OAKLAND, CALIF. — Petaluma, Inc., a pet food startup aiming to produce environmentally sustainable and nutritionally exceptional products, launched its first dog food formula on June 15. The diet, Roasted Peanut Butter and Sweet Potato Flavor, includes more than 50% organic ingredients from plant-based protein sources.

Petaluma was one of two plant-based pet food startups to participate in Leap Venture Studio’s 2021 accelerator program.

"As a result of a half-century of creative marketing, there is a common misconception that dogs are carnivorous like wolves and require a diet of animal protein to survive,” said Garrett Wymore, co-founder of Petaluma. “Fortunately, just like humans, dogs evolved to be omnivorous and have the genetic record to prove it. As animal lovers, we are excited to create evidence-based diets that allow us to care for the planet and traditional agricultural animals as well as we care for our pups."

The baked dog diet includes organic chickpeas, peanuts, brown rice and yeast. Each serving yields more than 33 grams of protein. The food is designed for all breeds of adult dogs.

According to Petaluma, replacing animal-based products with plant-based alternatives reaps huge benefits for the environment, reducing greenhouse emissions by 75%, freshwater use by 50%, and land use impact by 90%.

"We carefully formulated Petaluma to provide all of the essential nutrients without the need for animal ingredients," said Blake Hawley, DVM, lead formulator for Petaluma. "As a veterinary nutritionist, the most important factor in evaluating any dog food is to ensure that the formula is well-balanced and complete. Dogs require specific nutrients, not specific ingredients. Petaluma fills an important gap in the market by offering a more sustainable option for pet owners without sacrificing nutritional content."

The company, founded in 2019, is pending B Corp certification and is a member of 1% for the Planet and Climate Neutral, two global business networks addressing environmental issues and challenges through collaborative action. Products are exclusively available through the company’s website, www.feedpetaluma.com.

Read more about new pet food and treat products.