As pet owners become increasingly health conscious, the debate between fresh dog food and traditional kibble has gained steam. Some dog owners claim that fresh food diets can improve digestion, energy levels, skin and coat health, and even longevity. But what exactly is fresh dog food? How is it made? And is it really a better alternative to traditional kibble? Let’s explore these questions to uncover the true benefits of fresh dog food.
What is Fresh Dog Food?
While there is no standardized definition, the term “fresh dog food” typically refers to minimally processed dog food made from human-grade ingredients. Unlike kibble, which is usually highly processed and preserved through extrusion at high temperatures, fresh dog food is made from whole, minimally processed ingredients. The ingredients are either raw or cooked at lower temperatures to preserve their natural nutrients.
Many of the top fresh dog food companies allow you to provide details about your dog, such as their age, breed, size, weight, and any allergies. They use this information to create a personalized meal plan tailored to your dog’s specific nutritional needs. Most of these companies also offer a subscription service and will deliver right to your door.
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Is Fresh Dog Food Healthier than Kibble?
Most of us occasionally crave processed food, whether it’s a late-night snack or a fast food cheat day. However, imagine the toll on your health if all you consumed were highly processed foods. For humans, the regular intake of ultra-processed foods significantly increases the risk of various health complications. A study spanning 19 years revealed that individuals with the highest consumption of ultra-processed foods had a 31% higher mortality rate than those with the lowest consumption. Additionally, these individuals faced an increased risk of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, dementia, and certain cancers.
This principle extends to our dogs. The fact is, no living organism should have highly processed food for every meal of its entire life. Like humans, dogs can suffer from many health issues if their diet is primarily ultra-processed foods. Long-term consumption of such diets can lead to obesity, diabetes, dental problems, and even an increased risk of cancers in dogs. It’s clear that processed foods should be the exception, not the rule, for humans and dogs alike.
Key Differences of Fresh Dog Food and Kibble
Ingredients
Unlike most traditional kibble brands, fresh dog food does not usually contain additives, dyes, or preservatives. Many kibble brands use cheap fillers made from grains or corn as their primary ingredients. On the other hand, fresh dog food is typically made from whole foods such as meats, vegetables, and grains and relies on the inherent nutritional content of its ingredients rather than added vitamins. It also avoids meat by-products made from undesirable organs, bones, and intestines, which lack nutrition but are unfortunately prevalent in traditional dog food.
Quality
Fresh dog food emphasizes quality meat sources and often contains human-grade ingredients. This means it meets safety and quality standards for human consumption and adheres to federal regulations in manufacturing and packaging processes.
Many kibble companies use branding terms like “premium,” “natural,” or “gourmet,” which have no true legal meaning and may actually contain ingredients that would make your skin crawl. For instance, many popular kibble brands have been found to contain traces of euthanasia drugs. Some also are known to contain “4-D” meats, which are sourced from animals that are dead, diseased, dying, or down in the field. 4-D meat is not considered fit for human consumption or legally allowed in raw pet food, but unfortunately, it commonly makes its way into kibble.
Shelf Life
Fresh dog food usually has a shorter shelf life than kibble, and in some cases, must be kept refrigerated or frozen. Most fresh dog food brands recommend using the product within seven days, while some lightly baked fresh dog foods will last several weeks.
However, most people don’t realize that traditional kibble can spoil more quickly than you think. In fact, the fats and oils in kibble can become rancid after only 2-3 weeks of opening the bag. Feeding your dog rancid kibble can lead to all sorts of problems, including vomiting, diarrhea, and lack of appetite.
Cost
In the table below, we’ve compared five of the top fresh dog food companies based on their brand reputation and customer reviews. Each of these companies has demonstrated exceptional quality and service. The cost estimates below are based on each brand’s recommended monthly plan for a 50-pound dog. Some pet owners use fresh food or homemade recipes as a kibble topper to help save money.
Dog Food Comparison Monthly Cost
Company | Custom Plan | Gently Cooked | Lightly Baked | Half Cooked / Half Baked | Trust Pilot Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ollie | YES | $299 | N/A | $255 | 4.7 |
Spot & Tango | YES | $367 | $207 | $287 | 4.6 |
The Pets Table | YES | $279 | $180 | $242 | 4.5 |
A Pup Above | NO | $581 | $274 | $428 | 4.3 |
The Farmer's Dog | YES | $250 | N/A | N/A | 4.2 |
There’s no getting around the fact that fresh dog food is significantly more expensive than traditional kibble. The cost of kibble varies greatly by brand, but some estimate it costs about $50 per month to feed a 50-pound dog. Fresh dog food easily costs 4-5 times that – but for good reason! Remember, when you choose fresh food for your dog, you are making a choice to provide your dog with real food and nutrition, not fillers and garbage.
Feeding your dog kibble may seem like a cost savings in the short term, but it could end up costing you thousands in veterinary bills later on. Providing your dog with real nutrition can also significantly extend its life, and it’s hard to put a price on additional years with a precious pet.
Our Own Experience With Fresh Dog Food
We tried several “healthy” kibble brands, but our dog Nala was always a very picky eater. She would often give the food a sniff and then leave it in the bowl. We would have to entice her to eat by putting toppers on the food. She also suffered from dry, itchy skin, sometimes even chewing her feet and toes raw.
After a lot of research, we decided to go with Spot & Tango’s lightly baked product, “Unkibble” (See some of their options below). We felt it was a good mix of quality ingredients and reasonable cost. We also supplement her meals with eggs, beef organs, or chicken organs to provide additional nutrition and to help offset some of the cost.
Since the switch to fresh dog food, she is now so excited when it’s time to eat, literally leaping up in the air as we bring her bowl to her. As soon as we put the bowl down she gobbles it all down immediately. We will sometimes add an egg or some beef or chicken organs to fill out the meals. She hasn’t had any itchiness, and her fur is so much more soft and silky.
Spot & Tango Options
UnKibble recipes are made with fresh, whole ingredients and contain no artificial preservatives, fillers, or additives. They are complete and balanced for puppies and adults and are GMO-free.Â
UnKibble recipes are gently dried, which maximizes nutritional integrity. With four different recipes, you’re sure to find one your dog enjoys.
The Fresh recipes are made also with fresh, whole ingredients and contain no artificial preservatives, fillers, or additives.
Ingredients are cooked gently in small batches to preserve their nutrients. The cooked ingredients are mixed, flash-frozen to maintain freshness, and delivered to your door within a few days of freezing.
Feeding your dog fresh, high-quality food may come with an added expense, but it is so worth it! Not only does it improve their overall quality of life, but it also helps them avoid potential health problems and can even contribute to increasing their lifespan. It can strengthen their immune system, enhance their coat and skin health, support joint and muscle function, and improve digestion. Most importantly, it can lead to a happier, more energetic, and overall healthier dog, bringing more joy and companionship into your life for years to come.
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