12 Vegan Treat Ideas for Dogs

Vegan foods for dogs have become significantly popular in the recent past, and with good reason too. While naysayers will maintain that dogs need meat-based protein in their diet (and if that works for you and your pet, it’s a perfectly legitimate choice), there are also a myriad of scenarios where meat-based diets may not be an option or the only option for your pet. For instance, if your dog has food sensitivities, vegan foods can be a great way to avoid common allergens found in beef, chicken and dairy. 

Besides, plant-based ingredients, such as sweet potatoes, flaxseeds, and blueberries, are packed with fiber, antioxidants, and essential vitamins that support digestion, skin health, and immunity, and  tend to be lower in calories and unhealthy fats, making them a great choice for dogs in need of weight management. Beyond health benefits, choosing vegan foods also supports a more sustainable, eco-friendly lifestyle, reducing the environmental impact associated with animal agriculture. So, even if you’re not planning to limit your pet’s intake to solely plant-based foods, incorporating vegan treats in their diet is still a sensible choice. 

The great news is, you can whip up healthy vegan treats for dogs from scratch right at home. 

Whether you’re looking to improve your pup’s well-being or make a more ethical choice, these vegan dog treat recipes offer a delicious and nutritious way to show your dog some love!

7 Amazing Benefits of Vegan Treats for Your Dog

As a pet parent, you always want the best for your furry baby, and that includes their treats! Sometimes, providing your beloved pet with the best of the best requires looking beyond the conventional practices and taking the off-beaten path. Vegan treats are one such choice. Whether you are looking for healthy, sustainable alternatives to mainstream treats because your pet has allergies, a sensitive stomach, or you just want to offer a cleaner snack, plant-based dog snacks are the way to go. Here’s why: 

1. Gentle on sensitive stomachs

Many dogs struggle with digestive issues caused by common allergens found in meat and dairy. Vegan treats not only eliminate these triggers but are also often made with ingredients that are easy on the stomach, like sweet potatoes, oats, and pumpkin.

“Dogs with food sensitivities often do well on plant-based diets,” says Dr. Karen Becker, a holistic veterinarian.

“Removing common animal proteins can reduce inflammation and support gut health.” If your pup suffers from bloating, diarrhea, or frequent tummy upsets, switching to vegan treats could be a simple solution to keep their digestion smooth.

2. Reduces the risk of allergies

Food allergies in dogs are more common than you think, and animal-based proteins are among the top culprits. If you notice your dog itching, licking their paws excessively, or suffering from chronic ear infections, a food allergy might be to blame. By choosing homemade vegan dog treats, you can eliminate the worry of triggering an allergic reaction every time you give your dog a tasty reward. 

“Dogs can develop allergies at any stage in life, and eliminating the most common triggers—such as beef and dairy—can make a huge difference. Plant-based treats are often free from the top allergens and can help manage these symptoms,” explains Dr. Sarah Blake, a veterinary nutritionist.

3. Supports a healthy weight

Many conventional treats are packed with unhealthy fats and fillers that contribute to weight gain. Homemade vegan dog treats, on the other hand, often contain fiber-rich ingredients like carrots, apples, and peas and do not pack in excess calories. If your pup needs to shed a few pounds, swapping out calorie-dense snacks for plant-based treats can be immensely beneficial for their overall health. 

“Obesity is a growing problem in pets, leading to joint issues and diabetes,” says Dr. Mark Foster, a pet nutrition expert, “Low-calorie, high-fiber treats can help with weight management while still keeping dogs satisfied.”

4. Packed with essential nutrients

A common concern associated with plant-based dog snacks is that they lack essential nutrients. This perception couldn’t be farther from the truth. When prepared with carefully chosen ingredients—flaxseeds, blueberries, sweet potatoes, to name a few—these plant-based dog snacks are loaded with beneficial vitamins and minerals. Ingredients like flaxseeds (rich in Omega-3s), turmeric (anti-inflammatory), and blueberries (antioxidants) offer a powerful health boost.

“Dogs thrive on a variety of foods, and plant-based ingredients can be a great way to provide them with a range of essential nutrients. The key is ensuring a well-balanced mix,” says Dr. Emily Carter, a veterinary dietitian. 

5. Supports joint and skin health

Many plant-based ingredients have natural anti-inflammatory properties that can help with joint health, especially for senior dogs. For example, turmeric, coconut oil, and flaxseeds are known to ease arthritis symptoms.

Dr. Laura Bennett, a veterinary dermatologist, says,

“We often recommend Omega-3-rich plant sources to support joint and skin health in aging dogs. They help reduce inflammation and promote a shiny coat.”

6. Better for the planet

One of the most compelling reasons to consider vegan treats? They’re eco-friendly! Animal agriculture has a significant impact on the environment and choosing plant-based treats means lowering your dog’s carbon pawprint.

Suggested Reading: 12 Signs Your Dog’s Food Isn’t as Healthy as You Think

7. No artificial additives

Many commercial dog treats are filled with artificial colors, preservatives, and questionable additives that offer little to no nutritional value. Homemade healthy vegan treats for dogs is a surefire way to ensure your pet doesn’t consume any of these harmful elements. 

“Artificial preservatives and fillers can contribute to long-term health issues in pets,” warns Dr. Lisa Harper, a holistic vet, “Natural plant-based treats are often free from these unnecessary additives, making them a safer option.”

Here’s a video to explain this subject better:

Key Ingredients for Vegan Dog Treats

As you can see, feeding your pet homemade vegan dog treats makes sense for many reasons. However, to make sure you can capitalize on all the potential benefits of plant-based dog snacks, it’s essential to use ingredients that are nutrient-dense, easy to digest, and beneficial for their overall health. Here are some of the best vegan ingredients for dog treats:

1. Sweet potatoes 

Sweet potatoes are a great choice for preparing nutritional vegan snacks for dogs because they’re:

• Rich in fiber and promote healthy digestion
• Packed with beta-carotene for eye health
• Provides slow-releasing energy

2. Pumpkin 

Pumpkin is another favorite among ingredients for vegan dog treat recipes. Here’s why:

• A great source of fiber to aid digestion
• Helps with constipation and diarrhea
• Low in calories but high in vitamins

Suggested Reading: How to Make Frozen Fruit Treats for Dogs

3. Oats 

Oats are undoubtedly one of the best vegan ingredients for dog treats because they’re:

• Gentle on sensitive stomachs
• Provides a good source of slow-digesting carbohydrates
• Rich in B vitamins and minerals

4. Chickpeas 

If you’re looking to prepare high-protein plant-based dog snacks, you cannot miss chickpeas. Here’s why: 

• High in plant-based protein
• Supports muscle growth and energy
• Contains essential vitamins like folate and magnesium

5. Peanut butter (unsalted & xylitol-free) 

Peanut butter is another core ingredient of healthy vegan treats for dogs. Well-loved by dogs and their humans, alike, it is:

• A tasty source of healthy fats and protein
• Rich in vitamin E and hence great for skin and coat health
• Great for making chewy, satisfying treats

6. Flaxseeds & chia seeds 

Add a layer of texture and extra punch of nutrition with flaxseeds and chia seeds. They’re a great pick for preparing vegan dog treats because: 

• High in Omega-3 fatty acids for joint and skin health
• Supports a shiny coat and reduces inflammation
• A great source of fiber for digestion

7. Blueberries 

When preparing homemade vegan dog treats, you cannot go wrong with blueberries. Here’s why:

• Loaded with antioxidants to boost immunity
• Supports brain health and reduces inflammation
• A low-calorie, natural sweetener for treats

8. Carrots 

A recurring ingredient in so many vegan dog treat recipes and with good reason too. Carrots are:

• Naturally crunchy and great for dental health
• Rich in beta-carotene for eye and skin health
• Low in calories but high in vitamins

9. Bananas

Want to prepare nutritional vegan snacks for dogs that they’ll go bananas over? Well, work with bananas and watch the magic unfold. 

• A natural source of potassium and fiber
• Adds natural sweetness to treats
• Helps regulate digestion

10. Coconut oil 

Every dog’s favorite and a nutritional powerhouse. It’d be silly to pass this over when making plant-based dog snacks. Coconut oil is known to

• Support healthy skin and coat
• Possess antibacterial and antifungal properties
• Aid digestion and boosts energy

11. Turmeric 

A pinch of golden nectar to give your pet’s health a boost. Turmeric is, 

• A natural anti-inflammatory ingredient
• Supports joint health, especially for senior dogs
• Aids in digestion and boosts immunity

12. Apples 

Crunchy, flavorful, and packed with nutrients, apples are certainly one of the best vegan ingredients for dog treats. Here’s why:

• Provide fiber and vitamin C
• A great crunchy, low-calorie snack
• Help clean teeth naturally

13. Spinach & kale 

Ah, the goodness of leafy greens! Let your pet make the most of it by incorporating these ingredients in your homemade vegan dog treats. Here’s why:

• Packed with vitamins A, C, and K
• Supports a healthy immune system
• Rich in antioxidants for overall well-being

14. Brown rice flour or whole wheat flour 

Healthy, fiber-rich binding agents you need to bring your treats together, quite literally. They’re integral to most vegan dog treat recipes because, 

• They’re great binding agent for homemade treats
• Provide complex carbohydrates for sustained energy
• Easy to digest and nutrient-rich

15. Nutritional yeast

Want to work with easy plant-based dog treat recipes without compromising on the depth of flavors? Nutritional yeast is your best friend. Here’s why: 

• Adds a cheesy flavor without dairy
• Rich in B vitamins for energy and metabolism
• Supports a healthy coat and skin

12 Easy & Nutritious Vegan Dog Treat Recipes

Now that you’re all caught up on how great vegan treats can be for your dog and the ingredients you can work with to put them together, let’s get down to business and talk about how to make vegan dog treats at home. The great news is that you don’t even need to go grocery shopping to get started with these, most of the items you need are already in your pantry. Just gather up the goodies and try your hand at these easy plant-based dog treat recipes: 

1. Peanut butter & banana biscuits

One of the easiest and most delicious DIY vegan dog biscuits you can prepare for your pet. 

Great for: Energy boost & shiny coat

Ingredients

• 1 ripe banana (mashed)
• ½ cup natural peanut butter (unsalted, xylitol-free)
• 1 cup oat flour
• ½ cup ground flaxseeds
• ¼ cup coconut oil

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix all ingredients in a bowl until a dough forms.
3. Roll out the dough and cut into shapes.
4. Bake for 15–20 minutes until golden brown.
5. Let cool before serving.

Watch this recipe in action here:

2. Pumpkin & oat crunchies

If your dog loves crunchy treats, here is a nutrition-packed option that you just cannot miss. With just 30 minutes of your time, you can whip together these crunchies that not only taste great but are also easy on the tummy. 

Great for: Digestion & weight management

Ingredients

• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1 ½ cups oats (blended into flour)
• 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tbsp chia seeds
• ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix all ingredients in a bowl to form dough.
3. Roll into small balls and flatten on a baking sheet.
4. Bake for 25 minutes.
5. Cool completely before serving.

3. Sweet potato chews

Got yourself a teething puppy that chews on everything or an adult dog in need of some mental stimulation? Well, two birds, one stone—sweet potato chews. Rich in nutrients, high on taste, and great for keeping your pet busy for a while.

Great for: Chewing satisfaction & vitamins

Ingredients

• 1 large sweet potato

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 250°F (120°C).
2. Slice sweet potato into thin rounds.
3. Arrange slices on a baking sheet.
4. Bake for 2-3 hours, flipping halfway, until chewy.
5. Let cool before serving.

4. Carrot & apple bites

Looking for healthy vegan treats for dogs that don’t require too much effort or complex culinary skills? I’ve got just the recipe that checks all those boxes—carrot and apple bites.

Great for: Dental health & antioxidants

Ingredients

• 1 apple (cored & grated)
• 1 carrot (grated)
• 1 cup oat flour
• ¼ cup coconut oil
• ½ cup water

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix ingredients to form a dough.
3. Roll into bite-sized balls.
4. Bake for 20 minutes.
5. Cool before serving.

5. Coconut & blueberry drops

Little drops of heaven that your pet just won’t be able to get enough for. If you’re looking for easy plant-based dog treat recipes that do not compromise on taste or nutrition, this is the one for you.  

Great for: Skin & coat health

Ingredients

• 1 cup blueberries
• ½ cup coconut flour
• 1 tbsp coconut oil
• ¼ cup unsweetened coconut flakes

Instructions

1. Blend blueberries until smooth.
2. Mix all ingredients into a thick dough.
3. Drop spoonfuls onto a lined baking sheet.
4. Freeze for 2 hours before serving.

Watch this recipe in action here:

6. Spinach & flax crackers

This is a little out-of-the-box combination of ingredients for a treat, but one that works wonderfully. You’ll have your pet eating out of your palm with these.

Great for: Energy & digestion

Ingredients

• 1 cup fresh spinach (chopped)
• ½ cup ground flaxseeds
• 1 cup oat flour
• ¼ cup water

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
2. Blend all ingredients until a dough forms.
3. Roll out and cut into small squares.
4. Bake for 25 minutes.
5. Let cool before serving.

7. Banana & chia seed popsicles

Looking for easy plant-based dog treat recipes to offer your furry baby some respite on a hot summer’s day? Look no further!

Great for: Hydration & cooling

Ingredients

• 1 banana
• ½ cup coconut water
• 1 tbsp chia seeds

Instructions

1. Blend all ingredients together.
2. Pour into silicone molds or ice cube trays.
3. Freeze for 4 hours.
4. Serve as a cool treat!

Suggested Reading: 15 Dog Friendly Summer Smoothies

8. Peanut butter & oat no-bake balls

Whether you’re looking for treats you can use as rewards during training or just something to spoil your pet with, these easy, no-bake balls have got you covered. 

Great for: Quick energy & easy digestion

Ingredients

• ½ cup peanut butter
• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1 tbsp coconut oil

Instructions

1. Mix all ingredients together.
2. Roll into small balls.
3. Freeze for 1 hour.
4. Store in the fridge and serve as needed.

Suggested Reading: 10 Slow Cooker Dog Food Recipes for Busy Parents

9. Turmeric & coconut soft bites

Combine the richness of coconut with the goodness of turmeric and bring it all together with fiber-rich oats, and you have a winner.

Great for: Joint health & inflammation

Ingredients

• 1 cup oat flour
• ½ tsp turmeric powder
• ½ cup coconut milk
• 1 tbsp coconut oil

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix all ingredients into a dough.
3. Roll into small balls and flatten.
4. Bake for 15 minutes.
5. Cool before serving.

10. Apple & cinnamon treats

A sweet treat that your pet will lap up and you can offer without any guilt or worry. 

Great for: Digestion & immune support

Ingredients

• 1 apple (grated)
• 1 cup oat flour
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• ¼ cup water

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix ingredients into a dough.
3. Roll out and cut into shapes.
4. Bake for 20 minutes.
5. Cool before serving.

Watch this recipe in action here:

11. Lentil & sweet potato bites

As far as vegan dog treat recipes go, this one certainly taps into an unusual mix of ingredients but I speak from experience when I say these patties seem to hit all the right notes. Side note: If you bake them in a bigger size, these make for a great mid-day snack for your pet and can also be used as small meals during travels.  

Great for: Protein & muscle health

Ingredients

• 1 cup cooked lentils
• ½ cup mashed sweet potato
• 1 tbsp ground flaxseeds
• ½ cup oat flour

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Blend all ingredients into a thick dough.
3. Form into small patties.
4. Bake for 25 minutes.
5. Cool before serving.

12. Almond butter & pumpkin biscuits

If you have been looking for simple vegan dog biscuit recipes, pay heed. These are some of the simplest DIY vegan dog biscuits you can make for your furry baby in a matter of minutes. Just because they’re easy to prepare doesn’t mean they lack in flavor or nutritional value by any account.   

Great for: Skin, coat, and digestion

Ingredients

• ½ cup almond butter (unsweetened)
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1 cup oat flour
• ¼ cup coconut flakes

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix all ingredients to form a dough.
3. Roll out and cut into shapes.
4. Bake for 20 minutes.
5. Let cool before serving.

FAQs 

1. Can dogs thrive on vegan treats?

Yes, dogs are omnivores, meaning they can thrive on a balanced diet that includes plant-based foods. They’re especially beneficial for dogs with allergies to common animal proteins. However, treats should only supplement a well-balanced diet to ensure they get all necessary nutrients. Always choose high-quality, vet-approved ingredients to keep your pup happy and healthy!

2. Are there any ingredients I should avoid in vegan dog treats?

Yes, some plant-based foods are toxic to dogs and should be avoided. These include onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, chocolate, xylitol (a common sweetener), macadamia nuts, and excessive salt. Also, avoid artificial preservatives, excessive sugar, and heavily processed ingredients. Stick to whole, natural foods like oats, bananas, carrots, and coconut oil to ensure your dog’s treats are both safe and nutritious. 

Takeaway 

Vegan treats for your dog aren’t just a diet fad, thet offer real, tangible health benefits and are a sustainable dietary choice. Whether your pup has food sensitivities, needs to manage their weight, or you just want to provide a wholesome snack, plant-based treats are worth considering. With so many interesting and diverse recipes in your kitty, I bet you can’t wait to get started. Well, I’ll leave you to it!