If you’re searching for reliable, nutritionally complete vegan dog food in Calgary, Winnipeg or further afield (or just want to know whether a vegan diet is even okay for dogs), this guide collects the best local shops, trustworthy brands, online options and how to make your own vegan dog food if you live out in the sticks.
Please note, as a vegan myself I generally roll my eyes at the phrase "vegan diet", (it's a philosophy that touches on many things, what we eat being just one of them), but, since this post is about dogs, I think that in this case it's fair to talk about a "vegan diet" (just know I mean diet as in "the sum of food consumed" and not diet as in "a plan to lose weight").
Short answer: Yes if the diet is complete and balanced.
Dogs are omnivores (they’ve evolved to digest a mix of animal and plant foods) and several studies and reviews show that dogs can remain healthy on well-formulated vegan diets. A 2023 systematic review found limited evidence of harm from vegetarian diets in dogs but stressed that available studies are small and more high-quality research is needed; overall, the consensus is that commercially formulated vegan diets can be nutritionally adequate if they meet recognised nutritional standards.
Quick Facts
- Dogs can thrive on a properly formulated vegan diet, like any other dogs diet the food must be complete and balanced and ideally approved by a veterinary nutritionist. Which I am not. I do love dogs though, I used to travel the world as a vegan house sitter and I often looked after dogs;
- A balanced dog diet includes protein, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals and water (source), see bottom of post for vegan ways to get these needs met;
- Open Farm’s Kind Earth / plant pâté is a commercially available plant-based option you can buy in Canada;
- In Calgary and Winnipeg you’ll find plant-based dog food at local pet retailers and via nationwide online stores;
- In many countries you can find plant-based dog food either in a store or online or both. In other countries you cannot, which is where DIY vegan dog food comes in.
Wait... can a dog be vegan?
Short answer: Yes if the diet is complete and balanced.
The science in plain English
Dogs are omnivores (they’ve evolved to digest a mix of animal and plant foods) and several studies and reviews show that dogs can remain healthy on well-formulated vegan diets. A 2023 systematic review found limited evidence of harm from vegetarian diets in dogs but stressed that available studies are small and more high-quality research is needed; overall, the consensus is that commercially formulated vegan diets can be nutritionally adequate if they meet recognised nutritional standards.
Veterinary resources also note that while vegetarian and vegan diets have been used successfully for dogs, they must be nutritionally complete (meeting AAFCO, FEDIAF or equivalent standards) and monitored for deficiencies (for example: taurine, methionine, vitamin B12, certain amino acids and micronutrients). Always consult your vet before switching. And if your vet is against vegan dog food completely... well, just find a different vet.
Key nutritional considerations
- Complete & balanced: Buy foods that explicitly state they are complete for the dog’s life stage.
- Amino acids & taurine: Dogs can synthesise some amino acids, but formulations must ensure adequate levels; some dogs may require monitoring.
- Supplements: Some vegan diets may require added taurine, L-carnitine or vitamin B12 - follow manufacturer guidance and your vet’s advice!
- Bloodwork & monitoring: After switching, do baseline blood tests and arrange follow-ups with your vet to check nutrient status.
Bottom line: a vegan diet can work for many dogs, but it’s not a “set and forget” option. Use reputable commercial diets or work with a veterinary nutritionist for home-made plans.
If you’re in Calgary, here are reliable places to look - these stock plant-based lines (including Open Farm’s Kind Earth plant recipes) or can order them for you.
Winnipeg has pet stores and regional suppliers that can source plant-based dog foods.
Where to get vegan dog food in Calgary
If you’re in Calgary, here are reliable places to look - these stock plant-based lines (including Open Farm’s Kind Earth plant recipes) or can order them for you.
Local shops to visit or call
- Homes Alive Pets (Calgary locations): a major Canadian pet retailer that stocks Open Farm and Open Farm “Kind Earth” plant pâtés; they ship Canada-wide and have in-store stock in Calgary.
- Doodle Dogs Boutique: boutique pet stores in Alberta often carry speciality wet foods and can order plant-based cans or pouches. They also have sweet potato dog treat chews
- Pet Valu (Calgary branches / online): national chain that carries Open Farm ranges and often lists plant-based options online.
Online / ship-to-Calgary options
- CanadianPetConnection: stocks vegan dog foods and ships across Canada.
- NaturalPetFoods / Homes Alive online: both carry Open Farm Kind Earth options, including Open Farm pate dog food.
Where to get vegan dog food in Winnipeg
Winnipeg has pet stores and regional suppliers that can source plant-based dog foods.
- PetToba: is a local Winnipeg retailer offering general pet supplies and delivery.
- Online retailers that deliver to Winnipeg are Homes Alive Pets, CanadianPetConnection, NaturalPetFoods - these all ship Canada-wide and list Open Farm Kind Earth plant pâté.
If you want Open Farm vegan dog food specifically, these are strong options.
Of course, if you don't want to be reliant on corporations or they simple don't exist or ship to your area, then you can make home-made vegan dog food! Humans and dogs have been living together for a long time. Some even say their diets evolved with ours - humans have not been eating meat and dairy for three meals a day every day for very long, this is a very recent thing and is only happening in homes in certain countries.
How to get vegan dog food outside Calgary & Winnipeg
What to search for online:
- “vegan dog food Canada ship”
- “plant-based dog food [your country]”
- “complete vegan dog food”
Useful online shops for Canada
- Homes Alive Pets
- NaturalPetFoods
- CanadianPetConnection
- VeganSupply
How to make your own vegan dog food
Of course, if you don't want to be reliant on corporations or they simple don't exist or ship to your area, then you can make home-made vegan dog food! Humans and dogs have been living together for a long time. Some even say their diets evolved with ours - humans have not been eating meat and dairy for three meals a day every day for very long, this is a very recent thing and is only happening in homes in certain countries.
My point: dogs and humans have survived and thrived for a long time without meat and dairy, so keep that in mind if people freak out!
First things first, let's look at the facts. A balanced dog diet includes protein, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and water. But where can we get these from?
These provide amino acids needed for muscle, organs, and immune health:
⚠️ Always cook legumes thoroughly - raw or undercooked beans can cause digestive upset!
Healthy fats are crucial for skin, coat, brain, and vitamin absorption:
Vegan Dog Protein, Fats and Carbohydrate sources
Vegan protein sources (dog safe)
These provide amino acids needed for muscle, organs, and immune health:
- Lentils: red, green, brown (well-cooked)
- Chickpeas: cooked (no salt)
- Peas: green peas, split peas)
- Beans: black, pinto, kidney (must be fully cooked)
- Soy products: tofu plain or firm, tempeh, cooked soy beans / edamame
- Quinoa: technically a seed, but high-protein and complete
- Oats: rolled or steel-cut, cooked)
⚠️ Always cook legumes thoroughly - raw or undercooked beans can cause digestive upset!
Vegan fat sources (dog safe)
Healthy fats are crucial for skin, coat, brain, and vitamin absorption:
- Flaxseed oil: excellent omega-3 source
- Chia seeds: ground or soaked
- Ground flaxseeds
- Hemp seeds
- Coconut oil: small amounts only
- Olive oil: extra virgin, small amounts
- Sunflower oil
- Canola oil
- Avocado oil: oil only - NOT whole avocado!
⚠️ Never feed dogs avocado flesh, skin, or pit - only the oil is considered safe!
Carbs provide energy and fibre:
Usually done via supplements:
Now we have the basics let's look at some vegan dog food recipes:
If you’re considering a vegan diet for your dog, speak to your vet, and if you're vet is anti vegan find a different vet. If they don't understand that killing animals is kind of weird, why are they vets. Choose complete commercial foods if you are worried and or want to support big corporations, and as with any diet or lifestyle monitor your dog’s health carefully. Happy hunting! (for vegan dog food)
Vegan Carbohydrate Sources (dog safe)
Carbs provide energy and fibre:
- Brown rice
- White rice
- Sweet potatoes: cooked
- Potatoes: cooked, no green parts
- Oats
- Barley
- Quinoa
- Pumpkin: plain, cooked or canned
- Butternut squash
- Carrots
- Peas
Very Important Nutrients
Usually done via supplements:
- Vitamin B12
- Taurine
- L-carnitine
- Vitamin D3 (vegan source)
- Calcium
- Zinc
- Iron
- Iodine
- Omega-3 DHA/EPA (algae-based)
Foods to avoid (vegan but toxic to dogs)
- Onions
- Garlic
- Leeks
- Chives
- Grapes & raisins
- Chocolate
- Xylitol
- Raw potatoes
- Macadamia nuts
Homemade vegan dog food: recipes
Now we have the basics let's look at some vegan dog food recipes:
Simple kibble topper
- 1 cup cooked sweet potato (mashed)
- 1/2 cup cooked lentils (well rinsed)
- 1/2 cup steamed peas or green beans
- 1 tsp algae-based omega-3 supplement
Balanced stew
- 200 g cooked brown rice
- 150 g cooked red lentils
- 100 g blended carrots & pumpkin
- 1 tbsp ground flaxseed
- Veterinary-approved multivitamin
High-protein homemade mix
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 3/4 cup mashed chickpeas or lentils
- 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
- Prescribed supplements only
Safety checklist
- Get a recipe from a veterinary nutritionist
- Add prescribed supplements
- Run baseline and follow-up blood tests
- Never use cat-only supplements
Final Thoughts
If you’re considering a vegan diet for your dog, speak to your vet, and if you're vet is anti vegan find a different vet. If they don't understand that killing animals is kind of weird, why are they vets. Choose complete commercial foods if you are worried and or want to support big corporations, and as with any diet or lifestyle monitor your dog’s health carefully. Happy hunting! (for vegan dog food)
