OUR TOP FAQ'S
Rocky Chow was created to bring whole-food, plant-based nutrition to the dog bowl with the same intention we bring to our own. These FAQs answer the questions that matter most, from ingredients and nutritional benefits to feeding, storage and what makes Rocky Chow a nutritionally complete, plant-powered dog food designed to help our besties thrive!
WHAT DOES WHOLE FOOD, PLANT-BASED MEAN?
Whole-food, plant-based nutrition centers nutrient-dense foods derived from plants, prepared in ways that preserve their nutritional integrity while supporting digestibility, flavor and function.
The emphasis is on minimally processed foods that retain the fiber, vitamins, minerals, healthy fats and naturally occurring phytonutrients that make plants so nutritionally powerful.
Rocky Chow applies that philosophy to canine nutrition by building a nutritionally complete meal around whole and minimally processed plant foods, thoughtfully prepared to support optimal health, vitality and overall wellness.
WHY DOES ROCKY CHOW USE SO MANY DIFFERENT WHOLE PLANT FOODS?
Because the nutritional value of Rocky Chow comes from the way the ingredients work together.
Contrary to the persistent myth that plant proteins are somehow incomplete, plant foods contain all of the essential amino acids, although the amounts and proportions vary from plant to plant. Protein is also only part of what these foods bring to Rocky’s bowl.
By using a variety of whole plant foods, Rocky Chow provides a broader combination of protein and essential amino acids, fiber, complex carbohydrates, healthy fats, vitamins, minerals and naturally occurring phytonutrients.
Each ingredient contributes its own nutritional profile, and together they allow us to build the nutrient-dense, nutritionally complete meal we want for our besties without relying on animal-derived ingredients.
WHY DO YOU USE BOTH FLAXSEED AND HEMP SEED?
Because each seed brings a different nutritional profile to Rocky Chow, and flaxseed also serves an important functional purpose in the recipe.
Ground flaxseed contributes fiber, plant protein, minerals and alpha-linolenic acid, or ALA, an essential omega-3 fatty acid. It also contains naturally occurring lignans and other beneficial plant compounds. In Rocky Chow, flax has one more job: it serves as our natural binder. Its natural mucilage absorbs moisture and helps the ingredients hold together without requiring a highly processed binding ingredient.
Hemp seed is another nutrient-dense seed, but its nutritional contribution is different. It provides substantial plant protein, beneficial polyunsaturated fats including omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids, along with naturally occurring minerals including magnesium, phosphorus, iron and zinc.
We use both because their nutritional profiles complement one another while flax also gives us the natural binding function we need in the finished food.
WHY DOES ROCKY CHOW USE NUTRITIONAL YEAST?
Because flavor and nutrition both matter.
Nutritional yeast gives Rocky Chow a naturally savory, almost cheesy flavor without dairy, while the fortified nutritional yeast we use also contributes vitamin B12 and other B vitamins.
Vitamin B12 is produced by microorganisms rather than plants themselves. Those microorganisms have historically been present in soil and on plant surfaces, but food safety and modern sanitation mean we certainly aren’t relying on soil or environmental contamination to provide an essential nutrient. Fortification gives us a controlled and consistent way to include B12 while nutritional yeast also contributes the savory flavor that makes the finished meal more appealing to our besties.
WHERE DO ROCKY CHOW INGREDIENTS COME FROM?
We choose whole and minimally processed ingredients based on nutritional value, quality and consistency, which means Rocky Chow can include both fresh and frozen produce depending on the ingredient.
Frozen vegetables allow us to use nutrient-rich whole foods year-round while maintaining greater consistency from batch to batch, and produce that is frozen soon after harvest can retain an excellent nutritional profile. What matters most to us is what an ingredient contributes nutritionally, how it is handled and how little unnecessary processing it undergoes before making its way into Rocky’s bowl.
WHY DOESN’T ROCKY CHOW INCLUDE ANIMAL-DERIVED INGREDIENTS?
Rocky Chow was intentionally created as a whole-food, plant-based dog food, so we begin with the nutrients dogs need and build the formula from plants rather than beginning with the assumption that those nutrients must come from animal ingredients.
Legumes, whole grains, vegetables, leafy greens, seeds and fortified ingredients are selected for the nutritional and functional roles they contribute to the finished recipe. That allows us to create a nutritionally complete meal designed to help our besties thrive while also reducing harm to other animals and making a food choice that is more aligned with the health of the planet.
WHY DOESN’T ROCKY CHOW LOOK LIKE A SMOOTH PÂTÉ?
Because we want Rocky Chow to look and feel like the whole-food meal it is while creating a texture dogs enjoy.
Some ingredients are finely chopped, some are mashed and some are ground, while flaxseed naturally helps bind everything together into a cohesive meal. The result allows the textures and character of the plant foods to remain part of the eating experience rather than processing everything into an anonymous paste.
HOW MUCH ROCKY CHOW SHOULD I FEED MY DOG?
There isn’t one universal portion that works for every dog because body weight is only one part of determining how much food your bestie needs. Age, activity level, body condition and individual calorie requirements all play a role, which is why Rocky Chow’s feeding recommendations are intended to provide a starting point rather than an identical portion for every dog of a particular size.
Pay attention to your dog’s body condition, energy level and individual needs, and adjust the amount when appropriate.
DOES ONE 16 OZ PACKAGE EQUAL ONE MEAL?
A Rocky Chow pouch contains 16 oz / 454 g of food, but package size and serving size are not the same thing. A 16 oz pouch may provide several meals for one dog and fewer meals for another depending on that dog’s calorie needs, size, activity level and feeding routine.
That is also why Rocky Chow is packaged and labeled by net weight rather than suggesting that one arbitrary number of cups represents the appropriate amount for every dog.
HOW SHOULD ROCKY CHOW BE STORED?
Rocky Chow can remain frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to use it, thaw it in the refrigerator and, once thawed, keep it refrigerated and use it within 5 days. Always provide fresh water for your bestie.
