OAKLAND, CALIF. — Plant-based dog food company Petaluma launched its first formula for senior dogs — Baked Pumpkin & Peanut Butter Flavor — on May 23. The formula will serve as the company’s start to an entire line of dog foods developed specifically for seniors.

“Just as humans benefit from a diet optimized to their age and lifestyle, the same goes for our pets,” said Garrett Wymore, chief executive officer and co-founder of Petaluma. “When our own dog entered his golden years, however, we noticed the plant-based category was lacking in options for seniors. Our new Baked Pumpkin & Peanut Butter Flavor addresses this gap as the first plant-based formula to specifically consider the specific needs of senior dogs.”

The new Baked Pumpkin & Peanut Butter Flavor formula is formulated by veterinarians to provide aging dogs with complete-and-balanced nutrition needed to live a longer and healthier life. The plant-based diet is formulated with “wholesome,” functional ingredients to target common health issues senior dogs experience, like inflammation, weight management, mobility and digestion. It is formulated with peanut butter, applesauce, DHA Omega 3 sourced from algae oil, curcumin extract from turmeric, fiber from pumpkin, and plant-based glucosamine, as well as “odor-fighting” herbs.

“As a veterinarian and pet food formulator, I know firsthand how critical nutrition is in the overall health and longevity of a dog,” said Blake Hawley, DVM, veterinarian and lead formulator for Petaluma. “A proper diet can help prevent and address chronic illness as well as support healthy weight, mobility, and cognitive functioning. There are one-size-fits-all formulas — usually marketed as ‘All Life Stage’ diets — on the market, however, life stage-specific diets offer optimized nutrition based on your dog’s changing metabolic needs that come with age. Petaluma’s senior formula is plant-based and has optimized levels of vitamins, minerals, protein, fat and fiber for senior dogs.”

Though the new Baked Pumpkin & Peanut Butter Flavor dog food can be fed to all adult dogs, it is specifically tailored to be most beneficial to dogs reaching their senior stage of life, which can vary depending on a dog’s size and breed, according to the company.

Similar to its other dog nutrition products, Petaluma used scientific data and experts to design the new formula, seeking to provide dogs of all ages with the optimal diet for their needs while also advancing sustainability. The company strives to select plant-based ingredients that offer high nutritive value and sources them from sustainable, organic farms.

The Baked Pumpkin & Peanut Butter Flavor formula will be available via Petaluma’s e-commerce platform in 5-lb and 18-lb bags.

Read more about new pet food and treat products.