1) Why would we feed dogs with homemade dog food ?
A: Homemade food is widely regarded by the scientists and in general public as the healthiest and most natural option, for both people and their pets. The domestication of dogs began when wild dogs were drawn to human settlements by leftover food, forming a close bond around shared meals.
Today, while there are many types of dog diets available, they can generally be divided into two categories: processed food and fresh food. At Kulay, we believe that fresh, homemade-style meals offer the most natural and nutritious choice. That’s exactly what Kulay food for dogs is real, carefully prepared meals that support your dog’s health and wellbeing.
2) Why feed vegan food to dogs?
A: A properly formulated vegan diet, designed by accredited veterinary nutritionists with expertise in supplement use and diet planning, is just as complete, balanced, and high-quality as any traditional complete and balanced meat-based dog food. In fact, plant-based diets offer unique health benefits. For example, they are often less allergenic than meat-based diets, making them a suitable option for dogs with food sensitivities. Vegan diets also support weight management, reduce inflammation, and are more sustainable benefiting not only your dog, but the planet as well.
3) Why feed a heavily supplemented plant-based diet to my dog?
A: You might be surprised to learn that most commercial meat-based dog foods especially kibble are also heavily supplemented. In fact, they contain nearly the same types of added nutrients as those used in well-formulated plant-based diets.
Even fresh, meat-based homemade dog food requires supplementation to be truly complete and balanced. That’s because a natural canine diet isn't just meat, bones, and a few vegetables. It must include a precise balance of essential vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and trace elements, regardless of whether the base ingredients come from animals or plants.
With proper formulation by experienced veterinary nutritionists, a supplemented plant-based diet can fully meet your dog’s nutritional needs while offering additional health and environmental benefits.
4) Why does my dog refuse the taste of vegan dog food?
A: Many dogs can be picky, especially when trying something new, like vegan food. That’s why we created Kulay, a high-protein, low-fat vegan dog food specifically designed for even the fussiest eaters.
We’ve conducted feeding trials with over 20 dogs, many of them known to be very selective with their food. The results? Most dogs showed strong interest in the taste and happily finished their meals. Kulay’s fresh, homemade-style recipes are crafted to be both nutritious and highly palatable, because healthy food should also be delicious.
If your dog has turned down other vegan foods, try Kulay. You might be surprised by how much they enjoy it.
5) What are the ingredients in Kulay dog food?
A: Kulay is made from carefully selected, best-quality human grade plant-based ingredients that are both nutritious and highly digestible for dogs. Our protein sources include wheat, non-GMO soy, lentils, quinoa, beans, shiitake and fresh oysters or button mushrooms. These are complemented by a variety of fresh vegetables such as sweet potatoes, green peas, carrots, broccoli, and cauliflower.
We did 6 weeks long feeding trial with over 20 dogs involved and none of the dogs showed sensitivity to any of the mentioned proteins that we used in Kulay food. Whatsoever dogs that were sensitive to meat protein fed in their current diet improved with decreased sings of adverse food reaction, like for example diarrhoea and flatulence.
We also include functional superfoods like seaweed and marine phytoplankton, an essential nutrients packed unicellular organism rich in natural antioxidants such as carotenoids zeaxanthin and lutein, which are used in human medicine to protect cells from free radical damage and support long-term health. They are also known as natural anti-inflammatories.
To support digestion and urinary health, we add dry raspberries, cranberries (a natural urine acidifier), and apple pectin, ingredients rich in antioxidants and prebiotics. Essential fatty acids (omega-3, 6, and 9) are provided through a blend of plant-based oils, while almond meal adds natural vitamin E and contributes to taste and texture.
Kulay is gently prepared at low temperatures in a human-grade kitchen to preserve vital nutrients like amino acids and heat-sensitive vitamins. It is low in overall fibre but includes a healthy balance of soluble and insoluble fibres to support gut health while reducing the risk of bloating. The carefully balanced ingredient profile ensures superior protein absorption and utilisation, making Kulay a standout among vegan dog food options.
6) What are the supplements in Kulay food?
A: Kulay supplements contain all essential vitamins: vegan vitamin A, vegan vitamin D3, and naturally vegan vitamins E, B1, B2, B3, B6, B12, Biotin, Folate, Choline; minerals and microelements: Calcium, Phosphorus, Zinc, Iron, Copper, Iodine, Selenium; amino acids: L-Methionine (the most effective form of methionine), L- Carnitine, Taurine, Threonine and Tryptophan; unicellular superfood Marine Phytoplankton, a rich source of wide range of minerals, vitamins and omega oils and potent antioxidants for healthy cells protection and a range of natural flavours.
7) Can Kulay food be recommended for senior dogs?
A: Kulay food which is a 100% plant-based diet is especially beneficial for senior dogs. Unlike animal proteins, plant proteins don’t produce high levels of ammonia, a by-product that can be toxic to cells and harmful to the kidneys, brain, joints, and other vital organs. For geriatric dogs, this translates to better cognitive function, improved organ health, and increased vitality. Some studies have even reported a life extension of at least one year in dogs on balanced vegan diets. And your senior dogs that could be a fussy eaters will love the taste of Kulay food.
8) Why Kulay Fresh Dog Food Stands Out?
A: Kulay fresh dog food offers distinct advantages over many competing diets:
Unlike many fresh dog foods that rely heavily on protein powders, Kulay delivers essential amino acids from whole food sources. This enhances bioavailability and supports more effective nutrient absorption for your dog. It also ensures healthier microbiome of dogs on Kulay food.
Kulay contains one of the highest protein levels and lowest fat and carbohydrate contents among both fresh meat-based and plant-based competitors. This makes it an excellent choice for dogs with gastrointestinal sensitivities of dogs requiring a low-fat diet.
Our first and second recipes are specially developed for dogs with selective appetites.
Their natural aroma, texture, and taste are designed to appeal to even the pickiest eaters.
9) Can I Cook Homemade Meals for My Dog?
A: Absolutely! but only with the right guidance. We strongly advise against cooking meals at home for your dog without a properly formulated diet plan. The plan must be tailored to your dog’s age, size, and medical history, and created by an accredited veterinary nutritionist experienced in pet diet formulation.
The biggest risk with homemade diets especially those found online is nutritional imbalance. Many people skip essential supplements, which are critical in all homemade dog food, and especially in vegan diets for dogs and cats. Without these nutrients, even well- intentioned homemade meals can lead to serious deficiencies or long-term health problems.
If you want to cook for your pet, do it right, work with a qualified professional and use a balanced plan that includes all necessary supplements.
10) Should I talk to my veterinarian before switching to Kulay dog food?
A: If your dog is healthy, there’s no need to visit your vet before making the switch. However, we recommend following the gradual transition plan outlined on our website. If your dog is currently eating a meat-based diet, the transition to Kulay’s plant-based food should take at least 4 weeks. This allows your dog’s digestive system to adjust gradually with production of different digestive enzymes and balancing beneficial bacteria in gastrointestinal system that will helps prevent any gastrointestinal discomfort.
If you notice any changes in your dog’s stools during the transition, feel free to contact us with your observations (photos are helpful too). Based on what you share, our veterinary nutritionist may recommend a consultation with your local veterinarian.
If your dog has any existing medical conditions for example allergies, or gastrointestinal sensitivities, we strongly recommend discussing the diet change with your veterinarian beforehand.
11) What is your nutritional philosophy? What guidelines do you follow?
A: Dr Malina Fielder's (Kulay's accredited clinical veterinary nutritionist) philosophy is rooted in over 30 years of experience as a veterinarian in small animal medicine and as a clinical veterinary nutritionist, supported by two years of postgraduate study in animal nutrition. She believes that the focus should be on the nutrients themselves and the quality or net utilisation of the ingredients, rather than whether they come from animal or plant sources.
Dogs are highly adaptable and can thrive on a variety of diet types, provided the food is complete, balanced, and properly formulated.
At Kulay, we follow the nutritional guidelines set by AAFCO (the Association of American Feed Control Officials). Our recipes not only meet but exceed AAFCO standards for adult dog maintenance.
12) How can I be sure that Kulay dog food is healthy?
A: Kulay is formulated by an accredited veterinary nutritionist with extensive experience in clinical nutrition for dogs. Our meals are 100% complete and balanced, meeting and exceeding AAFCO standards for adult maintenance. All ingredients used in Kulay are of human-grade quality, carefully selected for their digestibility and nutritional value. The food is gently cooked to enhance nutrient absorption and ensure safety.
Unlike many fresh vegan dog foods that rely heavily on protein isolates or powders, Kulay derives its amino acids from whole food sources. This improves bioavailability and makes it easier for your dog’s body to absorb and use essential nutrients.
Kulay is especially suitable for:
Every batch of Kulay is designed with your dog’s health, taste preferences, and comfort in mind.
13) Why are my dog’s stools larger after switching to Kulay? Is that normal?
A: Yes, it can be completely normal. When switching to a 100% plant-based diet like Kulay, some dogs may initially produce slightly larger or more frequent stools. This is part of the natural adjustment process.
Plant-based diets often contain more fibre than meat-based diets, which can lead to bulkier stools, especially if the transition wasn't done gradually enough. However, Kulay is carefully formulated with a balanced fibre level (under 5%) to support healthy digestion without causing excess bulk or irritation.
During the transition, your dog’s digestive system needs time to adapt by building the right enzymes and gut bacteria (microbiome). This usually takes around 3–4 weeks. If you’re ever unsure or notice ongoing changes, feel free to reach out to us with photos and your observations, we’re happy to help assess and guide you.
14) Can dogs digest carbohydrates?
A: Yes, dogs can digest carbohydrates very well. They have the necessary enzymes such as amylase, found in their saliva and pancreas to break down starches and other carbohydrates.
This is a key adaptation that differentiates domestic dogs from their wild ancestors. Research by Axelsson et al. (2013) showed that dogs have evolved to thrive on diets rich in carbohydrates, thanks to genetic adaptations that enhance their ability to digest starch. As long as carbohydrate sources like grains, legumes, or root vegetables are properly cooked, dogs can efficiently absorb and use them as a valuable source of energy, fibre, and essential nutrients.
15) Can dogs safely eat a vegan or vegetarian diet?
A: Yes, dogs can safely eat a vegan or vegetarian diet, as long as it is properly formulated. In fact, many commercial meat-based dog foods already contain mostly plant-based ingredients.
For a vegan or vegetarian diet to be safe, healthy, and nutritionally complete, it must be developed by an accredited veterinary nutritionist experienced in formulating pet diets. When done correctly, plant-based diets can meet all of a dog’s essential nutrient requirements and support long-term health.
16) I thought dogs were carnivores. How can they eat a meatless diet?
A: Dogs are omnivores, not carnivores. Over thousands of years of domestication, dogs have evolved to digest and thrive on a wide variety of foods, including plant-based ingredients, especially when introduced gradually.
Many dogs transition to Kulay without hesitation and show the same enthusiasm for our food as they would for meat-based meals, evident in their tail wagging, drooling, and eager eating. You can even see this in the videos from our feeding trials. What matters most is that the food is complete, balanced, and appetising, not whether it contains meat.
17) Are the “mock meats” in Kulay dog food safe for dogs?
A: Yes, all ingredients in Kulay dog food are 100% safe, carefully selected, and approved for canine health. We do not use any harmful ingredients like onions, macadamia nuts, grapes, raisins, or other substances known to cause toxicity in dogs. What some people call “mock meats” are simply wholesome plant-based proteins that have been prepared in a way to enhance taste, digestibility, and texture. Whether it’s soy, non-GMO wheat, or other plant-based proteins, these are cooked and processed with care to meet the nutritional needs of dogs, without using any protein powders or isolates. Kulay uses whole food ingredients, not synthetic protein concentrates.
For labelling and transparency, we list our ingredients clearly, such as soy, wheat, and other nutrient-rich plants, without using vague or misleading terms like “mock meat.” The form of the food (e.g. chunk, slice, patty) may vary, but the ingredients and their safety remain consistent.
Out of respect for our unique formulation methods, we prefer not to disclose preparation techniques in detail, as these are part of what makes Kulay special and different from others on the market.
12) How should I transition my dog to Kulay dog food?
A: Dogs that were on meat-based food should have very slow transition of 4 weeks. Start with 10% of plant based food added to your pet current food, feed few days same ratio and if there are no adverse gastro-intestinal signs (for example diarrhoea), keep increasing plant based portion every third day until transition to plant based food is complete. For dogs that are already on plant based diet transition time is 10-14 days. Start with 10% adding new diet every day until 100% KULAY food. Dogs normally don’t experience any problems if you allow such slow transition.
If your pet develops diarrhoea you might need to add digestive enzymes in the food. This happens very rarely and commonly occur if the transition period is too short.
18) How often should I feed my dog —once or twice a day?
A: This depends on your dog’s size, age, and health status. Most adult dogs can be fed once a day. However, small breeds and deep-chested dogs benefit from being fed twice daily to help with digestion and reduce the risk of issues like hypoglycaemia (small dogs) or bloat (deep chested dogs).
19) Can I mix Kulay with other dog food (e.g., dry kibble)?
A: Yes, you can mix Kulay with other complete and balanced dog foods. However, we recommend that any mixed meals be served and consumed within 20 minutes, especially when combining dry and moist foods, to avoid bacterial growth. Always ensure that both foods complement each other nutritionally and that your dog tolerates the combination well.
20) Is Kulay suitable for dogs with sensitive stomachs?
A: Kulay has been carefully formulated to be gentle and nutritious, but gastrointestinal sensitivity can have many underlying causes. If your dog has a sensitive stomach, we strongly recommend first getting a proper diagnosis from your veterinarian. Once the cause is identified, we can advise whether Kulay or another specific diet is appropriate based on your dog’s individual needs.
21) Is Kulay suitable for senior dogs? If not, what do you recommend?
A: Yes, Kulay is highly recommended for senior dogs. The ingredients are selected and prepared in a way that promotes easy digestion, reduces bloating, and supports overall health.
Kulay’s gentle, plant-based formula helps reduce the production of harmful metabolic by- products (such as ammonia), which is especially important for aging kidneys, brain, and joints. Many senior dogs show improved vitality and well-being on our recipes.
22) Is Kulay suitable for puppies? If not, what do you recommend?
A: Kulay’s current recipes are formulated for adult dogs only. Puppies have higher nutritional needs, including more essential nutrients, energy, and specific ratios of calcium and phosphorus for healthy growth. Feeding adult dog food to puppies is not recommended.
If you're interested in feeding a plant-based diet to a puppy, we suggest using a properly formulated vegan puppy food from a reputable brand and ideally working with an accredited veterinary nutritionist to create a custom homemade plan. For example, Benevo puppy food has shown good results when paired with a carefully prepared homemade vegan diet.
23) What is the freezer and fridge life of Kulay dog food?
Kulay food can be safely stored in the freezer for 12 months. Once defrosted, it should be kept in the refrigerator and used within 5 days for maximum freshness and safety.
24) Is Kulay food ‘human grade?
A: Yes.
25) How have Kulay meal recipes been formulated and tested?
A: The formulation of Kulay meal recipes has been led by Dr Malina Fielder – an accredited veterinary nutritionist with over 30 years’ experience as a veterinarian in small animal medicine and as clinical veterinary nutritionist, supported by two years of postgraduate study in animal nutrition.
Over fifteen (15) initial recipe variations were developed using diverse combinations of plant-based proteins and carbohydrates, and these recipes were tested for taste and texture by our own much-loved dogs (Obi, Oscar and Hamish). Recipes were subsequently refined before weekly palatability trials were conducted over several weeks with an additional approximately twenty (20) dogs, most of whom were identified by their humans as ‘fussy’ or ‘very fussy’ eaters. These palatability trials were undertaken in the home environments of each dog, with various recipe refinements made following feedback provided by their humans. All dogs that participated in the palatability trials were VERY willing! :)
