health extension vegetarian dog food

Health Extension Dog Food Review (Canned)

Health Extension Dog Food Review (Canned)

By Mike Sagman

Updated: March 22, 2024

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Which Health Extension Recipes Get Our Best Ratings?

Health Extension canned dog food receives the Advisors second-highest tier rating of 4 stars.

The Health Extension product line includes the 9canned dog foods listed below.

Each recipe below includes its AAFCO nutrient profile when available Growth (puppy), Maintenance (adult), All Life Stages, Supplemental or Unspecified.

Recipe and Label Analysis

Health Extension Grain Free Turkey Entree was selected to represent the other products in the line for detailed recipe and nutrient analysis.

Label and nutrient data below are calculated using dry matter basis.

Health Extension Grain Free Turkey Entree

Estimated Dry Matter Nutrient Content

Turkey, chicken, chicken broth, sweet potatoes, carrots, blueberries, cranberries, guar gum, potassium chloride, minerals (zinc proteinate, iron proteinate, copper proteinate, manganese proteinate, sodium selenite, cobalt proteinate, potassium iodide), agar-agar, natural flavor, choline chloride, vitamins (vitamin E supplement, thiamine mononitrate, niacin supplement, d-calcium pantothenate, vitamin A supplement, riboflavin supplement, biotin, vitamin B12 supplement, pyridoxine hydrochloride, vitamin D3 supplement, folic acid), sodium carbonate

Fiber (estimated dry matter content) = 1.5%

Red denotes any controversial items

Ingredient Analysis

The first ingredient in this dog food is turkey. Turkey is considered the clean combination of flesh and skin derived from the parts or whole carcasses of turkey.¹

Turkey is naturally rich in the ten essential amino acids required by a dog to sustain life.

The second ingredient is chicken, another quality addition.

The third ingredient is chicken broth. Broths are of only modest nutritional value. Yet because they add both flavor and moisture to a dog food, they are a common component in many canned products.

The fourth ingredient includes sweet potatoes, which are a gluten-free source of complex carbohydrates in dog food. They are naturally rich in dietary fiber and beta carotene.

The fifth ingredient lists carrots. Carrots are rich in beta-carotene, minerals and dietary fiber.

The sixth ingredient includes blueberries. Blueberries are a good source of vitamins, minerals and dietary fiber.

The seventh ingredient lists cranberries, a nutrient-rich fruit thats also high in fiber.

The next item is guar gum, a gelling or thickening agent found in many wet pet foods. Refined from dehusked guar beans, guar gum can add a notable amount of dietary fiber to any product.

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 Health Extension product.

With 2 notable exceptions

First, this food includes chelated minerals, minerals that have been chemically attached to protein. This makes them easier to absorb. Chelated minerals are usually found in better dog foods.

And lastly, this recipe contains sodium selenite, a controversial form of the mineral selenium. Sodium selenite appears to be nutritionally inferior to the more natural source of selenium found in selenium yeast.

Nutrient Analysis

Based on its ingredients alone, Health Extension canned dog food looks like an above-average wet product.

The dashboard displays a dry matter protein reading of 41%, a fat level of 39% and estimated carbohydrates of about 13%.

As a group, the brand features an average protein content of 41% and a mean fat level of 29%. Together, these figures suggest a carbohydrate content of 21% for the overall product line.

And a fat-to-protein ratio of about 70%.

Which means this Health Extension product line contains..

Near-average protein. Above-average fat. And below-average carbs when compared to a typical wet dog food.

Free of any plant-based protein boosters, this looks like the profile of a wet product containing a notable amount of meat, except for the Vegetarian recipe.

However, with 21% of the total calories in our example coming from fat versus just 9% from protein, some recipes may not be suitable for a dog on a low fat diet.

Our Rating of Health Extension Canned Dog Food

Health Extension lists both grain-inclusive and grain-free canned dog foods using a notable amount of named meats as its dominant source of animal protein, thus earning the brand 4 stars.

Highly recommended.

Related Topics

Readers interested in Health Extension wet dog food may also wish to check out these popular pages, too

Health Extension Dog Food Recall History

The following automated list (if present) includes all dog food recalls related to Health Extension through April.

No recalls noted.

You can view a complete list of all dog food recalls since 2009 here.

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More Health Extension Brand Reviews

The following Health Extension dog food reviews are also posted on this website:

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A Final Word

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Best Vegetarian Dog Food

Feeding dogs a vegetarian diet can present several potential health risks and deficiencies if not carefully managed. While some dogs may adapt well to a well-balanced vegetarian diet, others may be more susceptible to certain issues.

As mentioned above, dogs require high-quality protein with all essential amino acids to maintain their health and muscle mass. Plant-based proteins may lack certain amino acids, and without proper planning, dogs could suffer from protein deficiencies.

Taurine is an essential amino acid for dogs, and it is primarily found in animal-based proteins. A lack of taurine in a vegetarian diet can lead to serious health problems, including heart disease and eye issues.

Vitamin B12 is only naturally found in animal-based foods. Without supplementation or fortified foods, dogs on a vegetarian diet may not get enough vitamin B12, leading to anemia, nerve problems, and overall weakness.

Omega-3 fatty acids, such as EPA and DHA, are essential for a dogs skin, coat, and overall health. While some plant sources provide omega-3s in the form of ALA, they may not be efficiently converted to the active forms (EPA and DHA) that dogs need.

Dogs need a proper balance of calcium and phosphorus for healthy bone development and maintenance. Without careful design plant-based diets may have an inadequate balance of these minerals, leading to bone and dental issues.

Some dogs might have difficulty digesting certain plant-based proteins or high-fiber diets, leading to gastrointestinal discomfort, gas, or diarrhea. For other dogs this higher fiber diet and plant based proteins may suit them better than a traditional diet.

Plant-based diets may not provide enough calories for highly active dogs or those with higher energy needs, such as working dogs or athletes.

Like all protein sources and ingredients, there is the potential that dogs can develop allergies to specific plant-based proteins or other components in a vegetarian diet, leading to skin issues, ear infections, or gastrointestinal problems. For dogs with allergies to animal-based ingredients a vegetarian diet can be a great option to alleviate their allergy symptoms.

In all cases, inadequate nutrition can impact reproductive health, leading to decreased fertility and complications during pregnancy and lactation.

Some dogs might exhibit changes in behavior or energy levels if their nutritional needs are not adequately met, affecting their overall well-being.

To mitigate these potential risks, its essential to work with a veterinarian or a veterinary nutritionist to design a balanced vegetarian diet that meets the specific needs of the individual dog. Regular health check-ups and monitoring are crucial to address any deficiencies or health issues promptly.

In some cases, a vegetarian diet might not be suitable for certain dogs, and alternative dietary approaches may be recommended to ensure optimal health and well-being. Many vegetarian diets are formulated to meet AAFCO nutritional profiles and carefully supply the nutrients required by your dog.

As with any dietary change it is important to monitor your dog for signs that the diet isnt suiting them.

You can also support their diet with specific supplements and fortified foods to ensure they receive the essential nutrients they need including Vitamin B12 supplements, protein supplements and calcium supplements.

Vegetarian Entree

Discover a delightfully delectable and nourishing option for your dog with our Health Extension Vegetarian Entre. This recipe is an ideal choice for those who prefer to offer their dogs a vegetarian diet or incorporate meatless meals into their routine. It is packed with a cornucopia of wholesome, highly nutritious ingredients such as sweet potatoes, butternut squash, carrots, peas, blueberries, cranberries, and kale. This diet is particularly advantageous for dogs suffering from common food allergies or digestive sensitivities, as it delivers complete and balanced nutrition without relying on any animal proteins. Suitable for canines across all life stages, from playful puppies to wise senior adults, this vegetarian entre is a perfect fit. The smooth, rich texture of this pat is sure to win over your pup's heart and taste buds, making mealtime a moment of pure joy and healthful indulgence.

Ingredients

Sweet Potatoes, Butternut Squash, Water Sufficient for Processing, Brown Rice, Carrots, Olive Oil, Peas, Blueberries, Cranberries, Kale, Brewers Dried Yeast, Dried Eggs, Guar Gum, Taurine, Vitamins {Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin Supplement, L-Ascorbyl-2 Polyphosphate (Source of Vitamin C), Thiamine Mononitrate (Source of Vitamin B1), Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Source of Vitamin B6), Riboflavin Supplement (Source of Vitamin B2), Folic Acid, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Biotin, Vitamin D2 Supplement}, Minerals {Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Selenium Yeast, Potassium Iodide}.

Feeding Instructions

Adults: Feed 3/4 to 1 1/4 cans per 15lbs of body weight per day.

Puppies: Twice the adult amount.

Amount of food your dog requires will depend on activity, age, environment, and breed. Feed at room temperature and refrigerate unused portion. Always provide access to clean, fresh water

Kcals

276 Kcal/12.5oz Can

Guaranteed Analysis

Nutritional Guarantee

Holistic Health Extension Vegetarian Entre is formulated to meet nutritional levels established by the AAFCO dog food nutrient profiles for maintenance.

7 Best Vegan and Vegetarian Dog Foods

Last Updated: March 8, 2022 by Lisa Melillo

One of the biggest ongoing debates in the animal loving community is which type of diet we should be feeding our dogs. On one hand, some believe that dogs are born to be carnivores and should mostly consume meat. But on the other, many are beginning to question the humanity and science behind animal-based dog foods.

For dog owners who are vegan, theres an even bigger question over whether purchasing dog food that contains meat is an acceptable part of a vegan lifestyle. Not only is most meat intended for canine consumption factory farmed, where animal abuse and cruelty run rampant, but many dog foods are tested on animals using inhumane methods before being put on the market. Meat production for dog food also puts an incredible strain on the environment its the source of 25 to 30 percent of all animal farming-related carbon emissions.

With the larger discussion about canine meat consumption, weve seen wider availability of vegan and vegetarian dog foods designed to provide pets at home with sustainable, plant-based nutrition. Weve put many of these foods to the test and have compiled a list of our top seven favorites.Related article: Can dogs eat eggplant?

These foods have been developed by scientists and veterinarians to provide your pup with the full spectrum of nutrients he needs, without harming any other animals in the process.

The best vegan and vegetarian dog foods

1. Wild Earth

Protein from fungi? You bet! Wild Earths Clean Protein Dog Food sources an impressive amount of protein from a most unlikely source: yeast. At 31%, its protein content rivals that of animal protein-based dog foods, and provides the same nutrients and amino acids as many types of meat.

Wild Earth is also free from corn, soy, or rice, which are all main ingredients in the majority of vegan and vegetarian dog foods. Instead, they use high-quality plant-based carbohydrate sources such as oats, sweet potatoes, and chickpeas. And it gets better: you wont find any artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives in Wild Earths recipes, which is good news for dogs with any type of skin issue, digestive problem, or other sensitivity.

Check out my Wild Earth dog food review my dogs absolutely love this dog food! They did not take any time to adjust at all, they love the flavor.

2. Wysong Vegan

Wysong is a holistic pet food company that offers a range of all-natural foods for dogs, cats, and ferrets, including Vegan, its plant-based recipe. Youll find protein from soybeans, peas, and potatoes at the top of this ingredient list, along with brown rice and corn for essential carbohydrates.

Since Wysong is a small holistic pet food company, it owns all of its research and production facilities, allowing the company to closely monitor every step of the production process. Wysong also works with a small group of trusted suppliers to ensure maximum quality of all ingredients. The brand performs no animal testing on any of its foods and supports animal welfare through every step of the production process.

3. V-Dog

100% vegan dog food brand V-Dog offers two dog food and two treat options, all of which are entirely plant-based. The food derives its protein mainly from peas, which are a great source of fiber and a full spectrum of vitamins and minerals. These veggie powerhouses are packed with vitamins A, B, and K, in addition to iron, zinc, potassium, and magnesium.

If your dog has any food sensitivities, V-Dog is a great vegan option. Their food is entirely free from corn, wheat, gluten, soy, and fillers, all common triggers of skin and digestive issues in canines. Instead, they use easily digestible ingredients like brown rice and quinoa, which are also more nutritionally complete than the cheaper carbohydrates used by some popular dog food brands.

4. Natures Recipe Healthy Skin Vegetarian Recipe

Natures Recipe is a fairly well-known dog food brand readily available from Petco, PetSmart, Chewy, Amazon, and more. While most of their recipes contain meat, they do offer one vegetarian option: the Healthy Skin Vegetarian Recipe. Soybean meal is the main source of protein, which is ideal for dogs that have trouble digesting animal proteins. The food is rich in omega-3 and -6 fatty acids, zinc, and linoleic acid, and uses no corn- or wheat-derived ingredients.

Related article: Can dogs eat zucchini?

Pet owners who feed their dog Natures Recipe Healthy Skin Vegetarian Recipe rave about its positive effects on skin and coat health and say their pups even prefer the taste over other animal-based recipes. This is also a great option if you want to switch your dog to a plant-based diet but are working with a tight budget. Starting at just $1.60/lb, Natures Recipe is by far the least expensive of the vegan and vegetarian dog foods on our list.

5. Petcurean Gather Endless Valley

From sensitivity-friendly dog food brand Petcurean comes Gather Endless Valley, a USDA organic-certified food that gathers the bulk of its protein from peas. But peas arent the only source of protein and nutrients in this veggie-packed recipe; Petcurean includes a wide variety of sustainably grown plants to make sure your pup is getting the full spectrum of amino acids they need for a long and happy life.

In addition to being certified organic, Petcurean Gather Endless Valley uses only non-GMO ingredients, is free from wheat, corn, and soy, and contains no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives. However, it comes at a price; this dog food is the most expensive on our list, starting at $5.00/lb. But if its within your budget, this is one of the highest quality vegan dog foods money can buy.

6. Walk About Canine Exotics

Searching for a dog food thats both vegan and grain free? Look no further than Walk Abouts Canine Exotics dry kibble. Since most plant-based dog foods get their carbohydrates from grains like rice and oats, its rare to find a quality vegan food that also contains none of these potential sensitivity-triggering ingredients.

At the top of the Walk About Canine Exotics ingredients list, youll find protein from peas and carbohydrates from sweet potatoes and lentils. Flaxseeds provide an additional nutrient boost through omega-3, -6, and -9 fatty acids, dietary fiber, and anti-inflammatory lignans. The ingredients list is much shorter than most dog foods, drastically reducing the chance that your dog will react poorly to anything in the recipe. If youve been pulling your hair out trying to find a food your sensitivity-prone dog can tolerate, this is certainly one to give a try.

7. Halo Holistic Garden of Vegan

Weve already expressed our love for Halo, a holistic dog food company with a diverse product lineup that provides options for just about every canine diet. But their Garden of Vegan recipe is one of the best, delivering high-quality protein from chickpeas and peas. Carbohydrates come from barley, oats, and potatoes, without the use of rice, corn, or wheat. Since many of the vegetables used are sourced from Europe, where genetic modification is forbidden, all ingredients are kept strictly non-GMO.

Halo has received widespread praise for its Garden of Vegan food, including winning 2018s Best Dog Food from VegNews. Garden of Vegan is available as both a dry kibble and wet food; if youre looking for additional plant-based goodies, youll find two different types of vegan dog treats under the Halo Healthsome brand name.

Benefits of Vegan

So why are so many dog owners switching their pups to vegan kibble? There are many reasons being reported, from health concerns to environmental sustainability. These are just a few of the advantages your pup might benefit from.

Potential health benefits

Food intolerances are a common cause of ailments among dogs, and it can be extremely difficult to find a commercial pet food that doesnt cause a reaction if your dog is unfortunate enough to suffer from one of these sensitivities. Food intolerances in dogs can manifest themselves in many ways; skin and coat irritation, digestive issues, and problems gaining or losing weight are just a few.

Its been reported that switching to a plant-based diet can be highly beneficial to dogs with such intolerances. One study by the University of Winchester reported that dogs who had been switched to a vegan diet showed improved skin and coat condition and better stool consistency. This was accompanied by no detectable deficiencies in any key nutrients such as iron or vitamin B12.

Lower environmental impact

How much damage is your dogs current food doing to the environment? According to a UCLA study, between 25 and 30 percent of carbon emissions caused by animal farming come from meat intended for pet food. This is quite substantial, given that close to 15% of global greenhouse gases come from livestock, which occupy 70% of all farmable land. In short, the growing worldwide demand for meat is a major contributor to our current environmental crisis, and dog food production is a leading culprit.

Just as many of those who eliminate meat from their personal diets do so for environmental reasons, a large portion of pet owners who purchase plant-based dog food wish to lower their carbon footprint even further. If enough dog parents caught on and adopted a vegan lifestyle for their pup, there could be a serious positive effect on the environment.

Sustainable food sources

As the worldwide food industry becomes globalized and the items we eat every day are being produced overseas at higher rates, consumers are growing wise and questioning where their food comes from. Theres an increasing demand for accountability and fair practice in the growing and manufacturing of food products. While vegan dog foods arent inherently sustainable, many of the companies behind them honor a larger overall commitment to ethical responsibility.

But what exactly is a sustainable food source? For the most part, the call for sustainability involves reducing the consumption of animal products, choosing items that are grown and produced locally, and practicing fair trade. Considering the fact that around half of pet food imported to the United States comes from Thailand and China, where regulations around pet food are virtually nonexistent, its definitely time to start asking where your dogs food comes from. Youll find that most of the brands listed on our Top 7 Vegan and Vegetarian Dog Foods list are transparent about their efforts to source ingredients sustainably.

No animal abuse or cruelty

If you know anything about the meat industry, it should come as no surprise that a concerning percentage of the animals raised as meat for pet food are treated inhumanely. In fact, animal welfare was found to be the top motivating factor in switching to vegan dog food by one study.

But what you might not know is that further animal abuse often occurs during the pet food testing process. PETA has uncovered multiple cases of inhumane laboratory tests carried out by major dog food companies, in which animals are confined to extremely small spaces and forced to undergo invasive testing. The organization has compiled a list of dog food companies that it has confirmed do not perform inhumane testing, although just because a brand didnt make the list, doesnt mean it carries out any abusive practices.

Drawbacks of Vegan

As with any diet, there are a few drawbacks to take into consideration if youre thinking about feeding your dog a vegan food. This doesnt mean you cant make the switch to a plant-based kibble, but you should certainly have a discussion with your vet before making any changes.

Concerns over some protein sources

Recently, there has been some concern over the safety of certain alternative protein sources in dog foods following a 2019 FDA report that linked some grain-free pet food brands to canine dilated cardiomyopathy, or DCM. The brands in question primarily used peas and lentils in their recipes, which are common protein sources for vegan dog foods.

Note that none of the brands on our 7 Best Vegan and Vegetarian Dog Foods list were named in the report, and theres still widespread uncertainty over what exactly is causing the outbreak of DCM; significant further testing is needed. If your pup falls on the list of breeds that are susceptible to DCM, have a discussion with your vet over whether vegan dog food is a safe option.

Limited availability

Since vegan diets for canines are still relatively niche, most local pet stores and national chains arent stocking plant-based dog foods on their shelves. Youll typically need to order online if you decide to start purchasing vegan kibble or wet food.

If this is the case, make sure to keep a close eye on your pups supply so that you dont run out and end up having to wait several days for a new shipment to arrive. Better yet, consider signing up for autoship so that a steady supply is delivered to your door automatically each month, without you having to remember to log on and order more.

More expensive

Overall, vegan dog food tends to be more expensive than the meat-based alternative. This is due to a higher quality of ingredients and more sustainable production processes.

Still, we realize that this can pose a serious barrier to those who want a healthier diet for their pet, but simply cant afford it. If this is the case, remember that there are plenty of plant-based kibbles that are budget friendly; we found that Natures Recipe had the most affordable option at just $1.43/lb.

Less-studied formulas

Vegan dog food is a fairly new concept, and most of the brands we reviewed have only been producing plant-based formulas for a few years at most. This means that we simply dont know the long-term health effects of switching dogs to vegan diets.

Although veterinarians and scientists work hard to formulate each of the recipes weve included, theres still plenty of studying to be done. For now, all we have is evidence of short- and medium-term health benefits and customer testimonials for each brands recipes. As always, you should work closely with your vet to choose the best diet for your pups health and happiness.

Cost Comparison

When it comes to vegan dog food, some brands are much more expensive than others. We found that on average, you can expect to spend about $2.79/lb on a plant-based kibble. Heres how each brand compares:

Protein Comparison

How much protein does your pup need, and can he get enough from a vegan diet? The protein contents of the brands we reviewed range from 20% to 31%, with the average around 24%. Most veterinarians recommend that dogs eat a diet that is 18% to 25% protein, which places all the foods on our list in the optimal range. Nevertheless, heres how they stacked up: