Fresh Dog Food Vs Kibble? Which is better?
|
As dog parents, we all want the best nutrition for our canine companions. In this article, we'll look at kibble vs fresh dog food to help you make the best choice for your dog.
What is dry dog food for dogs?
Dry dog food, commonly known as kibble, is produced by mixing dried and ground raw ingredients, which are then steam-cooked, shaped into small biscuits, and quickly dried with hot air. After cooling, the biscuits are coated with oils to support their flavour. This entire process is known as extrusion.
Now one of the most popular types of dog food, dry dog food was initially developed during World War I when metal for canned dog meat was in short supply. However, the concept of dry dog food dates back even further, to around 1860, when the first ‘convenient’ dry dog biscuits, known as fibrine dog cakes, were created. These cakes were a mixture of beetroot, meat, vegetables, and biscuits, inspired by the human biscuits sailors would throw to dogs in the dock as they passed by.
Pros and cons of dry dog food
Pro 1: No preparation
One of the most commonly perceived benefits of dry dog food vs fresh is the convenience of not having to do any preparation. Kibble can be poured straight from the bag in to your dog’s bowl and is marketed as a ‘nutritionally complete option’ for dogs.
Pro 2: Widespread availability
Another pro that’s related to convenience is the widespread availability of kibble. Depending on which brand you choose, you’re likely to be able to pick it up from the local supermarket, pet shop, or online, whichever suits you.
Pro 3: Easy storage
Dry dog food has the benefit of being easy to store as it doesn’t need refrigerating or freezing like some fresh dog food options.
Con 1: Use of additives and preservatives
To make sure that it has a long shelf life, preservatives are often added to dry dog food, and you'll frequently find that there are other additives, including flavourings and colourings. These have no nutritional benefits and could cause health issues like allergies and inflammation.
Con 2: Loss of nutrients during processing
One study found that temperatures of 160 to 200 degrees Celsius used in the drying process during kibble production led to damage to the amino acid lysine, as well as unsaturated long-chain fatty acids. Thankfully, new methods of kibble production are now being considered, particularly air-drying, freeze-drying, and cold pressing. You can find more about these dog food processes here.
What is Fresh Dog Food?
Fresh dog food is made from natural, whole food ingredients like meat, fish, and vegetables, without the use of unnecessary fillers, artificial preservatives, or additives. Unlike kibble, it is not heavily processed. Instead, it is gently cooked to maintain its nutritional value while ensuring any harmful bacteria is removed, making it safe and healthy for your dog to eat. This type of food aims to provide a balanced, nutrient-rich diet that is closer to a dog’s natural eating habits.
Pros and cons of fresh dog food
Pro 1: It may improve life expectancy
A longevity study by Dr Gérard Lippert assessed the lifespan of over five hundred dogs, looking at their age, breed, and various lifestyle factors. The results suggested that dogs fed a homemade diet lived longer than those who ate kibble. However, the study didn’t isolate diet from all other factors that contribute to good care and better health.
Pro 2: Preservation of nutrients
Drying methods in kibble production have made strides in recent years to better preserve nutrients, but fresh dog food still remains the better option. The gentle cooking process preserves the integrity of proteins and essential fatty acids much better than traditional dry dog food methods, delivering a meal that is naturally rich in essential nutrients.
Pro 3: Better microbiome diversity
Good bacteria are essential to a dog’s health as they help the immune system and strengthen the body’s natural barriers such as the gut and the skin. Fresh dog food doesn’t contain additives, promoting a more diverse microbiome. Research shows that switching dogs from freshly prepared dog food to dry food reduces the diversity of their skin microbiome.
Con 1: Not as widely available
You won’t find freshly cooked dog food in every pet shop and supermarket, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be quick and convenient to order. Years offer scheduled deliveries with a flexible subscription so you can skip a delivery or make changes whenever you like.
Con 2: Shorter shelf-life than kibble
Without additives, it’s no surprise that fresh dog food doesn’t last as long as highly processed dry dog food. Although the shelf life may not be as long, fresh dog food will usually come prepared with more than enough time for it to be kept and consumed within a reasonable timeframe. Our range will stay fresh for three months unopened in your cupboard, or seven days in the fridge after opening. Just make sure you check the ‘use by’ dates.
Fresh food vs dry food: which is best for my dog?
Fresh dog food offers proven health benefits over kibble, primarily because its nutrients are preserved during production, unlike in the extrusion process used for kibble. With fewer additives, fresh dog food better supports a balanced microbiome and reduces inflammation. Additionally, the limited ingredients in fresh dog food can help minimise the risk of allergies, though it’s important to remember that dogs can develop allergies to any ingredient. Dry dog food is a convenient choice because it's easy to get hold of, store and serve, and stays fresh for longer. But with our flexible online ordering and easy storage, feeding fresh dog food has never been so easy!
How to switch from kibble to fresh food
Always change your dog's diet gradually to prevent upsetting their stomach. We’d recommend a gradual transition over at least a 7-day period, starting with 75% kibble and 25% fresh Years dog food for the first 1-3 days. For more information on the full breakdown head to our Help Centre and read our article: “How do I introduce my dog to Years?”.
For dogs with sensitive stomachs, try increasing the gradual transition period.
Summary
There are many benefits to feeding your dog fresh cooked dog food rather than kibble, from ensuring they get the nutrients they need, to giving them the best chance of living a long and healthy life. If you're ready to try Years but want to know more first, check out our selection of dog recipes for Adults & all stages .
About the author
Dr. Hannah
Hannah Godfrey – BVetMed MRCVS
Hannah graduated from the Royal Veterinary College in 2011 and began work straight away at a busy mixed practice. She has a passion for soft tissue surgery, ultrasound, and canine and feline dentistry, having completed additional training in these areas. February 2023 marked a big development in Hannah’s career, as she moved from permanent clinical veterinary work to become an Editor for a global medical communications company. She hasn't given up clinical work altogether, though, and still does regular locum shifts at her local veterinary practices.
