More and more people are becoming vegan. From health to sustainability, there are many reasons people choose to adopt this lifestyle. What you may not realize is that many pet owners are considering the same lifestyle for their pets. And that brings us to the topic of this blog post – vegan dog treats..
So are vegan dog treats healthy and is this lifestyle a good fit for your furry friend? Only you and your vet can decide. But keep reading as we discuss important nutrients and other factors worth considering. We’ll also include several treat suggestions! So here we go:
Health Benefits
When it comes to dog treats, finding ones with healthy, responsibly sourced ingredients is always a good idea. And so is a close consideration of nutrients. After all, nutrients are what fuel a dog’s energy and help them stay healthy. And that brings us to protein..
While dogs may be a close ancestor of wolves, their diets look quite different. Domesticated dogs are omnivores, meaning they can handle both meat AND plants. Our pets also have lower protein and amino acid requirements than wolves. This means they can make better use of vitamins found in plant-based foods. So while a vegan diet wouldn’t work for a wolf, it may very well work for a domesticated dog, so long as they’re getting proper nutrients.
Some pet parents have reported improvements in their dog’s health since switching to a plant-based diet. Some even tout increased energy levels, healthy weight management, fresher breath, and possibly a lower risk for diseases. Read about a study conducted in 2022 here. But every dog is different and research is very minimal.
From Your Own Kitchen
Before we get into treats made specifically for your pooch, let’s discuss what is already in your fridge. Many yummy, vegan snacks don’t just nourish us but our canine friends as well. There are a variety of raw vegetables that are generally considered safe for most dogs to eat.
Vitamins A and C can be found in apples, bananas, and green beans. Cucumbers offer hydration and may have benefits for the eyes and skin. Sweet potatoes may help protect against heart disease and cancer. Plus, having simple one or two-ingredient treats means you always know what your dog is getting.
Blue Ridge Naturals offers a line of sweet potato dog treats that are simple and made with minimal ingredients. In fact, some of our treats only contain one ingredient- sweet potatoes!
If you’re looking for a simple list of fruits and veggies that are generally considered safe look below:
- Apples
- Bananas
- Sweet potatoes
- Pumpkin
- Can dogs eat watermelon? Find out here!
- Acorn squash
- Cucumber
- Apricot
- Blueberries
- Cantaloupe
- Cranberries
- Mango
- Orange
- Pear
- Pineapple
- Raspberries
- Strawberries
- Asparagus
- Bell Peppers (red, green, orange, yellow)
- Broccoli
- Brussels Sprouts
- Cabbage
- Carrots
- Cauliflower
- Celery
- Green Beans
- Lettuce
- Peas
- Spinach
- Zucchini
Some foods that ARE NOT safe include
- Cherries
- Grapes/raisins
- Citrus fruits
- Onion
- Garlic
- Wild mushrooms
- Rhubarb
- Avocados
As always, we recommend doing your research and consulting your vet before making sudden changes to your pet’s diet. Some dogs even have dietary allergies, so be mindful of what you feed your dog. And remember, treats should account for no more than 10% of a dog’s daily caloric intake.
Does your dog have food allergies? Read The Ultimate Guide to Hypoallergenic Dog Treats
A Recipe To Try
Using the helpful list of safe ingredients above you can mix and match what you give your dog. But if you’re looking for a helpful recipe to get you started, check this out:
Peanut Butter–Pumpkin Dog Treats
Ingredients:
- 2 cups whole wheat flour
- 1 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp. baking powder
- 1/2 cup pumpkin purée (be sure to use real pumpkin, not pie filler)
- 1/4 cup unsalted and unsweetened peanut butter
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350ºF.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, & ground cinnamon.
- Mix pumpkin and peanut butter together, then slowly add water. If the dough is too sticky, gradually add more flour. If it’s too dry, add a small amount of water.
- Roll the dough to 1/4-inch thickness on a lightly floured surface and use a knife or cookie cutter to create fun shapes.
- Place the treats 1/2 inch apart on a nonstick baking pan or a baking pan lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 20 minutes.
- Let the treats cool and then let your dog have a taste!
What Blue Ridge Offers
Don’t have the time or want to avoid making a mess in the kitchen? Then treat your pup to vegan dog treats the easy way! At Blue Ridge Naturals our top priority is supplying our loyal customers (and their furry friends) with top-of-the-line dog treats. Treats that are made with high-quality, real ingredients. Free of artificial colors, preservatives, or flavors. In addition, all of our ingredients are responsibly sourced right here in the United States. Nothing questionable.
Our ingredients list is easy to read and will leave you confident that you’re feeding your four-legged friend only the best. Here’s a list of vegan dog treats that we make.
- Peanut Butter Coated Sweet Potato Bones
- Peanut Butter Coated Sweet Potato Fries
- Sweet ‘Tater Bones
- Sweet ‘Tater Stix
We hope our post about vegan dog treats was helpful and that you and your pet find the perfect treats for their palette. Happy snacking!
