What is your nutritional philosophy? What guidelines do you follow?Updated 6 months ago

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). Refereed journals and evaluations of new research are ongoing, and we discuss how the findings may change our guidance on optimal nutritional profiles.

Petaluma's lead formulator, Dr. Blake Hawley, also draws from his extensive personal experience formulating diets and evaluating test results. It is possible to derive a similar nutrient profile using millions of different combinations of ingredients, but ingredients may interact with each other in unforeseen ways. By evaluating the performance of hundreds of formulas through digestibility, palatability, and nutritional testing, Dr. Hawley has developed deep insights into how different nutrient sources and ingredient combinations work together. We apply these learnings to produce an ingredient combination that achieves our desired nutritional profiles and delivers appropriate nutrition for a healthy life.

Dr. Hawley works with many pet food and treats companies to define the target canine consumers and tailor formulations to meet the unique nutritional requirements of that life stage and health condition. It is not possible to design a “one size fits all” diet that truly optimizes the nutritional requirements of all dogs.  We know your dog is special, so we want you to feed her that way.