Vet Q&A: Plant-Based Dog Food, Answered by Petaluma's Formulators

 

When pet parents start exploring vet-formulated plant-based dog food, two questions tend to come up first: is this actually safe, and is it actually complete? Those are exactly the questions Petaluma's veterinary team is best equipped to answer. We've combined earlier conversations with both of our formulators, Dr. Blake Hawley, DVM, and Dr. Sarah Dodd, BVSc, PhD, DECVCN, into a single resource that walks through how Petaluma's recipes are designed, how we validate that they meet established canine nutritional standards, and how to think about questions of digestibility, allergies, and special considerations. This post is also written to be easy to share with your own veterinarian.

Meet the formulators

Petaluma's recipes have been developed in collaboration with veterinary nutrition experts since the company was founded in 2019. Our first formulator was Dr. Blake Hawley, DVM, who designed the Adult and Senior Baked Food recipes. As the product line has grown, Dr. Sarah Dodd, BVSc, PhD, DECVCN, has stepped in as Petaluma's primary formulator and led the development of our most recent product, the Whole Food Mixer. Both veterinarians bring decades of combined experience in canine nutrition formulation, and their work informs every recipe we make today.

Dr. Blake Hawley, DVM earned his doctorate in veterinary medicine from NC State University and completed postdoctoral studies at Utrecht University in the Netherlands. He has spent over 25 years developing scientific diets and pharmaceutical delivery products for pets, designing hundreds of unique formulas across that career. He led the formulation of Petaluma's Adult Baked Food and Senior Baked Food.

Dr. Sarah Dodd, BVSc, PhD, DECVCN is Petaluma's primary formulator and the lead designer of the Whole Food Mixer. She is a board-certified veterinary nutritionist who specializes in plant-based companion animal diets. After graduating as a veterinarian from Massey University in New Zealand, she completed her PhD at the University of Guelph alongside a residency in veterinary and comparative nutrition. She has formulated hundreds of therapeutic homemade diets for dogs and cats and is widely published in the field of plant-based canine nutrition.

Are dogs really suited to plant-based diets?

Yes. As omnivores, dogs have nutrient requirements, not ingredient requirements. They need specific amino acids, essential fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals, but those nutrients can be supplied from a wide range of sources, plant or animal, as long as the diet is properly formulated to meet established canine nutritional standards.

Unlike obligate carnivores such as cats, dogs evolved alongside humans for thousands of years and developed enhanced genetic adaptations for digesting starches and plant proteins. This is one of the primary genetic differences between domestic dogs and their wolf ancestors, and it underpins why dogs can thrive on a wide variety of diets when those diets are nutritionally sound.

The peer-reviewed evidence is consistent. Research published in PLOS ONE in 2022 found that dogs fed nutritionally sound plant-based diets showed health indicators equal to or better than those on conventional diets, with statistically significant lower risk across seven general indicators of illness.^[1] A 2024 longitudinal study in PLOS ONE followed dogs fed a commercial plant-based diet for a full year and found they maintained normal clinical, nutritional, and hematological health markers throughout the trial.^[2]

Dr. Hawley puts it this way: "All essential nutrients can be sourced without animal-derived ingredients, so the formulation process is similar to other meat-inclusive canine diets. Using plant-based protein and fat sources just changes which nutrients require additional consideration, as minerals like phosphorus are abundant in chicken recipes and more scarce in plant proteins."

In other words, the work of formulating a complete plant-based dog food is the same kind of work that goes into any commercial recipe. It just requires careful selection and balance of different nutrient sources.

Where does the protein come from?

This is often the first question pet parents ask about plant-based dog food. Adult dogs need 20–30% of their dry matter weight as protein, with a complete profile of all essential amino acids. Plants produce most of the world's protein, and they contain all the essential amino acids dogs need, just in different ratios across different sources. That is why combining complementary plant proteins, the same principle that makes plant-based diets nutritionally complete for humans, is central to how Petaluma's recipes are built.

Petaluma's two product lines, baked food and the Whole Food Mixer, take slightly different approaches to assembling that complete protein profile.

Baked food: a diversified protein blend

The Adult and Senior Baked Food recipes use a deliberately diverse blend of plant protein sources. Combining legumes, grains, seeds, and concentrated proteins creates a balanced amino acid profile and avoids overreliance on any single ingredient.

Dr. Hawley describes the approach this way: "We formulated Petaluma with a mix of protein sources, specifically organic chickpeas, human-grade organic peanut butter, organic flaxseeds, potato protein, dried brewer's yeast, and pea protein. Organic chickpeas are listed as our first ingredient in our adult and senior formulas but represent less than 15% of the total. Pulses (chickpea and pea protein) represent less than 20% of our diet, so the Petaluma formulas are not considered a high-legume diet."

This last detail is worth understanding clearly in the context of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). DCM is a serious but rare disease of the heart muscle in dogs, and the vast majority of cases are genetic, disproportionately affecting large breeds and male dogs. Diet-related DCM is rarer still and is most often associated with taurine deficiency. In 2018, the FDA opened an investigation into a possible link between certain grain-free, legume-rich diets and DCM in breeds not typically predisposed to it. The FDA has since stated that the current data does not enable it to determine "whether or how these case reports are linked to diet," and in December 2022 the agency announced it would not provide further updates pending new scientific findings. Subsequent studies have not been able to replicate high-pulse diets causing DCM, and DCM diagnoses have not increased over the past two decades even as grain-free and legume-rich diets grew to roughly half the market. We cover the science in more depth in our dedicated DCM nutrition guide.

Even though no causal link between legumes and DCM has been established, Petaluma's baked food was designed with the questions raised in the investigation in mind. The recipe is grain-inclusive, with over 20% organic whole grains (oats and barley) that act as complementary proteins to legumes. Pulses (chickpea and pea protein) sit well below the levels considered "high-legume" in the context of the investigation. The chickpeas we use are pre-cooked and steamed before baking, and these heat-treatment steps have been shown to remove essentially all of the anti-nutrient factors that could otherwise inhibit protein digestion. We also proactively supplement with methionine, taurine, and L-carnitine, three nutrients with prior links to DCM in some dog populations.

Whole Food Mixer: organic textured soy protein as the base

The Whole Food Mixer was built around a different protein backbone. Soy is one of the few plant ingredients that on its own provides a complete amino acid profile, which makes it well suited as a primary protein source in a single-ingredient-led formula.

As Dr. Dodd explains: "Soy is a legume that offers a complete protein/amino acid profile, low in fat and high in protein and fiber, with a long track record as a protein source for both dogs and humans."

The Mixer uses non-GMO organic textured soy protein (TVP) as its base, alongside peanut flour, oats, barley, and flax meal. The result is a protein-rich foundation that works whether the Mixer is served as a complete meal or as a topper alongside Petaluma's baked food.

How do you ensure complete and balanced nutrition?

Canine nutritional requirements are well established and well studied. The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) maintains nutrient profiles that define minimum, and in some cases maximum, levels of every nutrient considered essential for dogs at different life stages. Those profiles are reviewed annually by veterinary nutrition experts and reflect decades of peer-reviewed research, which means any commercial dog food sold in the United States is being evaluated against the same well-defined standard.

Pet food companies have two paths for demonstrating that a recipe meets these standards: laboratory analysis of the finished food (commonly called the "formulated to meet" path) or live feeding trials conducted in laboratory kennels following AAFCO's specific protocols. Both paths are recognized as valid by AAFCO.

Petaluma chose the "formulated to meet" path for two reasons. First, AAFCO feeding trials are typically conducted on laboratory-owned dogs that live in kennel environments rather than homes. We are committed to not using laboratory animals in product development. Second, real-world data from companion dogs living in their actual homes provides richer, longer-term feedback on health, palatability, and digestion than a structured kennel trial can.

Dr. Hawley explains how that played out for Petaluma: "We did not structure a formal feeding trial using AAFCO procedures and instead took the 'formulated to meet' path and invested in additional tests to evaluate nutritional quality. Petaluma did conduct an at-home feeding trial with 30 companion dogs including 12 that fully transitioned to Petaluma 6 months before we publicly launched."

On the supplementation side, targeted additions of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids are standard across the entire dog food industry, plant-based or not. Dr. Hawley notes: "Yes, we have added supplemental amino acids as well as some vitamins and minerals, which is a standard (and recommended) practice for complete dog food whether it includes meat or not."

Beyond AAFCO compliance, every Petaluma batch is independently lab-tested for over 40 essential nutrients, and the results are published transparently on the Petaluma website. The Whole Food Mixer was also designed to be flexible without sacrificing balance, which means it works as a complete meal, a mix-in, or a topper. As Dr. Dodd puts it: "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."

How digestible is plant-based dog food?

Digestibility is one of the most useful single metrics for understanding the quality of any pet food. It refers to the proportion of nutrients in a food that the dog actually absorbs and incorporates into the body, rather than passing through. A food can be technically AAFCO-compliant on paper but still underdeliver in practice if its ingredients are not bioavailable. Independent digestibility testing closes that gap by validating that the nutrients on the label are the ones the dog actually receives.

For protein in particular, low digestibility is a meaningful concern because limiting amino acids can quickly lead to deficits if absorption is poor. But extremely high digestibility is not always a sign of quality either. Very high scores often reflect a diet stripped of whole-food fiber and complex micronutrients, which is why the most useful framing of digestibility is as a balance rather than a maximum.

Dr. Hawley puts the trade-off this way: "As in human nutrition, digestibility is a bit of a double-edged sword, as both very high digestibility and very low digestibility can come with nutritional concerns. Very low protein digestibility is a clear nutritional problem, as a deficiency in absorption of any limiting amino acid can quickly result in metabolic deficits. However, extremely high digestibility is also typically coupled with low dietary fiber content and/or highly processed ingredients that have been stripped of more complex micronutrients. For example, a Big Mac is extremely digestible but low in nutrient density."

Petaluma validated its approach through digestibility testing at a university laboratory using a cutting-edge in vitro model that has been validated against in vivo digestion methods, eliminating the need for laboratory animal testing. The results compare favorably with conventional standards.

Protein source	Approximate digestibility
Petaluma plant-based formula	93%
Average animal protein in dry dog food	~89%
Meat meal ingredients	Often below 85%

In Dr. Hawley's words: "Our latest study showed that our protein sources are 93% digestible, which was impressive compared with the lab's average for animal protein digestibility in dry dog food of ~89%, and meat meal ingredients often score below 85%."

The Whole Food Mixer benefits from a related advantage in how its ingredients are processed. Many of the most nutrient-dense plant ingredients, such as leafy greens like kale and spinach and whole fruits like cranberries and apples, are sensitive to heat and lose antioxidants and micronutrients during the high-temperature processing used in conventional kibble. Dehydration removes water at much lower temperatures, which preserves more of those heat-sensitive nutrients.

As Dr. Dodd describes: "Fresh veggies and leafy greens have the highest level of antioxidants and micronutrients when not undergoing any heat processing. The Whole Food Mixer is a dehydrated product, which allows for greater nutrient availability."

Allergies, kidney concerns, and special considerations

Plant-based diets are a particularly strong fit for dogs with food allergies, since the most common canine food allergens are animal proteins. Research by Mueller et al. (2016) in BMC Veterinary Research identified beef, dairy products, chicken, and wheat as the most common food allergens in dogs.^[3] By eliminating all of those animal proteins, plant-based recipes naturally avoid the primary triggers without relying on prescription hydrolyzed diets.

Dr. Hawley draws on his background in therapeutic formulation to make a practical recommendation: "Plant-based diets can be an excellent choice for dogs with food allergies, as animal proteins are the most common food allergens. I have previously worked on therapeutic commercial dog food formulas and understand that veterinarians will often prescribe hydrolyzed diets (HA / hypoallergenic) as an elimination diet. I would recommend using a plant-based formula like Petaluma instead of a hydrolyzed meat-based diet as a long-term solution to manage allergies."

For dogs at risk for chronic kidney disease (CKD), plant proteins offer another structural advantage: they are naturally lower in phosphorus and sodium and less acidifying than animal proteins. Most veterinary-prescribed therapeutic kidney diets already use predominantly plant-based proteins for that reason.^[4] A more detailed discussion is available in our CKD nutrition guide.

That said, both formulators are clear about who plant-based food is not designed for. Petaluma is formulated for healthy adult and senior dogs, not as a therapeutic diet. Dogs with diagnosed CKD, puppies in their growth stage, and dogs already on a veterinary-prescribed therapeutic diet should always consult their veterinarian before any dietary change. Dogs with known sensitivities to soy or peanuts should also avoid the relevant formulas.

Transitioning, feeding flexibility, and using both products

Dr. Dodd recommends a gradual approach when introducing any new food: "It's always recommended to introduce any new dog food formula slowly over the course of a few days to minimize disruption to their digestive system. However, if you're already feeding a fiber-rich diet like Petaluma, the transition time should be very minimal."

The Whole Food Mixer was designed to work well alongside the baked food rather than replace it. Dr. Dodd describes how the two complement each other: "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. Fresh veggies and leafy greens have the highest level of antioxidants and micronutrients when not undergoing any heat processing."

Most commercial toppers cap their inclusion at about 10% of daily calories, but that is not the case with the Whole Food Mixer. As Dr. Dodd notes: "Most commercial toppers are formulated to be only 10% of a dog's total calories. If you add more than the recommended 10% allowance, it could lead to a nutritional imbalance." Because the Whole Food Mixer is independently AAFCO-complete for adult maintenance, pet parents can use it as a topper, mix-in, or full meal without affecting the nutritional balance of the diet.

Frequently asked questions

Is plant-based dog food safe for dogs?

Yes, when the diet is properly formulated by veterinary nutrition experts and meets AAFCO standards. Multiple peer-reviewed studies, including a 2024 PLOS ONE longitudinal study, have shown that dogs maintain healthy clinical, nutritional, and hematological outcomes on properly formulated plant-based diets.^[2]

Can plant proteins really provide complete amino acids for dogs?

Yes. Dogs require specific amino acids, not specific ingredients. Plants provide all essential amino acids in different ratios, and complementary plant proteins (such as legumes paired with grains) create a complete amino acid profile. Petaluma also supplements with targeted amino acids like methionine and taurine, which is standard practice across the dog food industry.

Is Petaluma's dog food AAFCO-compliant?

Yes. Petaluma's Adult Baked Food, Senior Baked Food, and Whole Food Mixer are all formulated to meet the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profile for adult maintenance. Each formula is independently lab-tested for the more than 40 nutrients AAFCO considers essential for dogs, with results published on the Petaluma nutrition page.

How digestible is Petaluma's plant-based dog food?

Independent university lab testing measured Petaluma's protein digestibility at 93%, compared with an average of approximately 89% for animal protein in dry dog food and below 85% for many meat meal ingredients.

Which dogs should not eat Petaluma?

Petaluma is formulated for healthy adult and senior dogs and is not designed as a therapeutic or growth-stage diet. Puppies, dogs with diagnosed conditions like CKD, dogs already on a veterinary-prescribed therapeutic diet, and dogs with known soy or peanut sensitivities should consult their veterinarian before changing diets.

Can I feed both the baked food and the Whole Food Mixer together?

Yes. The Whole Food Mixer is a complete and balanced formula, which means it can be used as a topper, a mix-in, or a complete meal without disrupting nutritional balance. Many pet parents feed the baked food as the daily base and use the Mixer for variety, hydration, or added fresh-style ingredients.

How should I transition my dog to plant-based food?

A gradual 7-to-10-day transition is the standard recommendation: start with a small portion of the new food mixed with the current food and shift the ratio over time. Dogs already eating a fiber-rich diet often need a shorter transition period.

References

1. Knight A, Huang E, Rai N, Brown H. Vegan versus meat-based dog food: Guardian-reported indicators of health. PLOS ONE. 2022;17(4):e0265662. journals.plos.org
2. Linde A, Lahiff M, Krantz A, Sharp N, Ng TT, Melgarejo T. Domestic dogs maintain clinical, nutritional, and hematological health outcomes when fed a commercial plant-based diet for a year. PLOS ONE. 2024;19(4):e0298942. journals.plos.org
3. Mueller RS, Olivry T, Prélaud P. Critically appraised topic on adverse food reactions of companion animals (2): common food allergen sources in dogs and cats. BMC Veterinary Research. 2016;12:9. bmcvetres.biomedcentral.com
4. Polzin DJ. Chronic kidney disease in small animals. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice. 2011;41(1):15-30. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
5. Petaluma. Veterinarian FAQ with Petaluma's formulator, Dr. Blake Hawley. Petaluma Blog. feedpetaluma.com
6. Petaluma. Q&A on our new Whole Food Mixer with Dr. Sarah Dodd. Petaluma Blog. feedpetaluma.com