Petaluma Introduces New Plant-Based Dog Food

 

Edited by The VEGPRENEUR Team

Petaluma, a leader in plant-based dog nutrition, announced the launch of its new Whole Food Mixer, a dehydrated, just-add-water dog food that makes fresh food nutrition more affordable, convenient, and sustainable for pet parents.

 
 
 

The innovative shelf-stable formula features nutrient-dense ingredients like organic kale, spinach, and antioxidant-rich fruits that typically degrade with the heat processing used in traditional dry foods. Unlike conventional meal toppers that are limited to 10% of a dog's daily calories, this complete formula can be used at any ratio—from a light topper to a complete meal—while maintaining nutritional balance. 

Expert Formulation by Leading Veterinary Nutritionist 

The Whole Food Mixer was formulated by Dr. Sarah Dodd, BVSc., Ph.D., DECVCN, a board-certified veterinary nutritionist and pioneer in plant-based companion animal nutrition. Dr. Dodd has formulated hundreds of therapeutic diets as well as commercial plant-based products. 

"Most commercial toppers are formulated to provide only up to 10% of a dog's total calories, like a treat or snack. If you add more than the recommended allowance, it could lead to nutritional imbalance," explains Dr. Dodd. "We've created something entirely different—a product that maintains complete nutritional integrity regardless of how much you use." 

Premium Organic Ingredients with Preserved Nutrition 

The Whole Food Mixer contains 67% certified organic ingredients, emphasizing nutrient-dense leafy greens and whole foods that retain maximum nutritional value through gentle dehydration rather than heat processing. The carefully curated blend includes organic kale, spinach, and cranberries among other nutrient-dense ingredients, combined with human-grade organic textured soy protein that provides a complete amino acid profile for optimal canine nutrition.

"Organic textured soy protein is a legume that offers a complete protein and amino acid profile. It's low in fat, high in protein and fiber, with a long track record as a protein source for both dogs and humans," explains Dr. Dodd. The formula also incorporates organic rolled oats, barley, and flax meal to provide essential nutrients while supporting digestive health. 

The dehydration process preserves the antioxidants and micronutrients found in fresh vegetables and leafy greens that are typically lost during the high-heat processing used in traditional kibble manufacturing. "Fresh veggies and leafy greens have the highest level of antioxidants and micronutrients when not undergoing any heat processing," notes Dr. Dodd. 



Ultimate Versatility and Perfect Complement to Petaluma's Baked Foods 

The Whole Food Mixer offers complete feeding flexibility. Pet parents can use it as a topper with existing dry or wet food, serve it as a complete meal replacement, mix it with homemade dog food for added nutrition, or adjust ratios based on their dog's preferences and needs. 

"Any ratio you'd like to use will not affect the nutritional balance of your dog's diet because this product has been formulated with all of the vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that an adult dog needs," explains Dr. Dodd. 

For pet parents already feeding Petaluma's baked dog food, the Whole Food Mixer serves as an ideal complement. "Baking offers some benefits over traditional kibble in terms of ingredient inclusion because it is less processed and uses lower temperatures. However, there are some ingredients that are not as well suited to heat processing," Dr. Dodd notes. "For pet parents who want to incorporate more fresh foods into their dogs' diets, the Whole Food Mixer is an easy way to diversify your dog's nutrition while maintaining proper balance." 

"When you buy fresh or frozen dog food, you're essentially paying premium prices to ship water to your door—water that takes up valuable freezer space and adds unnecessary cost and environmental impact," says Caroline Buck, co-founder of Petaluma. "The Whole Food Mixer flips that model on its head. Pet parents get fresh-food quality nutrition at canned food prices by simply adding water at home, while enjoying true convenience through shelf-stable storage and the freedom to feed however works best for their family." 

Meeting Market Demand for Fresh Food Innovation

The pet food industry has seen explosive growth in the fresh food segment, driving unprecedented demand for human-grade animal protein and increased reliance on factory farming. Beyond this environmental and animal welfare burden, fresh food solutions require cold storage and come at a major price premium 

The Whole Food Mixer addresses these challenges by delivering comparable nutrition with sustainable plant-based ingredients and the convenience of shelf-stable storage. 

About Petaluma 

Founded in 2019, Petaluma creates science-backed dog food that prioritizes both canine health and environmental sustainability. The company's veterinarian-developed formulas use organic, plant-based ingredients with gentler processing methods to preserve flavor 

and nutritional value. By removing factory-farmed animal products, Petaluma cuts greenhouse gas emissions by 75% while supporting a more compassionate food system for humans and animals. Petaluma makes it simple for pet parents to choose nutrition that's better for their dogs and the planet. The company is a Certified B Corporation and public benefit corporation (PBC).


 

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Noah Hyams