Our Formulation
Science-led nutrition
Developed with board-certified veterinary nutritionists and validated through controlled clinical research at Cornell, Purely Golden Foods delivers carefully prepared meals formulated with evidence, not trend.
We calibrate at the nutrient level, ensuring consistent amino acid ratios, fatty acid balance, and micronutrient density in every recipe. Nothing is incidental.
Our Standards
Validated at the finished-food level
We verify nutrient content through testing each finished batch of food, ensuring every bowl meets the nutritional targets set out in our formulation model.
Batch-level nutrient testing
Every production run is tested for nutrient density, confirming consistency from formulation to bowl.
Oversight led by board-certified nutritionists
Our recipes are developed and reviewed by board-certified veterinary nutritionists, applying clinical reasoning to every decision.
Pharmaceutical-grade preparation and handling
From sourcing to cooking, we apply strict quality controls that include pathogen screening, temperature management, and full traceability.
Precision in Every Batch
Fresh ingredients are variable by nature. Protein content differs. Produce changes with the season. Even when a formulation is fixed, raw inputs are not. For a company that refuses to compromise on precision, the work doesn't stop at formulation. Every batch is tested to verify that meals meet Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) vitamin and mineral requirements—not just on paper, but in the food itself. This is how we deliver consistency where it matters most: in what your dog actually consumes.
Clinical Validation
Every formulation decision is informed by controlled preclinical research conducted with Cornell University. Our research set out too serve how nutrition interacts with digestion, metabolism, and inflammatory balance.
Measured Outcomes
Digestive Tolerance & Stool Quality
Daily fecal scoring conducted using the Purina 1–7 scale. Consistency, variability, and gastrointestinal tolerance tracked across the full eight-week period.
Body Weight & Condition
Weekly assessments of body weight, body condition (AAHA 9-point scale), and muscle condition (WSAVA). All evaluations conducted by veterinary staff blinded to diet group.
Clinical Pathology & Biomarkers
Bloodwork performed at study start and conclusion. Complete blood count, chemistry panel, CRP, fructosamine, and serum IL-6 measured to screen for diet-responsive physiological signals.
Skin, Coat, & Oral Health
Skin, coat, oral health, and aural cytology evaluated at multiple timepoints using standardized veterinary scoring systems.
Palatability & Consumption
Food acceptance measured twice daily. Both immediate intake and total consumption monitored to assess real-world feeding behavior.
Research Oversight
Conducted under an approved IACUC protocol at Cornell's AAALAC-accredited Preclinical Services Core. IACUC (Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee) is the oversight body responsible for reviewing and approving research protocols involving animals. AAALAC (Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care) is an independent organization that accredits institutions meeting the highest standards of animal care and welfare in research settings.
Verified at the Finished-Food Level
Nutritional balance starts with formulation, but that alone doesn't guarantee what reaches the bowl.
We test every batch against Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) vitamin and mineral standards before it ships.
Consistency Across Batches
Same formulation. Same nutritional profile. Every batch, every bowl.
We use controlled nutrient calibration, portion guidance, and batch-level verification to account for natural variation in sourcing, seasonality, and production.
Formulation Guided by Evidence
Fiber content, ingredient selection, and preparation methods are all engineered to support digestive stability.
Each formulation decision is guided by what we've learned through our research with Cornell, validating digestive outcomes with standardized scoring and clinical observation.
Observations from this evaluation inform formulation development and do not constitute therapeutic or disease-related claims.
Food Safety & Process Control
Clinical-grade nutrition requires clinical-grade handling. Every step of our production process is designed to minimize risk and ensure what reaches your dog is safe, consistent, and traceable.
Understanding the Formulation
What does "clinical validation" mean for PGF?
Controlled preclinical research conducted at Cornell University under standardized conditions. Our eight-week feeding evaluation assessed palatability, digestive tolerance, and physiological markers in adult dogs—generating objective data to inform formulation decisions. This is observational research, not an establishment therapeutic efficacy.
Which biomarkers are measured, and why?
CRP and IL-6 as indicators of inflammatory balance. Daily fecal scoring for digestive tolerance. Microbiome sequencing for microbial diversity. These markers reflect measurable physiological responses to diet.
How is stool quality assessed?
Using the Purina Fecal Scoring System, a standardized 1–7 scale used in veterinary research. A score of 2 indicates ideal consistency. Daily scoring allows us to track digestive tolerance and variability over time.
What does microbiome diversity indicate?
A diverse gut microbiome is associated with more efficient digestion, nutrient synthesis, and balanced immune signaling. Our formulations include fermentable fibers and polyphenols to promote microbial diversity and short-chain fatty acid production. We do not claim to treat or prevent disease.
Why measure inflammation in healthy dogs?
Low-grade systemic inflammation is common and often diet-influenced. Monitoring CRP and IL-6 allows us to observe whether formulation correlates with shifts in inflammatory balance.
How does PGF differ from prescription diets?
Prescription diets manage diagnosed conditions and require veterinary authorization. PGF is formulated for adult maintenance in healthy dogs; we optimize for digestibility, gut stability, and nutrient adequacy, not to treat a specific disease.
How is batch-level consistency ensured?
Fresh ingredients vary. Every production batch is tested after preparation against AAFCO vitamin and mineral standards, confirming that finished meals meet nutrient targets regardless of seasonal or sourcing variation.
Who oversees formulation development?
Board-certified veterinary nutritionists (ECVCN-credentialed). Research protocols are conducted under IACUC approval at Cornell, ensuring compliance with animal welfare and research governance standards.
Will research findings be published?
Yes. We intend to share findings through appropriate channels as analysis is completed. Academic collaborators do not commercially endorse products, and we are committed to transparent reporting regardless of outcome.
Ingredient Library
Not all ingredients are in each recipe. View our recipe page to see a breakdown of each formulation.
Proteins & Organs
Turkey
A lean, highly digestible animal protein used as a primary amino acid source. Turkey provides essential amino acids with a favorable fat profile, making it suitable for formulations designed for adult maintenance and controlled fat intake.
Lamb
A nutrient-dense red meat protein contributing essential amino acids, iron, and zinc. Lamb is incorporated to support protein diversity and palatability whilemaintainingcontrolled macronutrient ratios.
Cod
A low-fat, highly digestible fish protein naturally rich in essential amino acids. Cod is used in formulations where fat tolerance and precise lipid control arerequired, such as lower-fat diets.
Beef Liver
A concentrated source of fat-soluble vitamins and trace minerals. Beef liver is included in small, measured amounts to support micronutrient adequacy without exceeding safe upper limits.
Chicken Liver
A functional organ ingredient providing bioavailable vitamins and minerals. Used selectively to contribute to micronutrient balance and formulation completeness.
Egg
A highly bioavailable protein sourcecontainingall essential amino acids. Eggs support protein quality and digestibility within mixed-ingredient formulations.
Carbohydrates & Fiber
Pumpkin
A soluble fiber source used to support stool consistency and digestive tolerance. Pumpkin contributes fermentable fiber without significantly altering macronutrient balance.
Sweet Potato
A complex carbohydrate providing dietary fiber and slow-digesting energy. Used to support caloric structure and texture whilemaintainingdigestibility.
Brown Rice
A digestible carbohydrate source used in select formulations. Brown rice contributes structured energy and supports dietary tolerance in balanced proportions.
Butternut Squash
A carbohydrate and fiber source contributing natural beta-carotene and texture. Incorporated for functional carbohydrate diversity rather than caloric density.
Vegetables & Produce
Spinach
A low-inclusion leafy green providing trace micronutrients. Spinach is used for nutrient diversity, not as a primary fiber or calorie source.
Blueberries
Included in small quantities as a natural source of polyphenols. Blueberries are added for compositional diversity, not as a therapeutic ingredient.
Cucumber
A low-calorie, high-moisture vegetable used to support hydration and texture without materially altering macronutrient balance.
Parsley
Included in small amounts for micronutrient diversity and aromatic balance within the formulation.
Dill
A culinary herb used at low inclusion to contribute aroma and palatability without impacting nutritional targets.
Fats & Functional Additions
Omega-3 Fish Oil
A purified source of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids. Added in measured amounts to support fatty acid balance and formulation consistency.
Canola Oil
A neutral, controlled fat source used to fine-tune total dietary fat levels. Supports precise lipid calibration where lower overall fat isrequired.
Flaxseed / Chia Seed
Plant-based sources of fiber and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). Used insmall amountsto contribute to fiber diversity and fatty acid balance.
Founding Cohort: Now Enrolling in Boston
Clinical-grade nutrition, launching first in Boston. We’re enrolling a limited number of dogs into our founding cohort to ensure careful oversight and quality control.