Is Vegan Dog Food More Expensive? How to Work Out the Real Cost per Day

By GoGrowth SEO · October 11, 2026
V-Planet Mini Bites and regular vegan dog food bags side by side

Short answer: compare dog foods by cost per day, not price per bag. Divide the bag price by its weight to get the price per kilogram, then multiply by the grams your dog eats each day. With V-Planet's 6.8 kg bags, a 10 kg dog costs roughly AED 10 a day at October 2026 prices. Calorie density and bag size change the answer more than the label "vegan" does.

Plant-based dog food is often assumed to be a premium extra. Sometimes it is priced above supermarket brands, sometimes below specialist ones. The only fair way to know is to do the maths for your own dog.

Step 1: price per kilogram

Bags come in different sizes, so start by converting to price per kilogram. At the time of writing (October 2026), V-Planet on our store is priced as follows:

Prices can change, so always check the product page before you calculate. Delivery charges are separate; see our shipping and delivery page.

Step 2: grams per day

Use the feeding guide on the bag as a starting point. V-Planet's guide runs from up to 71 g a day for dogs up to 2.3 kg, to 355 to 409 g a day for dogs of 22.7 to 27.2 kg, with about 27 g extra per 2.2 kg of body weight above that. Activity, age and metabolism shift the real figure, so adjust based on your dog's body condition over a few weeks.

Step 3: multiply

Cost per day = price per kg × kg eaten per day. Here are worked examples using the middle of V-Planet's feeding ranges. They are estimates, not promises: your dog's actual intake may be higher or lower.

  • 5 kg small dog, about 130 g a day: roughly AED 6.80 a day from a 6.8 kg Mini Bites bag, which lasts around 52 days. From the 2.04 kg bag, about AED 10.20 a day, lasting around 16 days.
  • 10 kg dog, about 200 g a day: roughly AED 10.40 a day from a 6.8 kg bag, which lasts around 34 days.
  • 20 kg dog, about 330 g a day: roughly AED 17.20 a day from a 6.8 kg bag, which lasts around 20 days.
  • 30 kg dog, about 440 g a day: roughly AED 23 a day, with a 6.8 kg bag lasting around 15 days.

Why calorie density matters when comparing brands

Two foods with the same price per kilogram can cost very different amounts per day. A food with more calories per 100 g means smaller portions. V-Planet is calculated at 330 kcal per 100 g. If another food provides fewer calories per gram, your dog needs to eat more of it, and the bag runs out sooner. Always compare the feeding amount for your dog's weight on each bag, not just the sticker price.

Bigger bags are cheaper per day, but not always better

In our range, the 6.8 kg bag works out about a third cheaper per kilogram than the 2.04 kg bag. For a medium or large dog that will finish it in a few weeks, the larger bag makes sense. For a very small dog, a 6.8 kg bag might last nearly two months. In UAE heat, that is a long time for an opened bag, so store it carefully in a sealed container somewhere cool indoors, or choose the smaller bag. Our guide to storing dog food in hot weather has practical tips.

Costs that do not show on the bag

  • Toppers and extras. Adding wet food, treats or human food on top of a complete diet adds cost, and calories.
  • Supplements. A complete and balanced food is designed to be fed on its own, so routine supplements are often unnecessary unless your vet recommends them.
  • Waste. Food that goes stale before it is finished is money lost.
  • Trial and error. Buying full bags of foods your dog then refuses is expensive. A 70 g sample pack lets you test acceptance first.

A note on value

We will not tell you that any food pays for itself through fewer vet bills. No one can promise that, and every dog is different. What we can say is that a complete and balanced food that your dog eats well, fed in the right amount with little waste, is the most cost-effective way to feed, whatever its protein source. If you are weighing up plant-based feeding for health reasons, talk to your vet about what is right for your dog.

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost per day to feed V-Planet?

It depends on your dog's weight and intake. At October 2026 prices, a 10 kg dog eating about 200 g a day costs roughly AED 10 a day from a 6.8 kg bag. Check current prices on the product page.

Is the 6.8 kg bag better value than the 2.04 kg bag?

Per kilogram, yes: about AED 52 versus about AED 78 at current prices. For very small dogs, consider how long an opened bag will last in UAE heat.

How long does a 6.8 kg bag last?

Roughly 20 days for a 20 kg dog, 34 days for a 10 kg dog and around 52 days for a 5 kg dog, based on V-Planet's feeding guide. Actual intake varies.

Do I need to buy supplements with vegan dog food?

Not with a complete and balanced food like V-Planet, which is formulated to AAFCO standards for adult dogs. Only add supplements if your vet recommends them.

Can I try before buying a full bag?

Yes. We sell 70 g sample packs in both kibble sizes so you can check your dog likes the food before committing.

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