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V-Dog Dog Food Review (Dry)

V-Dog Dog Food Review (Dry)

By Mike Sagman

Updated: April 22, 2024

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V-Dog Kinder Kibble Dog Food receives the Advisors second-lowest tier rating of 2.5 stars.

The V-Dog Kinder Kibble product line includes 2 dry dog foods.

Each recipe below includes its related AAFCO nutrient profile when available on the products official webpage: Growth, Maintenance, All Life Stages, Supplemental or Unspecified.

Important: Because many websites do not reliably specify which Growth or All Life Stages recipes are safe for large breed puppies, we do not include that data in this report. Be sure to check actual packaging for that information.

• V-Dog Kinder Kibble [M]
• V-Dog Kinder Kibble Mini Bites [M]

V-Dog Kinder Kibble was selected to represent both products in the line for this review.

V-Dog Kinder Kibble

Estimated Dry Matter Nutrient Content

Dried peas, pea protein, brown rice, oatmeal, potato protein, sorghum, canola oil (preserved with mixed tocopherols), natural flavor, suncured alfalfa meal, brewers dried yeast, dicalcium phosphate, flaxseeds, millet, calcium carbonate, lentils, peanut hearts, quinoa, sunflower chips, salt, potassium chloride, choline chloride, taurine, dried carrots, minerals (ferrous sulfate, zinc sulfate, copper sulfate, sodium selenite, manganese sulfate, calcium iodate), dl-methionine, dried parsley, vitamins (vitamin E supplement, vitamin A supplement, niacin supplement, d-calcium pantothenate, riboflavin supplement, vitamin D2 supplement, thiamine mononitrate, vitamin B12 supplement, pyridoxine hydrochloride, biotin, folic acid), l-ascorbyl-2-polyphosphate (a source of vitamin C), preserved with citric acid, preserved with mixed tocopherols, dried blueberries, dried cranberries, dried celery, Yucca schidigera extract, dried lettuce, l-carnitine, dried watercress, dried spinach, rosemary extract

Fiber (estimated dry matter content) = 5%

Red denotes any controversial items

The first ingredient in this dog food lists dried peas. Dried peas are a good source of carbohydrates. Plus theyre naturally rich in dietary fiber.

However, dried peas contain about 27% protein, a factor that must be considered when judging the meat content of this dog food.

The second ingredient is pea protein, what remains of a pea after removing the starchy part of the vegetable.

Even though it contains over 80% protein, this ingredient would be expected to have a lower biological value than meat.

And less costly plant-based products like this can notably boost the total protein reported on the label a factor that must be considered when judging the meat content of this dog food.

The third ingredient is brown rice, a complex carbohydrate that (once cooked) can be fairly easy to digest. However, aside from its natural energy content, rice is of only modest nutritional value to a dog.

The fourth ingredient is oatmeal, a whole-grain product made from coarsely ground oats. Oatmeal is naturally rich in B-vitamins, dietary fiber and can be (depending upon its level of purity) gluten-free.

The fifth ingredient is potato protein, the dry residue remaining after removing the starchy part of a potato.

Even though it contains over 80% protein, this ingredient would be expected to have a lower biological value than meat.

And less costly plant-based products like this can notably boost the total protein reported on the label a factor that must be considered when judging the actual meat content of this dog food.

The sixth ingredient is sorghum. Sorghum (milo) is a starchy cereal grain with a nutrient profile similar to corn.

Since it is gluten-free and boasts a smoother blood sugar behavior than other grains, sorghum may be considered an acceptable non-meat ingredient.

The seventh ingredient is canola oil. Unfortunately, canola can be a controversial item. Thats because it can sometimes (but not always) be derived from genetically modified rapeseed.

Yet others cite the fact that canola oil can be a significant source of essential omega-3 fatty acids.

In any case, plant-based oils like canola are less biologically available to a dog than fish oil as a source of quality omega-3 fats.

After the natural flavor, we find alfalfa meal. Although alfalfa meal is high in plant protein (about 18%) and fiber (25%), this hay-family item is more commonly associated with horse feeds.

From here, the list goes on to include a number of other items.

But to be realistic, ingredients located this far down the list (other than nutritional supplements) are not likely to affect the overall rating of this product.

With five notable exceptions

First, brewers yeast can be a controversial item. Although its a by-product of the beer making process, this ingredient is rich in minerals and other healthy nutrients.

Fans believe yeast repels fleas and supports the immune system.

Critics argue yeast ingredients can be linked to allergies. This may be true, but (like all allergies) only if your particular dog is allergic to the yeast itself.

In addition, a vocal minority insists yeast can increase the risk of developing the life-threatening condition known as bloat. However, this is a claim weve not been able to scientifically verify.

In any case, unless your dog is specifically allergic to it, yeast can still be considered a nutritious additive.

Whats more noteworthy here is that brewers yeast contains about 48% protein, a factor that must be considered when judging the actual meat content of this dog food.

Next, flaxseed is one of the best plant sources of healthy omega-3 fatty acids. Provided theyve first been ground into a meal, flax seeds are also rich in soluble fiber.

However, flaxseed contains about 19% protein, a factor that must be considered when judging the actual meat content of this dog food.

In addition, we find lentils. Lentils are a quality source of carbohydrates. Plus (like all legumes) theyre rich in natural fiber.

However, lentils contain about 25% protein, a factor that must be considered when judging the actual meat content of this dog food.

Next, we find no mention of probiotics, friendly bacteria applied to the surface of the kibble after processing to help with digestion.

And lastly, the minerals listed here do not appear to be chelated. And that can make them more difficult to absorb. Chelated minerals are usually associated with higher quality dog foods.

V-Dog Kinder Kibble Dog Food Review

V-Dog is by design a meatless product.

So, although we recognize the need for some dog owners to feed a meat-free diet, we also respect a dogs natural carnivorous bias.

That said, and before we assign our final rating, its still important to compare the amount of plant-based protein present with other dog foods.

The dashboard displays a dry matter protein reading of 27%, a fat level of 10% and estimated carbohydrates of about 55%.

And a fat-to-protein ratio of about 38%.

Near-average protein. Below-average fat. And above-average carbs when compared to a typical dry dog food.

Bottom line?

V-Dog is a meatless, grain-inclusive dry dog food that uses pea and potato proteins as its main source of protein, thus earning the brand 2.5 stars.

Not recommended.

Please note certain recipes are sometimes given a higher or lower rating based upon our estimate of their total meat content and (when appropriate) their fat-to-protein ratios.

V-Dog Dog Food Recall History

The following list (if present) includes all dog food recalls since 2009 directly related to V-Dog. If there are no recalls listed in this section, we have not yet reported any events.

You can view a complete list of all dog food recalls sorted by date. Or view the same list sorted alphabetically by brand.

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Notes and Updates

Compare This Dog Food

How does this brand compare with The Dog Food Advisor's most recommended brands?

A Final Word

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However, we do receive a referral fee from online retailers (like Chewy or Amazon) and from sellers of perishable pet food when readers click over to their websites from ours. This helps cover the cost of operation of our free blog. Thanks for your support.

For more information, please visit our Disclaimer and Disclosure page.

V-Dog Food Review: Pros, Cons, Ingredients, and Feeding Guide

Look, my job here is to tell you the facts. What we have on our hands here is a vegan dog food brand. I know its surprising to hear this, and it might even make some of you bring back the highly debated topic of can dogs be vegan.

Well, as someone who believes in holistic nutrition, at least in the case of dogs, its a big NO for me. However, dont count this vegan brand out yet; they have provided a list of studies that claim that our domesticated dogs have evolved alongside us and are perfectly capable of being omnivores instead of carnivores.

Now I wont get into the nitty-gritty of these studies, and Ill leave it to you to check them out and decide for yourself.

My job here is to tell you if this dog food is as good as it claims to be and that Ill do very well through the five-factor analysis.

At a Glance: V-Dog Food

Before we dive in, heres a general overview of this unique dog food brand:

• Made in the USA ( California)
• Plant-based and vegan
• Pea protein based
• Sustainable sourcing
• Plastic-negative
• Mission-based company

About The Brand

Not every day do we see dog food brands with a clear mission statement of wanting to save the planet. V-dog was founded in 2005, back when veganism was still a topic that was heavily debated. But it was surely making its way into mainstream discourse.

V-dog claims it has an all-vegan team and individuals who value animal lives.

It is a 100% vegan dog food company, meaning no animal or animal-based products are used to make its products.

The brand is proud of the impact it has made throughout its history. It has donated over 30,000 pounds of dog food kibble to animal shelters and rescue homes. Moreover, about 200,000 dollars have been donated to animal sanctuaries and non-profit organizations for animal welfare.

The brand not only focuses on veganism but also on farming and agricultural problems. It has saved over 480 million gallons of water by reducing animal agriculture. It also claims its vegan initiative has saved 35 million acres of agricultural land and forest.

The best thing that v-dog brings to the table is its reusable plastic. It has worked with rePurpose Global to remove about 2.3 million grams of plastic from the earth.

V-dog is a parent company to V-planet, a vegan dog food company now expanding worldwide.

Who Makes V-Dog Food in 2023?

V-dog food is made by V-Dog, Inc., headquartered in the San Francisco Bay Area, West Coast, Western US. David Middlesworth founded the company.

Five-Factor Analysis of V-Dog Food

Heres my best attempt at breaking down this vegan pet food brand in terms of recipes, ingredients, nutritional value, pricing, and recalls. The main purpose of doing this is to know the basics about the brand and find different aspects of it to judge.

1. Recipes |

Currently, V-dog Food only has 2 recipes in the dry dog food category.

V-Dog Kinder Kibble

• Complete and balanced AAFCO formula
• 100% plant-based nutrition
• No animal products
• No fillers, corn, soy, or wheat
• Great for sensitive and itchy dogs
• Includes Prebiotics, DHA, and healthy fats

V-dog says that pet nutritionists and veterinarians formulate this recipe. Its said to be nutritionally balanced according to AAFCO standards. It contains superfoods, DHA, and omega-3 and 6 fatty acids.

V-Dog Kinder Kibble Mini Bites

• Complete and balanced AAFCO formula
• 100% plant-based nutrition
• No animal products
• AwNo fillers, corn, soy, or wheat
• Great for sensitive and itchy dogs
• Includes Prebiotics, DHA, and healthy fats

This recipe is the same in terms of ingredients and nutritional value V-Dog Kinder Kibble. The only difference here is the size of the kibble. The mini bites can be a great option for small breeds because they are less of a choking hazard.

2. Ingredients |

Im feeling iffy about the ingredients because theres no sign of meat in there, but lets keep an open mind.

Sorghum

Sorghum was a smart choice to put on the ingredient list for a vegan brand. This grain is very high in carbohydrates, but also it is gluten-free. Additionally, it provides some very needed nutrients such as B-complex vitamins, iron, magnesium, and phosphorus. The glycemic index of this grain is very low, which means itll help keep the blood sugar low.

Canola Oil

While the last ingredient deals with energy and all that stuff, this deals with coat health and your pets looks. Omega 3 and 6 are abundant in canola oil. These give your dog a shiny coat and improve its overall health. Canola oil can also be very easy to digest, which helps with nutrient absorption and good bowel movements. It may also improve the taste (palatability) of the dog food. One thing you should be wary of is that canola oil is an allergenic food for some dogs.

Natural Flavor

Being 3rd on the list, we can assume a lot of flavors are used in this dog food which is understandable when its a plant-only diet. Natural flavor is derived from plants and added to food to improve taste, smell, and texture.

I dont know if you have noticed, but dogs can be very picky eaters. Id be surprised if there werent some flavor elements in the dog food.

Oh, and the natural part here means that this flavor is not artificially created.

Sun Cured Alfalfa Meal

Finally! Im glad to see some fiber action in this dog food. Alfalfa is full of fiber, but its not the only thing it offers.

Vitamin K, Vitamin C, Calcium, and Iron are all part of this ingredient. This ingredient is common in dog foods because of its high palatability, but it may also be an allergen.

When trying to gauge if Alfalfa is a good choice in dog food, you must look at all the other ingredients and how they complement them.

Brewers Dried Yeast

Brewers dried yeast has all the bs. I mean vitamin B1, B2, B3, B5, B6 , and B9. All of these play a very specific and important role in the general functioning and upkeep of the body.

Yeast is a probiotic ingredient, and it can promote the growth of healthy bacteria in the gut. Why are these important? Well, the good bacteria in the body give our dogs a good digestive system and strong immune system, which helps them fight off all kinds of diseases. It can improve skin ailments such as coat health, dryness, and itchiness.

Controversial Ingredients

Dried Peas

Dried peas are a source of plant-based protein, but many argue that plants are not easily digestible by dogs. Phytates are a compound that may create complications during nutrient absorption. Moreover, some studies link this legume to canine dilated cardiomyopathy. However, definitive studies are yet to be done on this.

Pea Protein

Just as it sounds, this is a protein derived from peas. Pea protein has significantly less biological value when compared to the protein derived from meat.

Sodium Selenite

Sodium selenite is a synthetic but essential mineral. It has been linked to many health issues and is potentially toxic when taken in high amounts. Nothing surrounding this ingredient is certain yet, but it gets scrutinized whenever its added to a dogs food.

3. Nutritional Analysis |

This nutritional analysis showcases the nutritional value of V-dog food as a brand and tries to shed some light on how it compares to meat-based dog food.

The protein content of V-dog food is moderate but fails to compete with the ideal amount of protein in dog food.

Fat is very low in this diet, which is good news for those planning to put their dogs on a diet, but fat can be crucial in absorbing fat-soluble vitamins.

The calorie content is higher, so an active dog may survive on this diet.

4. Price |

24lbs bag for 89 dollars. That is unbelievable. Ill say no one will pay 89 dollars just to free their dog plants, or at least stuff that they cant be sure is good for them except the evidence of a few carefully selected studies. I understand the saving the planet motto of this brand, but the pricing of this dog food is nothing short of ridiculous!

5. Recall History |

There have been no recalls concerning the V-dog food brand. However, this brand is fairly recent and new to the market.

How Does V-Dog Food Compare to The Competition?

Compared to other vegan dog food on the market right now, this dog food is better than theirs and comes very close to the nutritional value of dog food with actual meat.

Feeding Guide V-Dog Food

V-dog food can be fed to your dog like any other normal dog food. However, you should gradually shift the dog to this diet, especially if your dog has been a meat lover. You may include a protein supplement alongside this diet after some advice from your veterinarian.

Our Rating

FAQs

Is V-dog formulated by Vets?

According to V-dog, nutritionists and veterinarians are on board to help formulate the dog food.

Does V-dog food follow AAFCO guidelines?

V-dog kibble meets all AAFCO standards. They do not do animal testing but rather test their products through extensive nutrient analysis.

How does V-dog ensure safety standards?

All V-dog products go through 48-hour quality checks for safety and nutrition. Even their packaging cans and happy harvest undergo safety checks.

Are there any cat products or cat food from the V-dog brand?

Yes, V-dog makes some cat treats.

Is it okay to freeze Happy Harvest?

V-dog does not recommend freezing food once opened because of the fear of losing nutrients.

A Final Recap

Its not every day that we come across a vegan dog food brand. The impact this one brand is making on the planet alone is undeniable. Aside from having no meat, theres also an issue of it being very highly-priced. The price range is not sustainable for the long term, even if you wish to switch to a vegan diet for good.

Id like to see more dog food brands take up green initiatives because someone must think about future generations, ours, and our dogs.

Ankita is a passionate pet lover and head of content at Pet Food Brands. With her extensive knowledge and research, she provides pet owners with top-quality information on dog food and nutrition. Her dedication to improving the lives of dogs makes her a leading voice in the industry.