At K9 Magazine, we have written extensively with the input of many dog nutrition experts on the various benefits of feeding raw dog food.
Raw dog food is clearly not a new idea, but it has gained in popularity over the past 10 years and more and more dog owners are choosing to feed their dogs a diet that includes raw foods (not just meat).
As a dog owner who wants the best for their canine friend, you might be wondering whether there is a definitive answer as to whether commercial, kibble dog food is better than feeding raw.
Our aim with this guide is not to provide a closed-minded personal view on whether one type of diet is 'better' than another. We like to ensure our readers have access to a wide range of views and advice from experts.
This guide sets out to answer why some dog owners prefer and choose kibble/commercial/complete dry dog food rather than feed a raw diet.
There is a clear distinction here in that we are categorically not advising any dog owner that one type of diet is inferior or superior to another.
The aim is to provide a set of reasons why a dog owner may prefer a particular type of diet, including its advantages, costs and convenience.
Before we begin, let's state some viewpoints that we believe to be true:
- The right diet for your particular dog is the one that your specific dog does best on
- Some dogs thrive on raw food, while other dogs do better with a different approach
- Variety in a dog's diet is generally considered a good thing
- The right diet for your dog should be reviewed in conjunction with their lifestyle, age, breed, activity levels and general condition
Why do dog owners prefer kibble/commercial/complete dog food?
Commercial kibble dog food, also known as dry dog food, has been a popular choice for many pet owners for several decades due to its convenience, cost-effectiveness and nutritional benefits.
Here is a highly detailed report on why commercial kibble dog food is a good choice for dogs, including a brief history of commercial pet food:
- History of commercial pet food: Commercial pet food has been around since the late 1800s when a company called Spratt's Patent Limited began producing a biscuit made of wheat meals, vegetables and meat that was marketed as a nutritious food for dogs. Prior to this, pet owners typically fed their animals scraps from the table or home-prepared meals. As the commercial pet food industry grew, manufacturers began to include more specific ingredients and nutrients to meet the needs of different life stages and breeds of pets.
- Nutritional benefits: Commercial kibble dog food is formulated to provide pets with a balanced diet that meets their nutritional needs. It is made with high-quality protein sources, such as meat, poultry, or fish and includes a variety of essential vitamins and minerals. Kibble is also fortified with probiotics to support a healthy digestive system and antioxidants to support a strong immune system. Some brands also offer specialized formulas for pets with specific health conditions or dietary restrictions.
- Convenience: One of the main advantages of commercial kibble dog food is its convenience. It is easy to store, easy to measure out the appropriate serving size and can be fed to pets on a regular schedule. This can be especially helpful for busy pet owners who do not have the time or resources to prepare homemade meals for their pets on a daily basis.
- Cost-effectiveness: Commercial kibble dog food is generally more affordable than other types of pet food, such as wet food or homemade meals. It also lasts longer, as it has a longer shelf life and does not need to be refrigerated. This can make it a more cost-effective choice for pet owners who have multiple pets or are on a budget.
- Safety: Commercial pet food is regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and must meet certain standards for safety and quality. Pet food manufacturers are required to follow good manufacturing practices and use ingredients that are safe for pets to eat. In addition, commercial kibble dog food is subject to testing and inspection to ensure that it meets the nutritional requirements of pets.
Overall, commercial kibble dog food is a good choice for pets because it is nutritionally balanced, convenient, cost-effective and safe.
While it is important to consider any special dietary needs or allergies that your pet may have, commercial kibble dog food can be a healthy and practical choice for the majority of dogs.
Why do dog owners prefer kibble vs raw dog food?
There are several reasons why people may prefer kibble dog food over raw dog food:
- Convenience: Kibble dog food is more convenient than raw dog food because it is easy to store, easy to measure out the appropriate serving size and can be fed to pets on a regular schedule. This can be especially helpful for busy pet owners who do not have the time or resources to prepare and store raw meals for their pets on a daily basis.
- Cost: Kibble dog food is generally more affordable than raw dog food, as it is cheaper to produce and has a longer shelf life. This can be a factor for pet owners who are on a budget or have multiple pets.
- Safety: Some people may feel that kibble dog food is safer than raw dog food because it is subject to more stringent regulations and quality controls. Kibble is required to meet certain standards for safety and nutrition and is subject to testing and inspection to ensure that it meets these standards.
- Nutritional benefits: While raw dog food can be nutritionally balanced, it can be more challenging to ensure that pets are getting all of the necessary nutrients in the correct proportions. Kibble dog food is formulated to provide pets with a balanced diet that meets their nutritional needs and is fortified with additional vitamins, minerals and probiotics to support a healthy immune system and digestive system.
- Dental health: Kibble dog food can help to keep a pet's teeth clean and healthy by promoting the natural chewing action that removes plaque and tartar. This can be especially beneficial for pets that are prone to dental issues.
It is important to note that both kibble and raw dog food can be nutritionally complete and appropriate for pets and the best choice depends on the individual needs and preferences of the pet owner and their pet.
Some people may choose to feed their pets a combination of kibble and raw food, or to rotate between different types of food. It is always important to consult with a veterinarian or a pet nutritionist before making any changes to a pet's diet.
