Fun plant-based recipes for your dog (you can eat them too!)
While many of us love the convenience of a fully-supplemented kibble, others are interested in incorporating homemade food into their pups diets.
Adding treats, homemade food, and fruits/veggies is a great way to add some variety to your dog's diet. Not to mention, it's just as exciting for your dog to have a special meal as it is for you! We has a variety of dog-friendly plant-based recipes on our website, and we decided to pick our top 3 recipes for you to make to enjoy with your dog this summer!
Before we get into our favorite shareable plant-based recipes for you to enjoy with your dog, let's go over some basics.
According to vegan veterinarian Dr. Wakefield, pure fruit and vegetable snacks can safely make up 10% of your dog's diet without concerns about balancing nutrients. Healthy fruits and veggies include carrots, green beans, cucumbers, sweet potatoes, apples, bananas, blueberries, and cantaloupe (among many others).
Many "human foods" are completely safe and healthy for dogs. Always remove pits and seeds and cut into small chunks for your pup to snack on. Avoid the following foods, as they can be toxic to dogs: grapes, raisins, chocolate, caffeine, cherries, alcohol, bread dough, xylitol (in sugar-free foods), macadamia nuts, onions, garlic, avocado, rhubarb and mushrooms.When in doubt, consult your vet.
Now let's get to the FUN PART! Put on some of your favorite music, it's time to create some dog-friendly shareable recipes to enjoy with your best friend!
MANGO SORBET FOR DOGS
Can dogs eat mango? Absolutely! In fact, mango is one of the top 10 fruits and veggies for dogs recommended by vegan veterinarian Dr. Lorelei Wakefield. Be sure to remove the skin and pit, then cut into bite-sized chunks. As with any food, introduce mango into your pup's diet slowly. And be careful...your pup might just fall in love with this sweet treat!
With warm weather on the way, let's whip up some tasty mango sorbet that you and your pup can share together.
INGREDIENTS
2 cups frozen, chopped mango
1 banana, peeled
1/4 -1/2 cup plain, unsweetened dairy-free milk or water
METHOD
Combine ingredients in a blender and process until smooth, starting with 1/4 cup milk or water and adding more if needed.
Scoop the sorbet into your pup's bowl and freeze leftovers in a silicone container or ice tray.
Mangoes are an excellent source of fiber, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, making them a great addition to your pup's diet.
GREEN SMOOTHIE FOR DOGS
Packed with nutritious veggies like spinach, carrots, and cucumber, this hydrating smoothie is the perfect healthy snack for your pup. Feed as-is, serve with kibble, or freeze in ice trays!
Yields 1 serving for a 50 lb dog.
INGREDIENTS
2–3 cups spinach
1 carrot
1 cucumber
1/2–3/4 tsp fresh ginger
1 cup unsweetened coconut milk
1/2 cup fresh parsley
1 Tbsp flaxseeds
METHOD
Chop carrot, cucumber, and ginger. Add all ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth. Pour into your pup’s bowl, and garnish with a little parsley and flax seed. Enjoy!
NUTRIENTS
Spinach is loaded with essential vitamins and minerals, and it helps your pup defend against inflammation, cardiovascular issues, and even cancer.
Low in calories and high in fiber, carrots contain beta-carotene, a carotenoid and antioxidant, and vitamin A, which supports eye health, the immune system, and healthy skin and coats. (Plus raw carrots are great for your dog’s teeth.)
Cucumbers make for a refreshing and hydrating low-calorie treat for dogs, and they are chock-full of electrolytes, vitamins, and minerals.
Ginger can reduce nausea (especially car sickness) and bloating, and many people use the miraculous root to treat joint pain related to arthritis in older dogs.
In moderation, coconut milk can help fight viruses, improve your dog’s immune system, add some shine to their coat, and even improve their breath.
Parsley is often used as a breath freshener for dogs, but some also use this herb to treat arthritis and urinary tract infections in their dogs.
Flax seed is a great source of fiber and omega-3 fatty acids.
Recipe by Plant-Powered dog for v-dog
GOJI SUPERFOOD ENERGY BITES
These superfood energy bites are the best type of snack because you can share them with your pup! Made with energizing ingredients like dates and goji berries (plus carob for a dog-friendly chocolate flavor), they're the perfect sweet treat at home or on a hike.
Enjoy this tasty recipe from Plant-Powered Dog and check out more yummy vegan dog recipes here.
INGREDIENTS
Yields 14 small energy bites
1/2 cup rolled oats
1 Tbsp sweet potato flour (we recommend the brand Glean)
1 Tbsp fine-ground unsweetened coconut
1 Tbsp carob powder
1 Tbsp almond butter (or sub peanut butter or tahini)
1 Tbsp maple syrup
2 medjool dates, pitted
1 Tbsp water (or more if needed)
1/4 cup goji berries, soaked in hot water for a few minutes to soften
METHOD
Add the rolled oats, sweet potato flour, coconut, carob powder, almond butter, maple syrup and dates to a food processor. Blend until incorporated and the oats are somewhat ground.
Add water 1 Tbsp at a time until the mixture sticks together.
Mix in the goji berries by hand.
Form the mixture into small balls using your hands.
Roll each ball in some extra carob and/or coconut powder to coat (optional).
Enjoy! Store extras in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Can dogs really be vegan?
YES! Due to thousands of years of evolution alongside humans, dogs are omnivores (not carnivores) and have adapted to digest plant-based foods.
Unlike their ancestors, domestic dogs possess up to 30 copies of AMY2B gene for digesting plant foods. As a result, all modern dog breeds can easily get all their nutrients from vegan sources!
Since 2005, we have seen tens of thousands of dogs thrive on v-dog! V-dog is naturally hypoallergenic, easily digestible, and anti-inflammatory.
Many dogs also benefit from better oral hygiene, improved skin/coat, and weight management. V-dog Kind Kibble is veterinarian-approved and meets all AAFCO requirements for adult dog nutrition.
Our newest product Happy Harvest soft food is a nutritionally complete diet for adult dogs AND PUPPIES!
Review the most recent discussion of the newest study presenting evidence of the health benefits of feeding your dog a plant-based diet (particularly using v-dog kind kibble) here.
