pomegranate, cranberries, blueberries, blackberries, avocado, turmeric, green tea extract, yucca schidigera extract, fumaric acid, lactic acid, citric acid, malic acid, ferrous sulfate, zinc oxide, zinc proteinate, vitamin E supplement, copper sulfate, copper proteinate, sodium selenite, vitamin B12 supplement, folic acid, nicotinic acid, vitamin A supplement, calcium pantothenate, manganese oxide, manganese proteinate, riboflavin, biotin supplement, pyridoxine hydrochloride, thiamine mononitrate, vitamin D3 supplement, calcium iodate, cobalt proteinate, dried Enterococcus faecium fermentation product, dried Bacillus subtilis fermentation product, dried Bacillus licheniformis fermentation product, dried Bacillus amyloliquefaciens fermentation product.

Cost:

This formula starts at $4.50 per pound, or roughly $1.20 per cup. An average dog will require 1.5 to 2 cups per day for every 25 lbs of body weight.

3. Noochy Poochy

Made in the UK, the Noochy Poochy brand has formulated delicious cheesy-flavoured kibbles featuring nutritional yeast.  This nutrient dense recipe is loaded with protein from responsibly sourced soybeans, peas, lupin beans, chickpeas, lentils, and more. Plus, your pooch will love the taste of sweet potato, oats, carrots, and mixed herbs. A number of ingredients used in their recipes are organic, too. Choose from adult or puppy formulas.

Ingredients (Adult Formula):

responsibly sourced soybean, pea protein, UK grown naked oats, sweet potato, sweet lupin beans, chickpeas, organic brown rice, nutritional yeast, basil, thyme, marjoram, oregano, lentils, olive oil, rapeseed oil, linseed oil, tomatoes, carrots, organic rice protein concentrate, chelated minerals, extract of yucca plant

4. Open Farm Kind Earth Plant Based Dog Food

Vegan ⚬ Kibble ⚬ $4.75 per pound

Made in North America, this recipe is loaded with essential vitamins and nutrients from GMO-free, premium ingredients. In fact, every wholefood ingredient is completely traceable, right back to the farm. It has a rich amino acid profile from beneficial yeast, and is fortified to ensure nothing is missed. It’s loaded with omega fatty acids, zinc, iron, and so much more. This is an exceptional quality recipe, and is owned by a Canadian brand, too.

Every batch comes in a bag made from recycle plastic, making it more eco-friendly than most other plant-based dog foods.

Ingredients:

Whole grain barley, fava beans, oats, dried yeast, sweet potato, potato protein, coconut oil, sunflower oil, flaxseed, natural vegetable flavour, tricalcium phosphate, pumpkin, kale, carrots, dandelion greens, vitamins, choline chloride, minerals, potassium chloride, dried kelp, taurine, salt, DL-methionine, mixed tocopherols, cinnamon, turmeric, rosemary extract

Cost:

This formulas starts as low as $4.75 per pound, or $1.19 per cup. An average dog needs 1.5-2 cups per day for every 25 lbs of weight.

5. Gather Endless Valley Vegan Dog Food

Vegan ⚬ Kibble ⚬ $5.75 per pound

Manufactured in Ontario, this super premium recipe is made by Canadian brand Petcurean, makers of the highly rated brands Now Fresh, Go! and Summit. Gather Endless Valley is a human-grade recipe meeting the nutritional needs of all adult dog breeds. Gather is entirely plant-based, starting with certified organic and sustainably grown peas as the main ingredient. 

Gather is a GMO-free recipe, and is free from artificial dyes, preservatives, and flavourings. It is also corn, soy, and wheat free. Gather adds nutritious wholefoods like lentils, quinoa, blueberries, cranberries, and carrots, for a delicious, meat-free meal. 

Formulated to meet AAFCO standards, this recipe is ideal for adult dogs of all breeds.

Ingredients:

Organic peas, organic barley, organic oats, lentils, organic sunflower oil (preserved with mixed tocopherols), potatoes, quinoa, organic flaxseed, primary dried yeast, calcium carbonate, natural vegetable flavouring, blueberries, cranberries, carrots, choline chloride, salt, dicalcium phosphate, potassium chloride, vitamins (vitamin A supplement, vitamin D2 supplement, vitamin E supplement, niacin, L-ascorbyl-2-polyphosphate (a source of vitamin C), d-calcium pantothenate, thiamine mononitrate, riboflavin, pyridoxine hydrochloride, folic acid, biotin, vitamin B12 supplement), minerals (zinc proteinate, iron proteinate, copper proteinate, manganese proteinate, calcium iodate, selenium yeast), taurine, DL-methionine, L-lysine, dried rosemary

Cost:

At $5.75 per pound, or $1.44 per cup, Gather is among the more expensive options. However, the main ingredients are all certified organic, something that is hard to find in any Canadian-made pet food. Plus, Gather is certified vegan by vegan.org. 

Feeding guidelines suggest a dog should be fed 1½ to 2 cups daily per 25 pounds of body weight.

6. Benevo Vegan Dog Food

Vegan ⚬ Kibble ⚬ $3.49 per pound

One of the oldest vegan dog foods in the world, Benevo is made in the UK. In fact, it’s approved by the UK Vegan and Vegetarian Societies. This completely plant-based line of dog foods includes puppy and adult kibbles, as well as canned food, too. It’s made with a combination of soy, peas, rice, and prebiotics. Every bite is fortified to ensure it’s complete and balanced, too. Plus, it comes in a  foil fresh packaging, to keep it fresher longer.

The Benevo brand also offers a great line of treats that includes everything from jerky strips to cake mix.

Ingredients (Original Adult formula):

(all ingredients are non-GMO) Soya, Corn, Rice, Sunflower Oil, Peas, Brewers Yeast, Beet Pulp, Tomato Pomace, Yeast Based Palatant, Minerals, Vitamins, Yucca Schidigera Extract (0.1%), Fructo-Oligosaccharides (Prebiotic FOS) (0.01%), Vitamin A (as retinyl acetate) 17,224 IU, Vitamin D2 (as ergocalciferol) 2,392 IU, Vitamin E 120 IU, Iron (as Ferrous Sulphate Monohydrate) 159 mg, Zinc (as Zinc Sulphate Monohydrate) 133 mg, Manganese (as Manganous Sulphate Monohydrate) 105 mg, Copper (as Cupric Sulphate Pentahydrate) 45 mg, Selenium (as Sodium Selenite) 0.6 mg, Iodine (as Calcium Iodate Anhydrous) 1.5 mg, Linoleic Acid (Omega 6) 6.46%, Linolenic Acid (Omega 3) 0.09%, Taurine 910 mg, L-Carnitine 480 mg

Cost:

This formulas starts as low as $3.49 per pound, or $0.87 per cup. An average dog needs 1.5-2 cups per day for every 25 lbs of weight.

7. Benevo Duo Canned Dog Food

Vegan ⚬ Canned food ⚬ $5.25 per can

Made in the UK, this canned food is a completely plant-based wet food that your pet will love. It’s made with wholesome fresh ingredients like potatoes, carrots, peas, blueberries, cranberries, and more. Plus, there are no genetically modified ingredients used in this recipe. It’s free from wheat, gluten, soya, dairy, and animal proteins. Every batch is fortified with essential nutrients like taurine, B vitamins, zinc, iron, and much more.

Benevo Duo Vegan Canned Pet Food is complete and balanced for dogs and cats of all ages. Use it as a complete meal, a food topper, or a tasty treat. Plus, this recipe is approved by the UK Vegetarian and Vegan societies. This is one of the only vegan wet dog foods available in Canada. Made in the UK since 2006. Available in a case of 12 X 369 gram cans with easy pull rings.

Ingredients:

(all ingredients are non-GMO) Water, Potatoes, Carrots, Oat groats, Vegetable oil, Peas, Brown rice, Tomatoes, Blueberries, Cranberries, Dried brewers yeast, Vitamin A acetate, Vitamin D2 supplement, Vitamin E supplement, Ascorbic acid, Niacin supplement, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin supplement, Thiamin mononitrate, Pyridoxine hydrochloride, Vitamin B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B12, supplement, Biotin, Folic acid, Zinc sulphate, Ferrous sulphate, Manganese sulphate, Copper sulphate, Calcium iodate and Sodium selenite, Taurine

Cost:

At $5.25 per can, it is the most expensive vegan canned dogfood on the market. However, an average 20 lb dog would only need to eat one can per day – it is much more calorie and nutrient dense than competing formulas. This means it costs approximately the same to feed as other canned options.

8. V-planet Vegan Adult Dog Food

Vegan ⚬ Kibble ⚬ $4.40 per pound

Manufactured in Ontario, v-Planet is the sister brand to the widely popular plant-based American brand v-dog. This super premium dog food is backed by an entirely vegan brand, something no other plant-based manufacturer in Canada can claim. 

Available in dry kibble form, v-Planet is free from wheat, corn, soy, artificial flavours, artificial dyes, artificial preservatives, and of course animal products. 

V-planet’s recipe is made with non-GMO ingredients, utilizing easy to digest protein from peas, lentils, and quinoa. Other nutrient-dense superfoods like spinach, blueberries, sweet potatoes, and cranberries contribute to an overall well-rounded plant-based canine diet. 

V-planet is complete and balanced for adult dogs of all breeds.

Ingredients:

Dried Peas, Ground Oats, Pea Protein, Ground Brown Rice, Potato Protein, Rapeseed Oil (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Brewers Dried Yeast, Dried Alfalfa Meal, Natural Vegetable Flavors, Ground Flaxseed, Calcium Carbonate, Calcium Phosphate, Dried Lentils, Ground Quinoa Seeds, Salt, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, Taurine, Dried Chicory Root, Dried Carrots, DL-Methionine, Dried Blueberries, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin Supplement, Beta Carotene, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin D Supplement, Folic Acid, Biotin), Minerals (Copper Sulfate, Calcium Iodate, Iron Sulfate, Manganous Oxide, Zinc Oxide, Selenium Yeast, Copper Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Zinc Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate), Dried Spinach, Dried Apples, Dried Sweet Potatoes, Dried Cranberries, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (Source of Vitamin C Activity), Yucca Schidigera Extract, L-Carnitine, Rosemary Extract.

Cost:

This formula starts at as low as $3.80 per pound, or $1.10 per cup. The average adult dog requires 1.5-2 cups per every 25 lbs of body weight daily. 

9. Natural Balance Vegetarian Dry Dog Food

Vegan ⚬ Kibble ⚬ $2.86 per pound

Natural Balance Vegetarian dry dog food is very similar to their popular canned formula, but in a convenient dry kibble form. It is complete and fortified for adult dogs, and has been a popular plant-based option in Canada for quite some time. In fact, many Veterinarians promote this recipe as a healthy option for dogs with allergies or sensitivities to animal proteins.

Like many plant based recipes, this formula features brown rice, oatmeal, barley, and peas as the main ingredients. It’s made in the USA using high quality ingredients. 

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.

Cost:

This is the most cost-efficient option on this list at $2.68 per pound, or $0.71 per cup. An average 25 pound dog would need about 1.5 to 2 cups daily.

10. Natural Balance Vegetarian Canned Dog Food

Vegan ⚬ Canned food ⚬ $2.89 per can

This is a completely plant-based wet dog food, something that is difficult to find in this industry. Natural Balance’s Vegetarian canned dog food has been a consistently reliable formula for over a decade. 

This recipe is complete and balanced for adult dogs, however it is not recommended as a primary meal for puppies. Natural Balance Vegetarian canned dog food starts with healthy whole grains like brown rice, barley, and oats. Other tasty and nutritious ingredients like carrots, peas, and spinach make this pate-style food an enticing offering. 

Because it is a canned food, Natural Balance Vegetarian canned dog food can be used as a complete meal, a food topper, a treat, or for stuffing the kong-like toys of the world. Canned foods have a higher moisture content than kibbles, helping to keep your pooch properly hydrated, too.

Ingredients:

Water For Processing, Brown Rice, Barley, Oat Groats, Canola Oil (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols), Carrots, Potato Protein, Dried Tomato Pomace, Potatoes, Dehydrated Potatoes, Peas, Dicalcium Phosphate, Natural Flavor, Calcium Carbonate, Carrageenan, Cassia Gum, Minerals (Zinc Proteinate, Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Iron Proteinate, Copper Sulfate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Sulfate, Manganese Proteinate, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite), Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin A Supplement, Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), D-Calcium Pantothenate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin D2 Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement, Folic Acid, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement), Natural Smoke Flavor, Salt, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, Taurine, Dried Spinach, Parsley, L-Carnitine, Rosemary Extract

Cost:

A 13 ounce can of this food comes in at $2.89, making it much more affordable than leading meat-based canned dog foods. An average 25 pound dog would need to eat approximately 2.5 cans per day to meet their daily calorie and nutrition needs.

As you can see, there are many high quality vegan and vegetarian dog food options available to pet owners in Canada. Whether you choose these recipes for ethical reasons, allergies or sensitivities, or as the basis for an elimination diet, you can rest assured that your dog is receiving complete and balanced nutrition with every brand on this list.