Petaluma, a company known for its plant-based pet food solutions, has introduced a new product designed to offer a more affordable, sustainable, and convenient way for pet owners to provide fresh food nutrition to their dogs. The Whole Food Mixer is a dehydrated, just-add-water food designed to be used as either a meal topper or a complete meal replacement.
The formula includes a mix of nutrient-dense ingredients such as organic kale, spinach, and antioxidant-rich fruits, which are typically lost in traditional dry dog foods due to heat processing.
No limits on nutrition
Dr. Sarah Dodd, a board-certified veterinary nutritionist and a leader in plant-based pet food formulations, developed the product. Dr. Dodd, who has formulated numerous therapeutic and commercial diets for companion animals, explained that many commercial meal toppers have strict limits on how much can be used in a dog’s diet.
She explained, “Most commercial toppers are formulated to provide only up to 10% of a dog’s total calories. If you add more than the recommended allowance, it could lead to nutritional imbalance. We’ve created something entirely different—a product that maintains complete nutritional integrity regardless of how much you use.”
The Whole Food Mixer is made from 67% certified organic ingredients, emphasizing the use of leafy greens like kale and spinach. The product also includes organic textured soy protein, providing a complete amino acid profile essential for canine nutrition.
The hidden cost of fresh food
Petaluma aims to address the rising costs and environmental impact associated with fresh or frozen pet foods. As Caroline Buck, co-founder of Petaluma, pointed out, “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.” The Whole Food Mixer offers a more cost-effective option by providing fresh-food quality nutrition at a price comparable to canned food, with the added convenience of shelf stability.
This new product is timely, aiming to combat the growing trend of fresh food solutions in the pet food industry. Fresh foods often rely on human-grade animal proteins, which can contribute to the environmental burden of factory farming. Petaluma’s plant-based approach eliminates the need for factory-farmed animal products and significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions.
