Zen Vegetarian Dry Dog Food
Verified Jun 10, 2026
This is a vegetarian, air-dried dry food designed for dogs of all life stages, including large-breed puppies. It uses oats, soybean meal, rice, and peas as its main protein and carbohydrate sources, with added taurine and omega fatty acids from flaxseed and coconut oil. The recipe is formulated to be complete and balanced and may suit dogs whose families prefer a plant-based diet or who are avoiding animal proteins.
Nutritionally, this is a thoughtfully formulated vegetarian diet that meets AAFCO standards for all life stages, including large-breed growth, which is not easy to achieve in a plant-based recipe. Protein and fat levels are moderate, and the inclusion of taurine, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, and a full vitamin–mineral premix helps cover key nutrients that can be more challenging in vegetarian diets. It can work well for healthy dogs whose owners prefer to avoid animal ingredients, but it is not ideal for dogs who would benefit from higher protein or who have soy sensitivities.
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At a Glance
KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- AAFCO complete and balanced for all life stages, including large-breed puppies, which is a stringent standard for growth nutrition.
- Vegetarian formulation with multiple plant protein sources (soybean meal, peas, oats) plus added taurine to help support essential amino acid needs in a meat-free diet.
- Includes flaxseed and coconut oil, providing omega fatty acids, and kelp plus added vitamins and minerals for overall nutrient coverage.
- Moderate calorie density (about 363 kcal per cup) and reasonable protein (22%) and fat (9%) levels for many average-activity adult dogs and some seniors.
Considerations
- Uses soy and peas as key protein sources, which may not suit dogs with soy or legume allergies or sensitivities.
- At 22% protein (on an as-fed basis), this is somewhat lower in protein than many meat-based all-life-stage foods, so very active, working, or underweight dogs may do better with a higher-protein option.
- Fully vegetarian diets are less traditional for dogs; if your dog has medical conditions or special nutritional needs, this type of diet should be used under veterinary guidance.
- Contains peas among the top ingredients; while this isn’t a grain-free meat-based diet, owners of breeds at higher risk for heart disease may want to discuss legume-heavy formulations with their veterinarian.
Full Ingredient List
Ingredients and analysis reflect manufacturer data at the time of our last update and can change without notice. Always check the actual product packaging before feeding.
Ingredient filtering helps identify compatible options but is not a substitute for a veterinary elimination diet.
Top 5 Ingredients Explained
01
Oat
Oats are commonly used in pet foods as a digestible carbohydrate and source of soluble fiber (beta‑glucans), plant protein, B vitamins and minerals, which can support healthy digestion and help moderate blood glucose and cholesterol. They are generally well tolerated by dogs and can be included sparingly for cats, but owners should avoid flavored or sweetened preparations (and ingredients like xylitol or raisins), be mindful of possible grain sensitivities or cross‑contamination with gluten, and prefer cooked oats for better digestibility and portion control due to caloric content.
02
Soybean
Soybean is a common plant-based ingredient in pet foods used as a concentrated protein and fat source (in forms such as soybean meal, soy protein concentrate/isolate, and soybean oil) that supplies essential amino acids, calories, and beneficial polyunsaturated fats. It can be a cost-effective, digestible protein for many dogs but is less ideal as the sole protein for obligate carnivores like cats and may trigger allergies or deliver phytoestrogens and antinutritional factors (e.g., trypsin inhibitors, phytates) that are typically reduced by proper processing, so diets using soy should be balanced and monitored.
03
Rice
Rice is a common carbohydrate source and binder in dog and cat foods, supplying readily digestible energy and often used in formulations for sensitive stomachs or hypoallergenic diets. White rice is gentle and easy to digest while brown rice provides more fiber and micronutrients, but rice is low in essential amino acids, has a relatively high glycemic index, and can accumulate trace arsenic, so it should not be relied on as a primary protein and portions should be considered for diabetic or weight‑management pets.
04
Pea
Pea is a plant-based ingredient used in pet foods as a source of protein, soluble and insoluble fiber, and micronutrients (often included as whole peas, pea flour, or pea protein concentrate) to boost protein content and improve texture. While peas can provide digestible carbohydrates, fiber, and some plant protein useful especially for dogs, they are not a complete protein for obligate carnivores like cats and — when overused, particularly in concentrated forms or as a major component of grain‑free diets — have been scrutinized for a possible association with canine dilated cardiomyopathy and can contribute to nutrient imbalances or excess calories, so balanced formulation and compliance with AAFCO nutritional profiles are important.
05
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is used as a concentrated fat source and palatability enhancer in dog and cat diets, providing medium-chain triglycerides (notably lauric acid) that can be rapidly metabolized for energy and may help support skin and coat condition. Because it is high in saturated fat and calories, coconut oil should be used sparingly and introduced gradually to avoid gastrointestinal upset, and pets with obesity or a history of pancreatitis should only use it under veterinary guidance.
Nutritional Breakdown
How to read As Fed versus Dry Matter
As fed shows the numbers straight off the label, water included. Dry matter removes the water so you can compare a wet food and a dry food fairly.What is calorie density
How many calories the food packs per unit. Denser foods mean smaller portions for the same calories.Product Details & Brand
Product Specs
AAFCO Nutritional Adequacy
What is AAFCO
Association of American Feed Control Officials. It sets the nutritional
adequacy standards US pet foods are measured against.
What is AAFCO
Association of American Feed Control Officials. It sets the nutritional adequacy standards US pet foods are measured against.Brand
Addiction is a premium pet food brand offering grain-free and novel protein-based recipes for dogs and cats. It targets consumers seeking allergen-free and high-quality nutrition options produced in New Zealand using ethically sourced ingredients. The brand promotes sustainability and animal welfare in its ingredient sourcing and manufacturing practices.
Visit AddictionManufacturer
Addiction Foods operates its own manufacturing facility in New Zealand, where it follows stringent quality control procedures and exports under New Zealand's Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) guidelines. The company focuses on maintaining safety and regulatory compliance in accordance with AAFCO standards.
Manufacturing details are compiled from public sources and not independently verified; they may not reflect contract manufacturing or co-packing.
Recall History
Addiction Zen Vegetarian Dry Dog Food has no recalls since 2014.
Source: FDA Pet Food Recall Database · Monitored daily
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Frequently Asked Questions
Has Addiction ever been recalled?
We have no recalls on record for Addiction. We monitor the FDA Pet Food Recall Database daily.
How does KibbleLab rate foods?
Our scores are based on ingredient composition, nutritional profile, AAFCO compliance, and health considerations. We don't penalize by-products, grains, or synthetic preservatives. Brands cannot pay for higher scores.
Is KibbleLab a substitute for veterinary advice?
No. KibbleLab provides data-driven food analysis, not medical advice. Always consult your veterinarian before making dietary changes, especially for pets with health conditions.
KibbleLab provides informational content only. This is not veterinary advice. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before changing your pet's diet.
KibbleLab may earn affiliate commissions through product links. No one can pay for a higher score, or to change what we recommend for your pet.
Product data sourced from manufacturer websites, AAFCO statements, and FDA recall database. Last verified dates reflect our most recent data check.
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