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FAQ

Is there a meaning behind the name Peterra?

There sure is! We basically made up the term by combining the two key features that define what our company is about: pets and the earth. Terra means land or territory – and, in science fiction, it means earth. Voila!

Are your plant-based baking mixes only for pets following a vegan diet?

Absolutely not. They’re meant to increase your pet’s plant intake no matter what diet they follow! (Plus, cats are obligate carnivores!) All of our plant-based products are intended for intermittent or supplemental feeding only!

Do you have an e-gift note that I can send to let someone know I’m gifting them your product(s)?

We sure do! Here it is! Just save and send — or download from HERE. (And be sure to check our our e-Gift Cards, too HERE!
Peterra Kitchen Gift Note

Why do you sell baking mixes and not pre-made goodies for pets?

Just like us, we know many of you treat your pets like they’re little humans. Cooking for them is an expression of our love. And giving them fresh-from-the-oven healthy treats, toppers, and mix-ins can make you feel special, as well as them. Plus, it can be a fun activity for the entire family. We love being able to offer experiences, not just treats!

What should I do if the baking mix for dogs seems too liquidy during preparation?

Sometimes a humid environment or a couple teaspoons too much water can cause the baking mix to be too moist and sticky during prep. No worries! There are a few options. 

(1) First, try letting the dough sit for 5 to 10 minutes to allow the moisture to be absorbed by the ground chia seeds in the mix –- then make and bake as directed. 

(2) If the dough is just a little bit sticky when trying to roll into balls, simply moisten your hands with a slightly damp kitchen towel. 

(3) If neither of these options work, just spread the mixture into an unbleached parchment paper- or silicone baking mat-lined baking sheet into an 8-inch square (kind of like brownies); bake until firm, for about 15 minutes; then cut into squares. Or if you prefer a cookie shape, use a #100 cookie scoop (that’s basically a 3/4 tablespoon scooper) to make cookies (with or without adding your thumbprint); then bake until firm, which may simply be one or two minutes longer.
#100 cookie scoop

What should I do if the baking mix for dogs is sticking to my hands when forming the thumbprint cookie mixture into balls?

No problem. First, let the mixture stand for 5 to 10 minutes; this will allow the ground chia seeds in the mixture to absorb the liquid you added to the mix — and create less stickiness. You can also keep your hands slightly damp with water to prevent the mix from getting stuck … which makes the cookie balls even easier to form. Also, do to try using a mini cookie scoop (specifically a #100 cookie scoop) for easy breezy prep.

What should I do if the baking mix for cats seems too liquidy during preparation? Or it’s too sticky and I’m having difficulty spreading it into the pan?

Too liquidy?
Sometimes a humid environment or adding a couple teaspoons too much water can cause the baking mix to be too moist during prep. No worries! Just prepare as the directions indicate, but simply bake until firm, which may simply be one or two minutes longer.  

Too sticky?
Know that a silicone baking mat-lined baking pan (or an 8-inch square silicone baking pan) works really well when spreading the sticky(ish) dough into the pan. But if you use parchment paper, do this: Make sure it has “wings” (cut it so that it’s longer than the pan) that you can clip to the pan’s edges — this makes spreading the dough into the pan easier since the parchment paper won’t be slipping around. (Remember to remove the clips before baking, of course!)
Alternatively, use a cookie sheet; place parchment paper (clipped to the cookie sheet edges during prep) or a silicone baking mat onto the pan; then spread the dough into roughly an 8-inch square.
Botanical Bark Dough Spread in Pan with Winged Parchment Paper and Cips

What should I do if the baking mix for dogs or cats seems too dry during preparation?

That’s easy. Add more water. But do it slowly by mixing in just one measuring teaspoon at a time.

Do I need an 8-inch baking pan or can I use a regular cookie sheet for baking the botanical bark?

If you don’t have an 8-inch square baking pan, that’s not a problem at all! Use a cookie sheet; place either parchment paper (clipped to the cookie sheet edges during prep for easier spreading) or a silicone baking mat onto the pan; then spread the dough into roughly an 8-inch square. (Remember to remove the clips before baking, of course!) That’s it.

Which works better for baking the botanical bark for cats: Parchment paper or a silicone baking mat? Or can I just skip it?

Ideally, use a silicone baking mat-lined baking pan (or an 8-inch square silicone baking pan). Parchment paper does work, but it can be a little tricky since the bark mixture is a bit sticky. But if you use parchment paper, make sure it has “wings” (cut it so that it’s longer than the pan) that you can clip to the pan’s edges to make spreading the dough into the pan easier. (Remember to remove the clips before baking, of course!)

Do pick one of these options. Unfortunately if spread directly onto a cookie sheet or other baking pan, even a “nonstick” one, the bark will stick to the pan since the baking mix contains no added fats.

What should I do it the botanical bark gets stuck on the parchment paper or silicone baking mat after baking?

Let the bark cool completely while still in the pan. Then try peeling it off the parchment paper or silicone baking mat — or remove it using a large spatula/pancake turner. If need, you can then cool it further directly on the cooling rack. And if that doesn’t work … no worries! It’s meant to be crumbled up and mixed into your cat’s meals. So just scrape it up, crumble it up, and store it as crumbles!

Should I be worried if I see a few small cranberry red clumps in the botanical bark baking mix for cats?

Nothing to worry about if this happens. Though not common, the cranberry powder that’s in the mix may slightly clump since we use a whole cranberry powder without maltodextrin or other preservatives.

I have a small dog. Can I make the thumbprint cookies smaller?

Of course! Instead of making 30 thumbprint cookies, you can double that amount. Make 60 mini balls from the mix; then instead of your thumb, press your pinky finger into the balls to form pinky-print cookies and bake for 11 minutes. Hint: Even if you don’t have a small dog, you can do this!

Can I sprinkle the raw baking mix onto or into my pet’s food?

No, it’s not recommended! The baking mixes require the addition of water, especially since there are ground chia seeds which require water absorption. And then baking the mix makes it extra safe for consumption.

Can I feed the prepared baking mixes in place of my pet’s regular food?

No way! Our baking mixes — thumbprint cookies for dogs or botanical bark for cats — are intended for intermittent or supplemental feeding only.

Can I feed my pet more than the recommended serving amounts?

Since our baking mixes — thumbprint cookies for dogs or botanical bark for cats — are intended for intermittent or supplemental feeding only, we advise that you to stick to our recommended serving size guide. See BAKING MIX HOW-TO for guidance.

Can I form other shapes with the baking mixes?

Of course! Please use your culinary talent (or just culinary playfulness) to create any shape you want with our baking mixes for your puppers or kitties. (Hint: Tag us at @peterrakitchen when sharing your creations on social media!)

For the thumbprint cookies for dogs: Press out the baking mix dough and make cut-out cookies for any holiday or birthday. Or press the dough into fun baking molds and bake. Just be sure to bake until firm – so you may need to slightly adjust baking time. And if you decide to make giant cookies, for instance, remember that one of those over-sized goodies will be many, many servings, not just one, of course!

For the botanical bark for cats: Simply use mini cookie cutters and cut into desired shapes after baking.

Are your products organic?

Yes! All of the ingredients in our products are 100% USDA Certified Organic.
USDA Organic Seal
Certified Organic by NOFA-NY LLC

How are your products sustainable?

Peterra Kitchen™ is a plant-forward, climate-conscious company. Sustainability is a key feature of our ingredients and our packaging — from pouch to pet. Find out more on our PLANET-FRIENDLY page!

Why do you recommend refrigerating or freezing the prepared baking mixes?

We believe in feeding our pets only what they actually need in their bodies. Since they don’t need preservatives, we don’t use any. So, think of the prepared products — thumbprint cookies for dogs or botanical bark for cats — like fresh bakery pastries. We know both you and your pets don’t like to eat moldy treats, so we suggest following our tried-and-true storage tips. See BAKING MIX HOW-TO for guidance on storing the prepared baked goodies.

How do you store the packaged baking mixes?

The unopened packaged baking mixes can be stored in a cool, dry spot, like in a kitchen pantry away from direct sunlight or heat. Check the “best buy” date on the package and be sure to bake by that date for optimal freshness. Once baked, the thumbprint cookies for dogs or the botanical bark for cats can be refrigerated for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 6 months.

Do I have to make the entire package of baking mixes all at once?

We recommend baking the full contents of the baking mix for dogs or cats. That’s because you can freeze the prepared goodies for up to 6 months. But if you prefer not to bake it all at once, be sure to adjust water content accordingly and know that the baking time will be roughly the same if you bake half the mix or all of the mix. Pour any remaining dry mix into a jar, seal it, and store for up to 3 weeks in the pantry – unless the “best buy” date is sooner than that.

Are you coming out with pre-made treats or other products?

Though we’ve made our baking mixes as simple to make as possible, we know some of you prefer pre-made goodies — at least some of the time. We’re cooking up lots of fun and functional concepts at Peterra Kitchen™ right now. So, check back periodically! And click HERE to sign up for your pet loving community!

Is it normal for my pet’s bowel movements to change when consuming Peterra Kitchen baking mix products?

Our baking mixes for dogs and cats both contain naturally-occurring fiber, notably soluble fiber. The prepared mixes are not meant to increase bowel movements of your furry kids; rather, they may help normalize them. However, when you first start feeding your dog the thumbprint cookies or your cat the botanical bark, you may notice a bit more #2 the first couple of days while bowel movements become more normalized. Just be sure there’s always a fresh bowl of water available since it’s important for your pet to stay hydrated to help their entire digestive system function properly.

Should I ask my vet about including your product(s) in my pet(s) diet?

Sure! It’s always a good idea to discuss any change in your pet’s diet with their veterinarian or other pet health care provider – especially if your pet has allergies, intolerances, or a medical condition that’s impacted by diet. You can refer them to peterrakitchen.com if they have questions.