01/24/2024
Is Kibble Harming Your Dog’s Quality of Life?
Kibble is the most common type of dog food in the world, but there is a growing body of evidence that suggests that it may not be the best choice for your furry friend. Here’s what pet parents need to know about their dog’s diet when it comes to fresh dog food vs kibble.
KIBBLE IS HIGHLY PROCESSED.
Kibble is made from a variety of ingredients, including meat, grains, vegetables, and vitamins. However, kibble is akin to fast food. These ingredients are often processed at high temperatures, which can destroy many of the nutrients. Research shows that processed foods lead to obesity, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, and more.
KIBBLE CONTAINS FILLERS, MEAT BYPRODUCTS, AND PRESERVATIVES.
In order to make kibble cheap to produce, manufacturers add fillers and additives to the food. Fillers include things like corn, wheat, and soy, which are not natural foods for dogs. Additives include artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives.
Meat byproducts are the parts of an animal that are not considered to be “meat,” aka, not fit for human consumption. These parts are from questionable protein sources and can include (sometimes diseased or antibiotic-filled) organs, bones, spleens, blood, and other tissues. This is legal and accepted under the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) guidelines.
KIBBLE IS DIFFICULT TO DIGEST.
The high-heat processing that kibble undergoes can make it difficult for dogs to digest. This can lead to digestive problems such as gas, bloating, and diarrhea. In addition, the high-starch content of kibble can contribute to weight gain and obesity.
WHAT ABOUT RAW FOOD DIETS?
There are a few “fad” pet diets out there including vegan, grain-free, air-dried, freeze-dried, and raw diets. Feeding dogs raw dog food is generally not recommended, as raw meat puts both humans and dogs at risk for bacteria like salmonella and E.coli. Opt for lightly cooked meat instead, which is safer and preserves the most nutrients for your dog’s needs.
SCIENCE-BACKED BENEFITS OF FRESH DOG FOOD
There are several reasons why fresh feeding is considered superior to dry dog food.
Nutritional value: Fresh food is typically higher in moisture and nutrients than kibble. This is because the high temperatures used to cook kibble can destroy some of the nutrients in the food.
Digestibility: Dog food diets with fresh ingredients are more easily digested than kibble (by a whopping 40%). This is because the moisture in fresh food helps to break down the food particles, making them easier for your dog’s body to absorb.
Better taste: Fresh food is often more appealing to picky eaters than kibble. This is because fresh food is made with real, whole ingredients that dogs recognize and enjoy.
Allergies: Fresh food can help to reduce the risk of allergies in dogs. This is because fresh food is typically made with a limited number of ingredients, which can help to identify any allergens that your dog may have sensitivities to.
Fewer and smaller p**ps: Less waste in = less waste out. Data published in the peer-reviewed Journal of Animal Science shows that dogs who ate fresh whole food absorbed more nutrients and consumed a larger volume of food than when on a diet of processed kibble. Additionally, the dogs fed a fresh whole food diet produced up to 66% less p**p than when eating premium kibble and up to 41% less f***s when fed a feed-grade fresh processed brand.
