The shift away from kibble to fresh, lightly cooked pet food
/The information presented in this article is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for the advice of your veterinarian.
Some time ago, I found myself in an online debate with a representative from a veterinary clinic's nutritional services team. He was adamant that the only way to provide a balanced and healthy diet for dogs was through feeding kibble. The veterinary nutrition “expert” claimed that only kibble can reliably meet all of a pet’s nutritional needs, arguing that its precise formulation ensures a balanced diet.
I totally disagreed.
In the wild, animals feed on what their species are meant to eat: herbivores graze on fresh grasses and vegetation, while carnivores hunt for fresh-caught fish or meats. This provides the nutrients they need, not just to survive but to thrive. Just as we feel more energized and healthier when we eat whole, nutrient-rich foods, our pets deserve the same. Fresh, unprocessed ingredients are what truly allow them to flourish.
No living being is meant to eat dried out pellets of food! So why would you think it’s okay to feed your dog or cat that way? We all know that proper nutrition is at the core of health for every living being, whether human or animal. Yet many people are led to believe that relying on convenient, ultra-processed food for our dogs and cats — this usually means kibble—may be optimal for pets health. But in reality it is far from the natural, fresh meals they would instinctively thrive on.
Have you ever stopped to consider what dog kibble really is?
How processed is it?
And most importantly, is mass-produced dry dog food truly the healthiest choice for your dog’s nutrition?
The Case Against Kibble
During the manufacturing of dry kibble pet food, all the raw ingredients are ground down and mixed together and often boiled to create a dough or paste. Then, in most cases, this paste is put through an extrusion machine which forces all the moisture out of the food as it is exposed to extreme pressure and extremely high temperatures. The high temperature quickly cooks the dough, but it also destroys some nutrients, such as vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Then to compensate for this, artificial flavours and colouring together with synthetic vitamins and minerals as well as unhealthy preservatives are added back into the mix. These include antioxidant solutions, to protect against oxidation and ensure that the product can sit on a store shelf for months without going stale. Many of these chemicals are carcinogenic and banned from human food.
They also add artificial flavours (more chemicals!) to appeal to the flavour, taste and aroma preferences of dogs and cats.
Add to that the fact that kibble is often laden with corn and other grain products used as fillers and you wind up with a product that really isn’t good for your dog’s health.
Properly Formulated Cooked Food for Dogs is Nutritionally Healthy
Companies making fresh pet food formulate their diets according to strict standards, such as the science based NRC ( National Research Council nutrient requirements for dogs and cats ) and guidelines from AAFCO ( American Association of feed Control), ensuring they meet the nutritional requirements of dogs and cats .
Additionally, for those interested in making their own dog food, animal nutritionists and dieticians are readily available to help pet owners create balanced, fresh food diets themselves. With these resources, providing a well-rounded fresh food diet for our dogs, without relying on ultra-processed kibble, is entirely possible.
As pet owners, we want nothing but the best for our furry companions. In recent years, many people have moved away from traditional kibble in favour of human-grade, lightly cooked food diets for their pets.
This shift isn’t just a trend—there are numerous benefits to feeding pets real, whole foods that are minimally processed.
Here is why I believe that human-grade, cooked pet food diets are becoming a top choice for pet parents
This information comes from my own research and must not be a substitute for your veterinarian’s advice. However if you’re looking to improve your pets health and quality of life then please feel free to use this as a basis for your research and questions to discuss with your vet or pet nutritionist.
Improved Digestibility and Nutrient Absorption.
Unlike highly processed kibble or canned foods, human-grade, lightly cooked diets retain more of their natural nutrients. By cooking food lightly, just enough to kill harmful bacteria without over-processing it, the vitamins, minerals, and enzymes that help keep pets healthy are preserved.
These diets are made with whole ingredients like fresh meats, veggies, and grains, which are easier for pets to digest than heavily processed foods. Pets on these diets often have fewer digestive upsets, and more consistent stools. For pets with sensitive stomachs, this can make a significant difference in their day-to-day comfort.
2. Fresh Foods Naturally Contain Enzymes
Enzymes play a crucial role in promoting better gut health for dogs. Enzymes help break down food during digestion, making it easier for the body to absorb nutrients. When food is lightly cooked, these enzymes remain intact, supporting a healthier gut microbiome and aiding in more efficient digestion. Processed foods like kibble, on the other hand, often lose these beneficial enzymes due to the high heat used during production. By feeding fresh foods, we can support our pets' gut health, reduce inflammation, and promote overall well-being.
3. Vital Moisture Content
On average, dry dog food contains only 5-10% moisture, which is extremely low. Sadly, if a dog eats exclusively kibble or dry food, it can lead to dehydration. Even slight dehydration is considered to have negative implications on a dog’s overall health.
In our everyday diet, the moisture content of almost everything we eat is significantly higher than that of a dog’s daily kibble intake. In fact, about 20-30% of the water we consume comes directly from the food we eat. To put it in perspective, a slice of bread contains nearly four times as much. A slice of pizza? It's more than 50% water! Now, imagine how dehydrated you’d feel if your only food source was something as dry as uncooked pasta—roughly 12% moisture, which is about the same as kibble.
The increased moisture in fresh food can offer several important health benefits for your dog:
Improved Hydration
Fresh food diets contain a far higher water content than dry kibble, which helps keep dogs hydrated even if they do not take enough trips to the water bowl. But even if they are big drinkers, unfortunately just drinking water is not sufficient to prevent dehydration. Like us, dogs and cats are designed to acquire some of the water that they require through food. Feeding a fresh, lightly cooked diet to dogs delivers significant moisture content.
Supports Kidney Function
The kidneys rely on proper hydration to filter out toxins and maintain healthy bodily functions. A diet rich in moisture can reduce the workload on your dog’s kidneys by flushing out waste more efficiently. This is particularly beneficial for older dogs or those with kidney issues, as it helps maintain normal kidney function.
Promotes Digestive Health
The additional moisture in fresh, lightly cooked food aids in digestion, making it easier for dogs to process their meals and absorb nutrients. This can lead to fewer instances of constipation, smoother bowel movements, and less digestive upset. Well-hydrated diets can also help prevent issues like urinary tract infections and bladder stones.
4. Higher-Quality Ingredients
The term “human-grade” means the ingredients used in the pet food are safe enough for human consumption. This is in contrast to many commercial pet foods, which may include ingredients like meat by-products or fillers that wouldn’t pass human food standards.
With human-grade, lightly cooked diets, you can feel confident that your pet is eating real, wholesome foods like fresh chicken, beef, turkey, and nutrient-dense vegetables. You won’t find mystery meat meals, artificial preservatives, or unnecessary fillers like corn and soy. As a result, your pet gets high-quality protein and whole foods that provide better nutrition and overall health support.
5. More Natural, Balanced Nutrition
Lightly cooked meals are designed to provide pets with a balanced diet that mimics what they might eat in the wild, but with the safety of cooking to eliminate potential pathogens.
The natural, balanced nutrition found in lightly cooked meals may support better joint function, and energy levels.
6. Healthier Skin and Shinier Coats
One of the most noticeable benefits pet owners report when switching to human-grade, lightly cooked food is the improvement in their pet’s skin and coat. The inclusion of fresh, high-quality proteins and essential fatty acids like Omega-3s helps nourish the skin from within. Pets on these diets often have shinier coats, less shedding, and reduced skin irritations.
In contrast, heavily processed foods can be high in carbohydrates and low-quality fats, which may contribute to dull coats, itchy skin, and allergies. Feeding a diet rich in natural oils from ingredients like salmon or flaxseed can provide the nourishment pets need for glowing, healthy fur.
Fresh foods are so much more palatable!!!
7. Better Appetite and Enjoyment
Let’s face it—lightly cooked, real food, looks, smells, and tastes better to pets than dry kibble or overly processed canned food. Dogs and cats often respond enthusiastically to these meals, showing increased excitement at mealtime. This is especially helpful for picky eaters or pets recovering from illness, who might be more inclined to eat when the food smells fresh and appetizing.
The variety of textures and flavours found in lightly cooked meals can also encourage a more natural eating experience, similar to what pets might enjoy in the wild. This can improve their overall enjoyment and satisfaction with mealtime.
7. Transparency and Peace of Mind
With human-grade, lightly cooked food diets, what you see is what you get. Pet owners can look at the ingredients list and recognize every component of their pet’s meal—chicken, beef, salmon, broccoli, spinach, sweet potatoes, etc. This offers peace of mind, knowing exactly what you're feeding your pet.
Yes there is a Higher Cost
I get it - fresh dog food, typically comes at a higher cost compared to traditional kibble and canned food. This can be a significant factor for pet owners with budget constraints.
But if you’re looking to improve your dogs health and find that this type of diet is just too expensive, you may also consider using it as a partial diet fed a few times a week or as a topping for your kibble. Even this will help contribute to a healthier dog or cat!
If you are considering switching your dogs to a fresh, cooked diet, here are some Toronto or Canadian based companies.
Kabo https://kabo.co
“We source high quality ingredients, carefully prepare the fresh dog food, and send it directly to you! The results are amazing.”
Tom and Sawyer: https://tomandsawyer.com/.
“All-natural, gently cooked meals that are perfectly balanced by pet nutritionists and expertly cooked by professional chefs with science-backed ingredients”
Colas Kitchen. https://colaskitchen.com/
“Discover the difference precision nutrition can make in your dog's life”
And if you’re interested in cooking yourself, (which may also save you some money) here are Canada based dog nutritionists that will help you to formulate a balanced diet.
Spot On Canine Nutrition:
https://www.spotoncaninenutrition.com/
“I formulate custom canine diets using National Research Council (NRC) guidelines to ensure optimal nutrition tailored to each dog’s specific health needs. My approach gives you peace of mind that your dog’s nutritional requirements are met over a balanced timeframe, taking into account nutrient absorption, health conditions, and individual preferences
Your Canine Nutritionist :
https://www.yourcaninenutritionist.com/
“We offer pet owners with personalized diet plans that are formulated to meet their canine’s individual nutritional requirements and cater to their unique need”
You may also want to check out some of my favorite healthy dog treat recipes for simple, wholesome treats your pup will love!
Incorporating fresh, whole foods into your dog’s diet is what nature intended.
As pet parents, we want the best for our furry companions, and offering them the same quality of food we value for ourselves is one of the most impactful ways to do that.
If you have switched your pet over to a human-grade fresh food diet, I’d love to hear any personal anecdotes about how your pets responded!
