65% of Dogs Are Overweight, But a New Dog Food Is Changing That

For millions of people all over the US, dogs are valued family members. In fact, in 2023, a Pew Research study found that 97 percent of Americans who currently live with an animal consider them to be part of their family. It makes sense: dogs provide emotional support, joy, playfulness, and companionship. In 2021, one Swns Digital study even found that a third of Americans say they love their dog more than they love their partner. So, of course, most of us want our companion pooches to live long lives.  

But right now, research suggests the mainstream dog food industry might be getting in the way of our dog’s health. In fact, it could even be putting them at risk. That’s why PawCo Foods wants to make a difference. The dog food company is different from many others on the market—it prioritizes fresh, nutritionally complete, plant-based, science-led recipes that will support your dog to thrive. Because that’s what every dog guardian wants. 

PawCo Foods specializes in nutritionally complete, plant-based fresh dog food.

What’s wrong with the dog food industry?

In 2025, 65 percent of dogs in the US are either overweight or obese, and it’s putting their health at risk. According to PawCo Foods, this excess body weight can increase the risk of everything from diabetes to heart disease to joint problems—similar to the effects of obesity in humans. These conditions not only reduce dogs’ quality of life but they can also impact their lifespan. 

Unfortunately, most of the dog food kibble on the market makes obesity more likely. Many products are highly processed and made with low-quality animal byproducts that have been rejected for human consumption. They also often contain fillers, such as carbohydrates in the form of cornmeal or wheat flour, even though carbs are not essential for dogs. 

And just like with human food, dog food can be ultra-processed, too. In fact, most of the kibble on the market would fall into the ultra-processed category. It is cooked under high pressure, which reduces its nutritional value, and contains processed meat meals and grains alongside artificial preservatives and flavorings.

“Many of the chronic diseases we see in humans are now becoming common in pets—things like chronic kidney disease, gastrointestinal issues, and cancers,” board-certified veterinary nutritionist Donna Raditic, DVM, told Global Insights in 2024. “These are diseases which we are learning in human studies are associated with diets high in UPF.”

But by moving away from kibble and embracing good nutrition, it is possible to reduce the risk of disease in dogs and improve their quality of life? Just ask Bella and her guardian, Matt, both of whom are big fans of PawCo’s dog food.

Many mainstream dog food products are ultra-processed and made with animal byproducts.

PawCo: Science-led, nutritionally complete, plant-based dog food

In a testimonial video for PawCo, Matt described how his dog Bella, a pit bull-boxer mix, faced severe health challenges before he rescued her in 2016. 

Malnourished and suffering from chronic gastrointestinal issues, Bella struggled to find relief despite various premium dog foods. “Throughout the years, we tried different foods, various kibbles, and we ran into some issues when she was just a little over one year old,” Matt says. “We also tried different foods like the premium fresh food brands, and those worked great for a while. She loved them. But eventually, we ran into the same issues we always did.” 

When Bella’s health took a dire turn, Matt decided to try plant-based dog food—and discovered PawCo Foods. “I think this is the longest we’ve gone, probably in the last five years, of not having any issues with her gut,” says Matt. “No vet visits.”

It’s not a miracle that Bella’s health dramatically improved with PawCo’s products. It’s science. 

Mahsa Vazin, PhD, a former research and development scientist at Impossible Foods, left her role with the plant-based meat giant to launch PawCo in 2022. Today, the science-led company specializes in fresh, nutritious, vet-approved dog food made with plants. 

“There’s a lot of research that shows [how] dogs on plant-based diets can live an average of 1.5 years longer,” the founder, who was inspired to launch PawCo by her own dog, Paco, said. “In human years, that’s equal to an extra decade of living.”

PawCo offers a range of nutritious products, from GreenBites to Magic Toppers.

Indeed, in the same year that PawCo Foods was founded, one study from the University of Guelph in Canada suggested that dogs who eat plant-based diets could live up to 18 months longer than those on meat-based diets—that’s 18 extra months of muddy walks, cuddles, and playtime for guardians. And for many dogs, it’s more than 10 percent of their expected lifespan. Another study, conducted at the University of Winchester in the UK and also published in 2022, surveyed the guardians of more than 2,500 dogs and found that “nutritionally sound” plant-based diets are likely healthier for the animals than conventional meat diets.

“We believe our study of 2,536 dogs is by far the largest study published to date, exploring health outcomes of dogs fed vegan and meat-based diets,” the researchers said in a statement about the study, which was published in the journal Plos One, at the time. “It analyzed a range of objective data, as well as guardian opinions, and reported veterinary assessments of health. It revealed that the healthiest and least hazardous dietary choices for dogs are nutritionally sound vegan diets.”

Bella is living proof of these findings, and she’s not alone. PawCo has been flooded with positive reviews since its launch. There’s a Boston terrier who was so thrilled by her PawCo food that she couldn’t resist excited spins after eating. And like Matt, other dog guardians proclaim how the food has eased their dog’s digestive issues, while many say their vets have been pleased by their dog’s health progress since switching to PawCo. Plant-based dog food products such as those made by Vazin and her PawCo team prioritize nutrient-dense, high-quality ingredients, without artificial flavors or unnecessary fillers. 

High-quality, nutrient-dense, and good for the gut

The majority of PawCo Foods’ products are formulated to support the health of vulnerable senior dogs, but the brand is also committed to taking care of puppies, too. 

Take its GreenBites, for example. They are chock full of nutrients that can benefit the joint, heart, skin, and digestive health of dogs at all life stages. In Bella’s favorite Pumpkin & Cranberries, pumpkins offer a source of vitamins A, K, and E, while cranberries are rich in anti-inflammatory antioxidants. In Peanut Butter & Apple, the peanut butter provides protein and B vitamins, while the apples are high in fiber. 

Each blend also contains GreenMeat, a protein-packed, plant-based meat that has been formulated specifically for dogs. No other brand on the market offers GreenMeat, which was developed by a team of food scientists and board-certified animal nutritionists to ensure it is nutritionally complete. That means it has everything your dog needs to thrive—and nothing else (carbohydrates, be gone). 

PawCo’s commitment to innovation and optimal dog health is evident in recent updates to its formulas. GreenBites and LuxBites now include DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid essential for brain, joint, and immune health—particularly for puppies and seniors. LuxBites, enriched with fermented proteins and postbiotics, are specifically crafted to support gut health—a crucial aspect of any dog’s well-being.

PawCo’s LuxBites now include DHA, an essential nutrient for dog health.

Just like in humans, a dog’s gut is incredibly important to their overall health. The digestive system is key for breaking down food and absorbing nutrients. But it’s also responsible for around 70 percent of a dog’s immune system, and when healthy and balanced, it helps to keep inflammation in check.

Over time, chronic inflammation can increase the risk of chronic diseases. This is particularly relevant to older dogs, who, like older humans, are at a higher risk of developing everything from cancer to kidney disease as they age.

As well as GreenBites and LuxBites, PawCo also offers Magic Toppers—a range of powders designed for sprinkling over your dog’s dinner—which are formulated to support gut health as well as heart, joint, and skin health, too. Other nutrient-dense options include its shelf-stable, fiber-rich InstaBites, which are designed specifically for adult dogs. 

Taste is at the center of everything

Just like humans, dogs can vary widely when it comes to mealtime preferences. While there are always exceptions, food-motivated breeds like Beagles, Labradors, and Golden Retrievers are typically eager to gobble up whatever is served. Smaller breeds, on the other hand—such as Shih Tzus, Chihuahuas, and Yorkshire Terriers—are known for being notoriously picky. 

This can be frustrating for dog guardians who want to ensure their pets are getting the right nourishment. For many people, the biggest challenge with their companion animals is actually getting them to eat. In fact, in 2022, one OnePoll survey found that more than half of dog guardians say their dogs are picky eaters, while nearly 50 percent said they “often” struggle to get their dog to eat. 

But PawCo has also thought of tricky eaters. Its range of flavors—which, in addition to Peanut Butter & Apple and Pumpkin & Cranberry, includes Blueberry & Veggies and Green Mix & Carrots—are designed to tempt even the most reluctant of dogs.

“We have customers that email us and say, ‘this product is a godsend,’” says Mahsa. “They had been looking for something that was healthy and nutritious and that their dog would actually eat, and now PawCo is something that makes owners and their pets very happy.”

Some customers have chosen to rave publicly about their success with PawCo. For example, one social media user commented that “my dog had become almost impossible to feed due to allergies and general pickiness. He loves this food. So glad we gave it a try.” Another added that “I just ordered this for my two little Yorkies last week, and they absolutely love it. I immediately noticed a huge difference in my eight-year-old dog. She’s running around like a puppy.”

It’s easy to try PawCo’s products. You can head to its website to order a trial package such as the Ultimate Trial Box, which is packed with the brand’s GreenBites, LuxBites, InstaBites, and Magic Toppers. If you and your pooch love it, you can then opt for a subscription. If you prefer to order just when you need it, you can also head to Amazon, where a range of the brand’s products are available for one-time purchase. 

Thank you to PawCo Foods for partnering with VegNews on this story.