Nutrition & Health

Should I talk to my veterinarian before switching to Petaluma?

Petaluma's baked food formulas are designed for healthy adult dogs. Proper nutrition is a pillar of your dog’s health and your veterinarian may have specific suggestions for your dog’s dietary approach. Chronic health conditions, such as kidney disea

Is your food organic?

Our Sweet Potato Jerky is 100% organic, the Whole Food Mixer is 67% organic, our Adult recipe is over 50% organic, and our Senior recipe is 30% organic.

How digestible is your food?

Independent laboratory testing at a university has confirmed what we already knew: our food is highly digestible, with dogs able to absorb over 80% of all nutrients. Even more impressive, the protein digestibility exceeds 92% - matching or surpassing

Why are my pup’s poops larger after we switched to Petaluma? Is that normal?

Noticing larger poops after switching to Petaluma? Don't worry - this is completely normal and actually a sign that our food is supporting your dog's digestive health. Our plant-based ingredients are naturally rich in dietary fiber - something that's

What is your nutritional philosophy? What guidelines do you follow?

We take an evidence-based approach to formulating diets. That includes referencing the standards established by other expert nutritionists who participate in the annual review process for the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). Pe

Can dogs digest carbohydrates?

Yes - dogs are well-equipped to digest carbohydrates, and there's a fascinating evolutionary story behind this ability. Domestic dogs have significant genetic differences from wolves, and one of the most important is their enhanced ability to digest

Are your diets suitable for puppies?

No. We have not formulated a diet tailored to puppies and neither existing diet meets the AAFCO guidelines for growth stage dogs. Baked Dog Food Formulas. We do not recommend feeding our diets as the primary food source until dogs have reached an adu

Can I transition my dog from a raw meat diet to Petaluma?

Yes! While transitioning from raw meat to Petaluma is completely doable, it's best to take it slow and steady. Moving from raw meat to our baked, plant-based food represents a big change for your dog's digestive system. The main reason? Fiber. Our fo

Can Petaluma help with my dog's food allergies?

Many dogs with food allergies react to animal proteins, and Petaluma has no animal ingredients at all.

Is Petaluma free of common allergens?

Yes. The most common food allergens for dogs are animal proteins like beef, chicken and dairy. None of our foods contain meat, dairy, eggs or fish, and none contain wheat.

Is Petaluma good for dogs who need to lose weight?

Petaluma can be a good fit. Our recipes are rich in fiber, which helps dogs feel full, and they're protein-rich without the excess fat found in many meat-based foods.

Do you add taurine to your food?

Yes. Our adult recipe, senior recipe and Whole Food Mixer all include added taurine, L-carnitine and methionine.

My dog has a sensitive stomach. What should I know before switching?

Go slowly. Switch over 7 to 10 days, starting with about a quarter Petaluma, and stay at each step a little longer if your dog's stool gets loose.

My vet has questions about a plant-based diet. What can I share?

We're glad to help you have that conversation. These resources answer most of the questions vets ask.

Can dogs safely eat a vegan or vegetarian diet?

Yes, meat-free diets are perfectly safe for dogs so long as they have been formulated by experts to be nutritionally complete and contain all the vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that dogs need. Dogs (and humans) are omnivores and require nutrients

Where do dogs get protein if they don’t eat meat?

Each cup of Petaluma has similar protein to a serving of steak. Plants create most of the world’s protein, and an entirely plant-based ingredient list can provide more than enough protein to meet a dog’s nutritional needs. Diets designed for adult do

I thought dogs were carnivores. How can they eat a meatless diet?

This is a common misconception, partially due to the confusing similarity of language used to describe species classification terminology (taxonomy) and descriptors of an animal’s nutritional requirements. The dog species (Canis familiaris) is classi

My dog is a picky eater and I'm not sure if they will like Petaluma. Can I try a sample?

Yes! We offer a few sample options at different price points, depending on which formulas you want to try. You'll see each option and its price on our Free Samples page.