The Complete Daily Foundation · For Healthy Ageing
One chew a day, and everything your dog's body is counting on. Boost brings a complete vitamin and mineral complex together with taurine, L-carnitine, DHAgold™ algae, joint nutrients, adaptogens and a pre, pro and postbiotic foundation: 40 targeted bioactives in one daily chew, rather than a shelf of separate pots. It is the daily foundation for any adult dog, and it matters more with every year, supporting the vitality, sharp mind and comfortable movement that keep a senior dog enjoying every day.
Made without meat, wheat, soy or corn, Boost is gentle enough to give every day, with every ingredient and inclusion level declared in full.
One Gut. Whole Dog.™
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By Glendon Lloyd, Dip. Dog Nutrigenomics (Distinction), Dip. Canine Nutrition (Distinction) · Founder, Bonza
Reviewed by Veterinary Advisory Board
Last reviewed January 2026
Reading time 17 min
A Comprehensive Nutritional Analysis of Plant-Based Options
Introduction
The market for plant-based dog food has expanded significantly, with formulations evolving from simple meat-free alternatives to sophisticated nutritional products incorporating functional ingredients, adaptogens, and targeted health support compounds. This analysis examines twenty-six commercially available vegan and plant-based dry dog food formulations, evaluating their ingredient composition, macronutrient profiles, functional additives, and overall nutritional completeness.
When transitioning dogs to plant-based nutrition, pet owners must consider several critical factors: adequate protein content and amino acid profiles, essential fatty acid provision (particularly the long-chain omega-3s DHA and EPA), appropriate vitamin and mineral supplementation, and increasingly, functional ingredients that support gut health, cognitive function, skin and coat condition, and overall wellbeing. This review applies evidence-based nutritional analysis to help owners make informed decisions.
Methodology and Evaluation Criteria
Each product was evaluated against the following criteria, consistent with current canine nutrition science and FEDIAF/AAFCO guidelines:
Macronutrient adequacy: Protein content, fat levels, and fibre balance
Essential fatty acid provision: Omega-3 content, specifically DHA and EPA from algal sources
Amino acid supplementation: Particularly methionine, taurine, and L-carnitine
Mineral bioavailability: Use of chelated versus inorganic mineral forms
Gut health support: Prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics
Cognitive health support: DHA, antioxidants, and neuroprotective compounds
Skin and coat health: Essential fatty acids, zinc, biotin, and supportive botanicals
Joint health support: Glucosamine, MSM, and anti-inflammatory compounds
Adaptogenic and functional ingredients: Stress-modulating herbs and health-supporting botanicals
Products Reviewed
Twenty-six plant-based dry dog foods were included in this analysis: Imby, Omni Adult Sensitive, Benevo Original, The Pack Oven Baked, VegDog Green Crunch, Herbie Wilde Plant-Based Superfood, Hownd Pumpkin Quinoa & Moringa, Solo Vegetal, MicroBell Biotic Protein, Greta, Bonza Superfoods and Ancient Grains, V-dog Traditional Flakes, V-dog Crunchy Nuggets, V-dog Kind Kibble, Vutter Like Chicken, Lukullus Grain-Free Veggie, Wild Earth Performance Formula, Wild Earth Maintenance Formula, Petaluma Roasted Peanut Butter & Sweet Potato, Halo Holistic Vegan, Evolution Diet Ultra Life, Wysong Vegan, Bosch HPC Adult Vegan, Amì Dogs, Mera Pure Green Adult Vegan, Naturextra Vegetable Detox Effect, and Markus-Mühle Veggie.
Macronutrient Analysis
Protein Content
Protein requirements for adult dogs range from 18-25% on a dry matter basis according to FEDIAF guidelines, with higher levels beneficial for active dogs or those requiring muscle maintenance. All products reviewed meet minimum requirements, though considerable variation exists.
Evolution Diet Ultra Life leads with 30% protein, followed by Wild Earth Performance and Hownd at 28%. Bonza (25% protein, 12.5% fat) and The Pack (25% protein, 14% fat) offer well-balanced profiles suitable for moderately active adult dogs. Lower protein options like Bosch and Vutter (21%) may suit less active dogs or those with specific protein restriction requirements.
Cognitive Health Support
Cognitive health in dogs—particularly relevant for ageing animals—depends on several nutritional factors. The brain is approximately 60% fat by dry weight, making essential fatty acid provision critical. DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) is the predominant omega-3 in brain tissue and is essential for neuronal membrane fluidity, synaptic plasticity, and neurotransmitter function. Beyond fatty acids, antioxidants protect neural tissue from oxidative damage, while certain adaptogens demonstrate neuroprotective properties in research settings.
DHA Provision for Brain Health
Only a subset of products provide pre-formed DHA from algal sources. This is significant because dogs have limited ability to convert plant-based alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) from sources like flaxseed into the biologically active DHA required for cognitive function.
Key Finding: Bonza provides the highest quantified DHA level (0.22%) among all products reviewed, representing a meaningful contribution to cognitive health support. Wild Earth Performance is the only other product to quantify DHA content (0.05% minimum), though at a significantly lower level.
Neuroprotective Adaptogens
Certain adaptogenic compounds have demonstrated neuroprotective properties in research. Bonza’s PhytoPlus™ blend includes several adaptogens with documented cognitive benefits:
Reishi Mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum): Contains triterpenes and polysaccharides shown to support nerve growth factor (NGF) production and exhibit neuroprotective effects in preclinical studies
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera): Withanolides demonstrate anxiolytic and neuroprotective properties, supporting cognitive function under stress conditions
Siberian Ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus): Eleutherosides support mental stamina and cognitive performance, particularly during periods of stress or fatigue
Panax Ginseng: Ginsenosides have been extensively studied for cognitive enhancement, memory support, and neuroprotective activity
Bonza is the only product in this analysis to include this combination of neuroprotective adaptogens, positioning it uniquely for cognitive health support beyond basic DHA provision.
Skin and Coat Health
Skin and coat condition serves as a visible indicator of overall nutritional status. Key nutrients for dermatological health include essential fatty acids (particularly omega-3 and omega-6 in appropriate ratios), zinc (critical for keratinocyte function), biotin (essential for keratin synthesis), and vitamin E (protecting cell membranes from oxidative damage). Additionally, certain botanicals provide anti-inflammatory and skin-supporting properties.
Essential Fatty Acid Profiles
The omega-6 to omega-3 ratio influences inflammatory status and skin health. Ratios between 2:1 and 5:1 are generally considered optimal, though lower ratios (indicating higher omega-3 content) may benefit dogs with inflammatory skin conditions.
Product
Omega-6 %
Omega-3 %
Ratio
Bonza Superfoods & Ancient Grains
1.89
1.009
1.9:1
The Pack Oven Baked
1.8
1.0
1.8:1
Benevo Original
2.5
0.8
3.1:1
Halo Holistic Vegan
3.0
0.8
3.75:1
Wild Earth Performance
1.7
0.8
2.1:1
Hownd
3.16
0.73
4.3:1
Wild Earth Maintenance
1.4
0.7
2:1
V-dog Traditional Flakes
3.3
0.1
33:1
Bonza and The Pack demonstrate the most favourable omega ratios (approximately 2:1), providing substantial anti-inflammatory omega-3 content relative to omega-6. V-dog Traditional Flakes shows a significantly elevated ratio (33:1) due to minimal omega-3 content, which may be suboptimal for skin health.
Zinc and Biotin for Skin Integrity
Zinc deficiency is one of the most common causes of poor coat quality in dogs, manifesting as dull, brittle fur and flaky skin. Biotin supports keratin production, essential for healthy hair growth.
Product
Zinc (mg/kg)
Biotin
Bonza Superfoods & Ancient Grains
120 (chelated)
1,200 mcg
The Pack Oven Baked
120 (chelated)
Not declared
Vutter Like Chicken
140 (100+40 chelated)
300 mcg
Hownd
135 (110+25 chelated)
Not declared
Solo Vegetal
120 (oxide)
Not declared
Lukullus Grain-Free
70 (chelated)
0.7 mg (700 mcg)
Greta
Not declared
200 mcg
VegDog Green Crunch
59 (oxide)
Not declared
Bonza provides both high zinc levels (120mg as amino acid chelate for superior absorption) and the highest biotin content (1,200 mcg) among products reviewed—a combination that strongly supports skin barrier function and coat quality. The chelated zinc form is particularly significant, as plant-based diets may contain phytates that inhibit mineral absorption.
Gut Health: The Three-Tier Approach
Contemporary canine nutrition science recognises the gut microbiome as a master regulator of health, influencing immunity, metabolism, cognitive function (via the gut-brain axis), skin condition, and behaviour. A comprehensive gut health strategy includes three complementary components: prebiotics (substrates that feed beneficial bacteria), probiotics (live beneficial microorganisms), and postbiotics (beneficial metabolic byproducts of bacterial fermentation).
FOS & Inulin (chicory), MOS (brewer’s yeast 5.5%), Yucca schidigera
Omni Adult Sensitive
FOS, MOS & Beta-glucans (yeast hydrolysate 0.5%)
Lukullus Grain-Free
MOS (0.015%), Inulin (0.01%), Yucca schidigera (0.01%)
Benevo Original
FOS & Inulin (chicory 0.5%), Yucca schidigera
The Pack Oven Baked
FOS & Inulin (chicory)
V-dog Kind Kibble
Chicory root, Yucca schidigera
Wild Earth Performance
Inulin (chicory), FOS
Wysong Vegan
Inulin, Yeast culture
Halo Holistic Vegan
Inulin, Yeast culture
Vutter Like Chicken
Beta-glucans & MOS (yeast cell walls 0.2%), Inulin (0.1%)
Mera Pure Green
Beta-glucans & MOS (yeast cell walls 0.2%), Inulin (0.1%)
Key Finding: Bonza demonstrates the most comprehensive prebiotic profile, uniquely combining four distinct prebiotic sources: FOS and inulin from chicory, MOS and beta-glucans from yeast hydrolysate, yucca schidigera, and baobab fruit powder. Baobab is notable for its exceptionally high soluble fibre content (approximately 50% by weight), providing substantial prebiotic substrate for beneficial bacteria—a unique inclusion among products reviewed.
Probiotics
Live probiotic inclusion remains uncommon in dry dog foods due to viability challenges during manufacturing and storage. The following products declare probiotic content:
*Note: Lukullus uses inactivated bacteria, which function as postbiotics rather than true probiotics.
Bonza’s selection of Calsporin™ (Bacillus velezensis DSM 15544) is particularly noteworthy. This spore-forming probiotic has been the subject of peer-reviewed research demonstrating exceptional survival through manufacturing processes and gastric transit—critical factors often overlooked in probiotic selection. The spore-forming nature provides inherent stability that non-spore-forming strains lack. Halo also includes a spore-forming Bacillus strain at comparable levels.
Postbiotics: An Emerging Category
Postbiotics represent the frontier of gut health science—bioactive compounds produced during bacterial fermentation that provide health benefits without requiring live organisms. These include short-chain fatty acids, bacteriocins, enzymes, and cell wall components. In this analysis, only Bonza includes a dedicated, clinically researched postbiotic ingredient: TruPet® (dried Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation product at 0.5%), which provides yeast metabolites shown to support gut barrier integrity, immune modulation, and pathogen binding.
Adaptogenic Compounds
Adaptogens are natural compounds that help organisms adapt to stress and maintain homeostasis. In canine nutrition, adaptogens may support immune function, stress resilience, cognitive performance, and overall vitality. This category of functional ingredients remains rare in commercial dog foods.
Bonza’s PhytoPlus™ blend represents the most comprehensive adaptogenic profile in this analysis, featuring five distinct adaptogens:
Reishi Mushroom: Immune modulation, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective properties via triterpenes and beta-glucans
Ashwagandha: Stress adaptation, cognitive support, anti-anxiety effects via withanolide compounds
Siberian Ginseng: Energy and stamina support, immune enhancement via eleutherosides
Panax Ginseng: Cognitive enhancement, vitality support, anti-fatigue effects via ginsenosides
Turmeric (with Black Pepper in formula): Anti-inflammatory via curcuminoids; black pepper extract enhances bioavailability by up to 2,000%
Additionally, Bonza includes Echinacea for immune support—another unique inclusion among products reviewed. This combination addresses multiple physiological systems: immune modulation, stress response, cognitive function, and inflammatory balance.
Joint Health and Mobility Support
Joint support ingredients have become increasingly important as awareness grows regarding canine osteoarthritis and age-related mobility decline. The primary compounds of interest are glucosamine (supporting cartilage synthesis), chondroitin (maintaining cartilage hydration and inhibiting degradative enzymes), and MSM (providing bioavailable sulphur for connective tissue).
Product
Glucosamine
MSM
Chondroitin
Bonza Superfoods & Ancient Grains
300 mg/kg (vegan)
0.03%
—
Herbie Wilde
200 mg/kg
200 mg/kg
—
Hownd
Present*
Present*
Phytodroitin
Lukullus Grain-Free
0.026%
—
0.016%
Imby
0.01%
—
0.01%
*Amounts not quantified on label
Bonza provides the highest declared glucosamine content at 300 mg/kg in vegan form (glucosamine-HCl), combined with MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) for comprehensive joint support (although it does not include a vegan chondroitin such as Phytodroitin or Greendroitin) . Importantly, Bonza specifies that its glucosamine is vegan-sourced, addressing a common concern as traditional glucosamine is typically shellfish-derived. The inclusion of turmeric in Bonza’s formula provides additional anti-inflammatory support via curcuminoids.
Mineral Forms and Bioavailability
The form in which minerals are provided significantly affects absorption and utilisation. Chelated minerals—where the mineral is bound to amino acids or proteins—demonstrate superior bioavailability compared to inorganic forms (sulphates, oxides). This distinction becomes particularly important in plant-based diets where mineral absorption may be inhibited by phytates and other plant compounds.
Product
Chelated Minerals
Selenium Form
Bonza
Iron, Copper, Zinc (all chelated)
Selenised Yeast (organic)
Lukullus
Iron, Copper, Zinc, Mn (protein chelates)
Selenium Yeast (organic)
Petaluma
Iron, Copper, Zinc, Mn (amino acid)
Sodium Selenite (inorganic)
Wild Earth Performance
Iron, Copper, Zinc, Mn (proteinate)
Sodium Selenite (inorganic)
Halo Holistic Vegan
Iron, Copper, Zinc, Mn (amino acid)
Selenium Yeast (organic)
The Pack
Zinc (glycine chelate)
Selenised Yeast (organic)
Herbie Wilde
Zinc (glycine chelate)
L-Selenomethionine (organic)
Amì Dogs
Copper, Zinc (protein hydrolysate)
Selenised Yeast (organic)
VegDog
Iron, Copper (glycine chelate)
Sodium Selenite (inorganic)
Most Others
Standard sulphate/oxide forms
Sodium Selenite (inorganic)
Bonza, Lukullus, and several US brands (Petaluma, Wild Earth, Halo) stand out for providing comprehensive chelated mineral profiles. Bonza’s use of amino acid chelates for iron, copper, and zinc, combined with selenised yeast (an organic selenium form with approximately 90% bioavailability versus 50% for sodium selenite), demonstrates a premium approach to mineral nutrition particularly suited to plant-based formulations.
Vitamin Fortification Levels
Adequate vitamin supplementation is essential in plant-based diets. Particular attention should be paid to vitamin A, vitamin D3, B-complex vitamins, and choline (critical for liver function and cognitive health).
Product
Vit A (IU)
Vit D3 (IU)
Taurine
Choline
Bonza
30,000
2,250
1,500mg
1,200mg
Omni Adult Sensitive
25,000
1,000
1,500mg
—
Hownd
24,000
1,650
1,350mg
—
Lukullus
22,000
1,400
1,500mg
2,200mg
Solo Vegetal
22,000
1,500
1,000mg
—
Amì Dogs
21,000
1,500
—
—
Imby
20,000
2,000
1,500mg
—
Herbie Wilde
20,000
1,750
1,000mg
—
V-dog products
20,000
1,800
1,000mg
—
Benevo Original
18,000
2,000
1,500mg
—
Vutter Like Chicken
12,000
1,500
1,000mg
2,500mg
Bosch HPC
12,000
1,200
—
1,650mg
Greta/Naturextra/Markus
10,000
1,000-1,050
420-1,000mg
600-1,100mg
Bonza provides the highest vitamin A (30,000 IU/kg) and vitamin D3 (2,250 IU/kg) levels among products reviewed, along with comprehensive B-vitamin fortification including vitamin K3, biotin (1,200 mcg), and substantial choline chloride (1,200 mg). Notably, Bonza specifies its vitamin D3 as vegan-sourced (lichen-derived), addressing a common concern as traditional D3 is typically derived from lanolin, although it is expected all vegan dog food products would be using a vegan D3.
Manufacturing Processes
The manufacturing process affects nutrient retention, ingredient integrity, and—critically for products containing probiotics—the viability of live organisms.
Cold Extrusion (Bonza): Operates at significantly lower temperatures than conventional extrusion, preserving heat-sensitive nutrients, vitamins, and maintaining probiotic viability
Oven Baking (The Pack): Gentler than extrusion, may preserve more heat-sensitive compounds
Standard Extrusion (Most Products): High-heat process that may degrade some nutrients and would compromise probiotic viability
Bonza’s cold extrusion process is particularly significant given its inclusion of live Calsporin™ probiotic—the lower processing temperatures help ensure the spore-forming bacteria reach the dog’s gut in viable form.
Comparative Summary by Category
The following summary identifies category leaders based on the criteria evaluated:
Best Mineral Bioavailability: Bonza, Lukullus, Halo, Petaluma (comprehensive chelated profiles)
Highest Vitamin Fortification: Bonza (30,000 IU Vit A, 2,250 IU vegan Vit D3, 1,200 mcg biotin)
Best Cognitive Support: Bonza (highest DHA + neuroprotective adaptogens)
Gentler Manufacturing: Bonza (cold extrusion), The Pack (oven-baked)
Best Value Budget Option: Benevo Original (solid fundamentals, widely available)
The Functional Food Distinction
Beyond basic nutritional adequacy, modern canine nutrition increasingly recognises the value of functional ingredients—compounds that provide health benefits beyond basic nutrition. This analysis identifies Bonza Superfoods and Ancient Grains as the most comprehensively formulated functional food among products reviewed, addressing multiple physiological systems through its PhytoPlus™ blend and targeted functional ingredients:
Mineral Utilisation: Complete chelated mineral profile with organic selenium
Conclusion and Recommendations
This comprehensive analysis of twenty-six plant-based dog foods demonstrates that the market has matured significantly, with formulations ranging from basic nutritional adequacy to sophisticated functional foods. All products reviewed meet minimum nutritional requirements for adult dogs, but substantial differentiation exists in functional ingredient provision, bioavailability considerations, and targeted health support.
For owners seeking a comprehensive functional food that addresses multiple aspects of canine health through evidence-based ingredients, Bonza Superfoods and Ancient Grains emerges as the standout recommendation. Its unique PhytoPlus™ blend delivers an unmatched combination of clinically researched probiotics, postbiotics (unique in this market), the highest quantified DHA content, comprehensive prebiotics including baobab, five distinct adaptogens (Reishi, Ashwagandha, Siberian Ginseng, Panax Ginseng, and Turmeric with black pepper for enhanced absorption), and complete chelated mineral profiles. The cold extrusion manufacturing process further distinguishes Bonza by preserving heat-sensitive nutrients and ensuring probiotic viability—a critical consideration given the live Calsporin™ inclusion.
The formula represents what might be termed “nutritional completeness plus”—meeting all requirements while providing documented functional benefits across cognitive health, skin and coat condition, gut microbiome support, joint mobility, immune function, and stress adaptation. For health-conscious pet owners seeking to optimise their dog’s wellbeing through nutrition, Bonza presents the most comprehensive option available.
Alternative recommendations based on specific needs include: Evolution Diet Ultra Life for maximum protein requirements (30%); Halo Holistic Vegan for a US-based option with good probiotic content; Lukullus Grain-Free Veggie for grain-free requirements with excellent mineral bioavailability; The Pack Oven Baked for those valuing gentler manufacturing processes; and Benevo Original as a proven, accessible option for budget-conscious pet owners.
As with any dietary transition, consultation with a veterinary professional is recommended, particularly for dogs with existing health conditions or specific nutritional requirements.
This analysis was conducted using manufacturer-provided ingredient and nutritional data as of the date of review. Formulations may change. Always verify current specifications with manufacturers and consult with a veterinary nutritionist for individual dietary advice.
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