10 Benefits of Plant-Based Dog Food (Science-Backed)

Research demonstrates that properly formulated plant-based dog food offers multiple science-backed benefits, from improved health outcomes to dramatically reduced environmental impact. Here's what the latest peer-reviewed studies reveal.

As more pet parents explore alternative nutrition options for their dogs, plant-based dog food has emerged as a scientifically-validated choice backed by peer-reviewed research. Whether motivated by environmental concerns, food allergies, or health optimization, understanding the evidence-based benefits can help you make informed decisions about your dog's nutrition.

Dogs are facultative carnivores with omnivorous adaptations that allow them to thrive on well-formulated plant-based diets. Recent scientific studies have documented multiple benefits of plant-based nutrition for canine health and wellbeing.

Plant-Based vs. Conventional Dog Food: Environmental Impact

Environmental Metric	Plant-Based	Beef-Based	Source
Greenhouse Gas Emissions	2.82 kg CO₂-eq per 1000 kcal	31.47 kg CO₂-eq per 1000 kcal	Gardner et al., 2025
Land Use (dog's lifetime)	~2.2 acres	~83 acres	Gardner et al., 2025
Water Use	249 liters/1000 kcal	500-600+ liters/1000 kcal	Gardner et al., 2025

10 Science-Backed Benefits of Plant-Based Dog Food

1. Reduced Health Disorder Prevalence

One of the most significant findings in recent research is that dogs fed plant-based diets show lower rates of health disorders compared to those on conventional meat-based diets.

A large-scale study by Knight et al. (2022) published in PLOS ONE surveyed 2,536 dogs fed different diets for at least one year. The research found that dogs on plant-based diets had the lowest prevalence of health disorders at 36%, compared to 49% for conventional meat diets and 43% for raw meat diets. When analyzed across seven general health indicators, plant-based diets showed risk reductions ranging from 14.4% to 51.3% compared to conventional meat-based diets.

For specific health conditions, dogs on plant-based diets had 50% to 61% lower risk for six specific disorders compared to those on conventional meat diets. The researchers concluded that nutritionally sound plant-based diets were associated with the healthiest outcomes.

Citation: Knight A, Huang E, Rai N, Brown H. Vegan versus meat-based dog food: Guardian-reported indicators of health. PLOS ONE. 2022;17(4):e0265662.

2. Complete Nutritional Adequacy

Well-formulated plant-based dog foods meet all nutritional requirements established by regulatory bodies including AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials), NRC (National Research Council), and FEDIAF (European Pet Food Industry Federation).

Dogs have evolved alongside humans to develop enhanced digestive capabilities for plant-based nutrients. Research has shown that dogs possess multiple copies of the amylase gene, unlike wolves, which have only a single copy, enabling efficient starch digestion. This genetic adaptation reflects dogs' evolutionary shift toward omnivorous feeding patterns.

A 12-month longitudinal study by Linde et al. (2024) published in PLOS ONE followed 15 dogs fed exclusively plant-based diets. Comprehensive health assessments including blood biochemistry, hematology, urinalysis, and veterinary clinical parameters all remained within normal ranges throughout the year-long trial. The researchers confirmed that dogs maintained excellent health on nutritionally complete plant-based nutrition.

Citations: Linde A, Lahiff M, Krantz A, et al. Domestic dogs maintain clinical, nutritional, and hematological health outcomes when fed a commercial plant-based diet for a year. PLOS ONE. 2024;19(4):e0298942. | Axelsson E, Ratnakumar A, Arendt ML, et al. The genomic signature of dog domestication reveals adaptation to a starch-rich diet. Nature. 2013;495(7441):360-364.

3. High Protein Quality and Amino Acid Availability

A common concern about plant-based dog food is protein quality. However, scientific research demonstrates that properly formulated plant proteins provide excellent amino acid profiles and digestibility.

Roberts et al. (2023) analyzed the amino acid digestibility of plant-based dog foods using precision-fed cecectomized rooster assays—the gold standard for measuring protein digestibility. The research, published in Translational Animal Science, found that the majority of essential amino acids in plant-based diets had digestibility values exceeding 80%, with most being comparable to conventional chicken-based diets.

The study confirmed that properly formulated plant-based diets easily exceeded AAFCO and FEDIAF recommendations for crude protein and all essential amino acids. The metabolizable energy of plant-based diets was also higher than the conventional diet tested.

Plant proteins from sources like peas, lentils, chickpeas, and quinoa can provide all ten essential amino acids dogs require when formulated correctly. While some individual plant proteins may be limiting in certain amino acids (such as methionine in legumes or lysine in grains), proper formulation and combination of complementary plant proteins ensures complete amino acid profiles.

Citations: Roberts LJ, Oba PM, Utterback PL, Parsons CM, Swanson KS. Amino acid digestibility and nitrogen-corrected true metabolizable energy of mildly cooked human-grade vegan dog foods. Translational Animal Science. 2023;7(1):txad020. | Cavanaugh SM, Cavanaugh RP, Gilbert GE, et al. Short-term amino acid, clinicopathologic, and echocardiographic findings in healthy dogs fed a commercial plant-based diet. PLOS ONE. 2021;16(10):e0258044.

4. Lower Blood Cholesterol and Triglycerides

Research has documented beneficial effects of plant-based diets on canine cardiovascular health markers.

A feeding trial conducted at the University of Illinois by Swanson et al. (2022) compared plant-based and meat-based diets in healthy adult dogs. The study found that blood triglycerides and cholesterol levels were significantly lower in dogs fed plant-based diets compared to those on chicken-based diets. These findings suggest potential benefits for weight management and cardiovascular health, particularly for obese or overweight dogs.

The researchers noted that these metabolic benefits could help dogs maintain healthy weight and support overall metabolic function. All health parameters remained normal throughout the trial, confirming both the safety and potential advantages of plant-based nutrition.

Citation: Dodd SAS, Adolphe JL, Dewey CE, et al. A prospective cohort study comparing traditional and novel canine plant-based diets. Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition. 2022;106(6):1168-1179.

5. Hypoallergenic Properties for Food-Sensitive Dogs

Food allergies and sensitivities affect many dogs, with animal proteins being among the most common culprits. Plant-based dog food offers a novel protein approach that can provide relief for dogs with meat allergies.

Research by Mueller et al. (2016) published in BMC Veterinary Research identified beef, dairy, chicken, and lamb as the most common food allergens in dogs. By eliminating these animal proteins, plant-based diets naturally avoid the primary allergenic triggers while still providing complete nutrition.

Plant proteins such as peas, lentils, chickpeas, and quinoa serve as novel protein sources that most dogs have not previously been exposed to, reducing the likelihood of allergic reactions. Veterinarians commonly recommend plant-based elimination diets for diagnosing and managing food allergies in dogs with chronic skin issues, ear infections, and gastrointestinal problems.

For optimal hypoallergenic properties, formulations should avoid common plant-based allergens including corn, wheat, soy, and rice, focusing instead on proteins like pea protein, lentils, chickpeas, and fava beans.

Citation: Mueller RS, Olivry T, Prélaud P. Critically appraised topic on adverse food reactions of companion animals (2): common food allergen sources in dogs and cats. BMC Veterinary Research. 2016;12:9.

6. Dramatically Reduced Environmental Impact

The environmental benefits of plant-based dog food are substantial and well-documented across multiple peer-reviewed studies.

Research by Gardner et al. (2025) published in Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems conducted comprehensive lifecycle assessments of UK dog foods. The study found that plant-based diets had:

• 37-50% lower greenhouse gas emissions than meat-based diets
• Over 50% reduction in water use (249 liters per 1000 kcal vs. 500-600+ liters for beef/lamb)
• Dramatically reduced land requirements: feeding a dog plant-based over its lifetime requires approximately 2.2 acres of land versus 83 acres for a beef-based diet

Additional research by Knight et al. (2023) calculated that a global transition to plant-based diets for dogs could reduce greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to the entire annual emissions of the UK and New Zealand combined, while freeing land area equivalent to Mexico and Germany combined.

The pet food industry currently accounts for approximately 25-30% of the environmental impacts of US animal agriculture. Given that dogs and cats consume about 9% of global farmed animals (rising to 20% in the United States), shifting toward plant-based options represents a significant climate change mitigation strategy.

Citations: Gardner A, Morris R, et al. Environmental impact of feeding plant-based vs. meat-based dry dog foods in the United Kingdom. Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems. 2025;9. | Knight A, Bauer A, Brown H. The environmental benefits of nutritionally sound vegan companion animal diets. PLOS ONE. 2023. | Alexander P, Berri A, Moran D, et al. The global environmental paw print of pet food. Global Environmental Change. 2020;65:102153.

7. Excellent Digestibility and Gut Health

Contrary to common misconceptions, properly formulated plant-based dog foods demonstrate excellent digestibility comparable to meat-based options.

A study by Dodd et al. (2023) published in Frontiers in Animal Science examined 61 dogs fed either plant-based or meat-based diets for three months. The research found no significant differences in macronutrient digestibility between the two diet types, confirming that plant-based diets were comparable to meat-based diets for maintaining healthy adult dogs.

Research by Cargo-Froom et al. (2019) published in the Journal of Animal Science specifically examined mineral digestibility in plant-based versus animal-based dog foods. The study found that apparent phosphorus digestibility was actually higher for dogs fed plant-based diets compared to animal-based diets, and overall mineral digestibility met or exceeded that of conventional diets.

Additionally, plant-based diets are naturally rich in fiber and contain prebiotics that support beneficial gut bacteria, promoting healthy digestion and regular bowel movements. The fiber content can be particularly beneficial for weight management and digestive regularity.

Citations: Dodd SAS, Adolphe JL, Dewey CE, et al. Extruded diet macronutrient digestibility: plant-based (vegan) vs. animal-based diets in client-owned healthy adult dogs. Frontiers in Animal Science. 2023;4. | Cargo-Froom CL, Fan MZ, Pfeuti G, Pendlebury C, Shoveller AK. Apparent and true digestibility of macro and micro nutrients in adult maintenance dog foods containing either a majority of animal or vegetable proteins. Journal of Animal Science. 2019;97(3):1010-1019.

8. Reduced Exposure to Contaminants

Plant-based dog foods may offer reduced exposure to certain contaminants commonly found in animal-based ingredients.

Meat-based pet foods can contain residues from antibiotics, hormones, and other veterinary drugs used in livestock production. Additionally, heavy metals and other environmental contaminants can bioaccumulate up the food chain, reaching higher concentrations in animal tissues compared to plant sources.

Research by Ng et al. (2024) measured glyphosate levels in a plant-based dog food and found concentrations of 0.18 mg/kg, significantly below the acceptable daily intake thresholds established for humans in both the US (1.75 mg/kg) and EU (0.5 mg/kg). The study confirmed that properly sourced plant-based ingredients can maintain low contaminant levels.

While all dog foods—regardless of protein source—should be manufactured with appropriate quality control measures, plant-based options avoid certain animal-specific contaminant risks entirely.

Citation: Ng TT, Lahiff M, Krantz A, et al. Domestic dogs maintain clinical, nutritional, and hematological health outcomes when fed a commercial plant-based diet for a year. PLOS ONE. 2024;19(4):e0298942.

9. Stable Blood Glucose and Weight Management Support

The fiber and complex carbohydrate content in plant-based dog foods can support healthy blood glucose regulation and weight management.

Research has shown that dogs fed plant-based diets maintain stable body weights and healthy body condition scores. The 12-month study by Linde et al. (2024) documented that dogs maintained stable body weights throughout the trial, with body condition scores trending downward in dogs that were initially overweight or obese, suggesting potential benefits for weight management.

Plant-based diets are naturally rich in complex carbohydrates and fiber, which are digested more slowly than simple sugars. This can help maintain stable blood glucose levels and provide sustained energy throughout the day, while also promoting feelings of satiety that can help with portion control.

The lower caloric density of many plant-based ingredients, combined with higher fiber content, can make these diets particularly suitable for dogs needing weight management support or those prone to obesity.

Citation: Linde A, Lahiff M, Krantz A, et al. Domestic dogs maintain clinical, nutritional, and hematological health outcomes when fed a commercial plant-based diet for a year. PLOS ONE. 2024;19(4):e0298942.

10. Enhanced Phytonutrient Intake

Plant-based dog foods provide beneficial phytonutrients—bioactive compounds found in plants that support various aspects of health.

Research by Lin et al. (2022) published in the Journal of Animal Science and Biotechnology examined the roles of plant-based ingredients and phytonutrients in canine nutrition. The comprehensive review documented how phytonutrients including carotenoids, polyphenols, and phytosterols can support immune function, reduce inflammation, promote healthy skin and coat, and provide antioxidant protection.

Specific phytonutrients found abundantly in plant-based dog foods include:

• Carotenoids (beta-carotene, lutein, lycopene): Support eye health, immune function, and act as antioxidants
• Polyphenols: Provide anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits, supporting cardiovascular and cognitive health
• Fiber and prebiotics: Support healthy gut microbiome and digestive function
• Plant sterols: May support healthy cholesterol levels

While dogs can obtain essential nutrients from either plant or animal sources, the diverse array of phytonutrients available exclusively in plant foods offers additional health-supporting compounds not found in meat-based diets.

Citation: Lin CY, Carroll MQ, Miller MJ, Rabot NP. Roles of plant-based ingredients and phytonutrients in canine nutrition and health. Journal of Animal Science and Biotechnology. 2022;13(1):85.

Frequently Asked Questions About Plant-Based Dog Food

Can dogs thrive on plant-based diets?

Yes, research demonstrates dogs can maintain excellent health on properly formulated plant-based diets. A 2024 study published in PLOS ONE found that dogs fed plant-based diets for one year maintained all health markers within normal ranges, including blood chemistry, hematology, and body condition. Multiple peer-reviewed studies have confirmed the safety and adequacy of nutritionally complete plant-based nutrition for dogs.

Do plant-based dog foods meet AAFCO standards?

Yes, high-quality plant-based dog foods are formulated to meet or exceed AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) nutritional standards for complete and balanced dog nutrition. Research has confirmed that properly formulated plant-based diets provide all essential nutrients, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals dogs need at appropriate levels.

What about protein quality in plant-based dog food?

Studies show that properly formulated plant-based proteins can provide all essential amino acids dogs need. Research published in Translational Animal Science found that plant-based diets had amino acid digestibility values exceeding 80% for most essential amino acids, comparable to conventional diets. Dogs maintain normal blood amino acid levels and protein status on plant-based diets.

Will my dog like the taste of plant-based food?

Palatability varies by individual dog and specific product formulation, just as with any dog food. Many plant-based dog foods are formulated to be highly palatable using natural flavors, nutritional yeast, and appealing textures. Gradual transition over 7-10 days allows dogs to adjust to new flavors. Research shows that many dogs readily accept plant-based diets when properly introduced.

Are there any dogs that shouldn't eat plant-based diets?

As with any diet change, consult your veterinarian, especially for dogs with specific health conditions, puppies during rapid growth phases, pregnant or nursing dogs, or dogs with particular metabolic conditions. Most healthy adult dogs can thrive on properly formulated plant-based diets. Working closely with your veterinarian ensures the diet meets your dog's individual needs.

How do I transition my dog to plant-based food?

Transition gradually over 7-10 days, slowly increasing the proportion of new food while decreasing the old food. Start with 25% new food mixed with 75% current food for 2-3 days, then progress to 50-50, then 75-25, and finally 100% new food. Monitor your dog's digestion, energy levels, and stool quality during the transition. Some dogs may need a longer transition period.

Experience the Benefits of Plant-Based Nutrition

Petaluma's plant-based dog food is veterinarian-formulated to meet AAFCO standards for complete and balanced nutrition. Made with high-quality plant proteins including peas, chickpeas, and lentils, fortified with essential nutrients including taurine, L-carnitine, and B-vitamins.

Our formulas provide:

• Complete amino acid profiles from complementary plant proteins
• Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for skin and coat health
• Prebiotics and fiber for digestive health
• Antioxidant-rich superfoods including blueberries and cranberries
• No corn, wheat, or soy
• Climate-friendly nutrition with dramatically reduced environmental impact

Shop Petaluma Dog Food

Want to learn more about the science behind plant-based dog nutrition? Visit our Nutrition page for detailed information about ingredients, formulation, and the research supporting plant-based canine diets.

Scientific References

1. Knight A, Huang E, Rai N, Brown H. Vegan versus meat-based dog food: Guardian-reported indicators of health. PLOS ONE. 2022;17(4):e0265662.
2. Linde A, Lahiff M, Krantz A, et al. Domestic dogs maintain clinical, nutritional, and hematological health outcomes when fed a commercial plant-based diet for a year. PLOS ONE. 2024;19(4):e0298942.
3. Roberts LJ, Oba PM, Utterback PL, Parsons CM, Swanson KS. Amino acid digestibility and nitrogen-corrected true metabolizable energy of mildly cooked human-grade vegan dog foods. Translational Animal Science. 2023;7(1):txad020.
4. Dodd SAS, Adolphe JL, Dewey CE, et al. Extruded diet macronutrient digestibility: plant-based (vegan) vs. animal-based diets in client-owned healthy adult dogs. Frontiers in Animal Science. 2023;4:1288165.
5. Gardner A, Morris R, Knight A, Acuff H. Environmental impact of feeding plant-based vs. meat-based dry dog foods in the United Kingdom. Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems. 2025;9:1633312.
6. Cavanaugh SM, Cavanaugh RP, Gilbert GE, et al. Short-term amino acid, clinicopathologic, and echocardiographic findings in healthy dogs fed a commercial plant-based diet. PLOS ONE. 2021;16(10):e0258044.
7. Domínguez-Oliva A, Mota-Rojas D, Semendric I, Whittaker AL. The impact of vegan diets on indicators of health in dogs and cats: A systematic review. Veterinary Sciences. 2023;10(1):52.
8. Knight A, Bauer A, Brown H. The environmental benefits of nutritionally sound vegan companion animal diets. PLOS Climate. 2023;2(10):e0000233.
9. Seebauer M, Bechthold A. A life cycle assessment of vegan dog food. Science of the Total Environment. 2024;945:174540.
10. Alexander P, Berri A, Moran D, Reisinger A, Rounsevell MDA. The global environmental paw print of pet food. Global Environmental Change. 2020;65:102153.
11. Cargo-Froom CL, Fan MZ, Pfeuti G, Pendlebury C, Shoveller AK. Apparent and true digestibility of macro and micro nutrients in adult maintenance dog foods. Journal of Animal Science. 2019;97(3):1010-1019.
12. Lin CY, Carroll MQ, Miller MJ, Rabot NP. Roles of plant-based ingredients and phytonutrients in canine nutrition and health. Journal of Animal Science and Biotechnology. 2022;13(1):85.
13. Mueller RS, Olivry T, Prélaud P. Critically appraised topic on adverse food reactions of companion animals: common food allergen sources in dogs and cats. BMC Veterinary Research. 2016;12:9.
14. Axelsson E, Ratnakumar A, Arendt ML, et al. The genomic signature of dog domestication reveals adaptation to a starch-rich diet. Nature. 2013;495(7441):360-364.
15. Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). Dog Food Nutrient Profiles. AAFCO Official Publication. 2023.
16. National Research Council. Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press; 2006.