Cooking Vegan for My Dogs

A Point of view

For the past 18 months, my dogs, Maison and Tuco, have been thriving on a homemade vegan diet. Transitioning them to a plant-based lifestyle was a deeply personal decision, rooted in compassion and curiosity. And while it hasn’t always been easy, it has been incredibly rewarding.

Both dogs are full of energy, have shiny coats, and excellent digestion. This transformation didn’t happen overnight, but through careful research, patience, and a commitment to nourishing them with intention.

Every meal and treat they eat is prepared by me, which requires time and planning. But the benefits speak for themselves, and I hope this post offers inspiration and guidance to anyone curious about vegan cooking for dogs.

🥕 Ingredients We Use Regularly

These ingredients not only offer variety but also pack nutritional benefits that support my dogs’ vitality:

Carrots & Sweet Potatoes: Great sources of beta-carotene and fiber

Pearl Couscous & Couscous: Provide easy-to-digest carbohydrates and energy

Red Beans, Black Beans, Chickpeas (soak overnight): Excellent plant-based proteins and rich in iron

Cremini Mushrooms: Support immune function and add umami flavor (always cooked)

Broccoli & Cauliflower: Packed with antioxidants and vitamins

Green Peas: Rich in protein, fiber, and B vitamins

🍲 Our Chi-Boosting Eastern Recipe

I also developed an eastern-inspired meal we call our “Chi Supplement Stew” for when the dogs need a little extra grounding and warmth. Here are the ingredients:

Daikon: Supports liver and digestion

Kabucha: a good source of fiber, vitamins A and C

Wood Ear & Enoki Mushrooms & Shiitake: Immune-boosting and rich in minerals

Bok Choy & Seaweed: High in calcium, iodine, and chlorophyll

Soba Noodle: A source of complex carbs

Bamboo Shoots & Tofu: Digestive aid and lean plant protein

👩‍🍳 How I Prepare It

You can select 2-3 kinds of ingredient for each category (Root Vegetables/Squash, Grains, Beans, Fungus, Leaf Vegetables). Everything is washed, peeled (if needed), soaked (if needed), chopped (if needed) and layered in the Instant Pot in this order:

Chopped Root Vegetables or Orange-Colored Fruits (e.g., daikon, carrots, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, squash)
Grains (e.g., couscous, soba)
Beans (e.g., red/black beans, chickpeas)
Fungus (wood ear, enoki, cremini)
Chopped Leaf Vegetables (bok choy, broccoli, cauliflower, seaweed)

Then I add 3–4 cups of water and pressure cook on the “Rice” setting.

If there’s too much water after cooking, I simply mix in a bit more regular couscous and cover for 5 minutes to soak it up.

If you do not have an instant pot, you can also boil everything with the same order for 20 minutes uncovered. I started out this way and switched to instant pot so I do not need to watch the pot.

🥣 How I Serve It

I usually cook a large batch and store it in the fridge for several days. When it’s mealtime, I microwave a portion and mix in a few extra finishing touches:

Nutritional Yeast: Adds B12 and a cheesy flavor they love

Chia Seeds: Boost omega-3s and fiber

If the food seems too dry, I simply stir in a bit of warm water

These small additions not only enhance the flavor but round out the nutrition for Maison and Tuco.

You can repeat it a couple of times to see what your dogs like. Both of my dogs like their food with moisture but not soaked in water. The food has a thick congee-like texture.

Every dog is different. My dogs’ favorite ingredients are carrots, sweet potatoes/squash pressure cooked with pearl couscous, green pea and cauliflower. These are my base ingredients. After that I select 3-4 seasonal ingredients that go with the sweet earthy base.

🌱 A Note for the Curious

This blog isn’t a prescription, but a personal reflection. Vegan cooking for dogs isn’t for everyone, and it requires care and balance. But for Maison and Tuco, it’s been a healing journey. If you’re curious about integrating more plant-based meals into your dog’s life, start slow, do your research, and observe how your companion responds.

Cooking for them has deepened my relationship with food, compassion, and presence. It may take more effort, but the love comes through in every bite.

Disclaimer: Always consult with a veterinarian or pet nutritionist before making changes to your dog’s diet.