our story begins
in Petaluma, california
For a weekend escape from our home in Oakland, we brought our dog Leo to enjoy the fields of a small Petaluma hobby farm. When Leo played with the baby goats and pigs (and coexisted with the hens after a talking-to from the rooster), the line between our beloved pet and the animals we ate became permanently blurred.
The experience capped years of discomfort and doubts about eating animals and began our path to a plant-based diet. It also pushed us to become more informed about nutrition and challenge the misconception that plants cannot provide enough protein or nutrients.
At the time, Garrett was leading one of the world’s largest dog health studies at a major pet care company, where he worked with experts in animal health and pet food manufacturing and gained insight into the massive role that pet food plays in our broken agricultural system. It became clear that plant-based ingredients could nourish our dogs with a radically smaller footprint.
After two years of R&D from professional nutritionists (and less professional canine testers), we are excited to offer a more considerate dog food choice that borrows a name from the place it all started.
about us
animal lovers
Both those that share our home and those that share our planet.
driven to action
We have a responsibility to be considerate consumers and drive change in our industry and community.
passionate about food
What we eat and where it comes from is at the center of health, happiness, and our relationship with the world around us.
Guided by science
We explore evidence and consult experts to find solutions for nutritional and environmental challenges.
OUR TEAM
GARRETT WYMORE
Co-Founder
Prior to starting Petaluma, Garrett worked for the world's largest pet care company where he led an R&D team creating technology to keep pets healthy and happy. He has cooked hundreds of batches of dog food in his home kitchen and calls his two pups far too many nicknames.
CAROLINE BUCK
Co-Founder
Caroline is the creative energy behind Petaluma and has years of experience marketing products and petting dogs. She has built international marketing teams and was obsessed with Pembroke Welsh Corgis before they were cool.
DR. BLAKE HAWLEY
Veterinary Nutritionist
Dr. Hawley is a veterinarian with over 25 years experience developing scientific diets and pharmaceutical delivery products for pets. He earned a doctorate in veterinary medicine from NC State University and the love of two yellow Labradors.
DR. DEENA KRESTEL-RICKERT
Pet Food R&D Expert
Dr. Krestel-Rickert has spent over 35 years developing, manufacturing, and validating pet nutrition products. She earned a Ph.D. from Purdue University, has worked in R&D departments at some of the world's largest pet nutrition companies, and never met a dog she didn't like.
why we exist
Petaluma is on a mission to create a more sustainable and humane agricultural system by using ingredients that offer optimal nutrition, reduced ecological harm, and humane treatment of farmworkers and animals.
WE SEE A FUTURE IN WHICH WE CARE FOR THE PLANET AS WELL AS WE CARE FOR OUR PETS
By feeding our pets with more sustainable ingredients, we will dramatically reduce our impact on the planet and leave more resources and opportunities for future generations. We must lessen the environmental burden of pet care to ensure that humans and pets can continue to benefit from each others’ companionship.
our promise
commitment TO sustainability
Sustainability is baked into our product and our company. As a public benefit corporation and certified B Corp, we are obligated (and proud) to look beyond profit and consider the broader environmental and social consequences of every decision.
commitment TO sustainability
Sustainability is baked into our product and our company. As a public benefit corporation and certified B Corp, we are obligated (and proud) to look beyond profit and consider the broader environmental and social consequences of every decision.
no animal ingredients
Animal ingredients are not nutritionally necessary and come with major baggage. We’ve removed animals from the pet food supply chain because that is the only way to guarantee that we are not inflicting unnecessary harm on other animals in the service of your pet. We don’t believe in treating some animals as meat machines while others become family members.
no animal ingredients
Animal ingredients are not nutritionally necessary and come with major baggage. We’ve removed animals from the pet food supply chain because that is the only way to guarantee that we are not inflicting unnecessary harm on other animals in the service of your pet. We don’t believe in treating some animals as meat machines while others become family members.
no animal testing
Dogs should live in homes, not laboratories. Traditional pet food companies test products on corporate-owned dogs living in shelter-like environments. We’ve put in the extra effort to avoid animal laboratory testing and instead use cutting-edge digestion modeling and volunteer in-home taste-testers.
no animal testing
Dogs should live in homes, not laboratories. Traditional pet food companies test products on corporate-owned dogs living in shelter-like environments. We’ve put in the extra effort to avoid animal laboratory testing and instead use cutting-edge digestion modeling and volunteer in-home taste-testers.
support for farmworkers
Industrial agriculture systemically exploits farm workers and we strive to build a supply chain that provides better outcomes for the hard-working people that feed us and our pets. We cannot change the agricultural system alone but continuously seek out opportunities to support people, businesses, and organizations that are making agriculture more equitable and just.
support for farmworkers
Industrial agriculture systemically exploits farm workers and we strive to build a supply chain that provides better outcomes for the hard-working people that feed us and our pets. We cannot change the agricultural system alone but continuously seek out opportunities to support people, businesses, and organizations that are making agriculture more equitable and just.
