Just as you would be bored with and hate to be fed the same bowl of cereal at each meal, every single day for the rest of your life, rest assured that your pup is not thrilled about a monotonous diet either! Unfortunately, dogs are at the mercy of humans and are forced to eat what’s in front of them. But we can do better by them!
The key to optimal health for your dog is to feed them fresh, whole and seasonal foods that your own body craves and wants – dogs are no different! I often bring this up when I have a stand at various local farmer’s markets, and customers bring their dogs. The humans are hungry for colorful, fresh, local food and always on the lookout for new recipes to cook, but then end up feeding their dog the same bag of food that is dry, dead, and who knows where it was made, and has been sitting on the shelves in pet shops for months, if not years.
There’s definitely a disconnect but it’s because we’ve been taught “not to feed dogs table scraps” or human food, that the only way they can be nutritionally satisfied is by eating these brown, burnt balls (as one of my colleagues call it). Meanwhile the longest living dog survived on “human” food their whole lives… Plus, a dog in the wild (like wolves) never ate the same thing every single day, it was dependent on what was available during the season at hand.
Shouldn’t we be more curious about how we can offer a more species-appropriate food for our best friend?
And there’s more…
Do you know what the top reasons dogs end up having to visit the veterinarian? It’s a toss up between skin and gastrointestinal issues, as well as obesity, dental problems and nutritional deficiencies. And if you guessed why, yup – it’s more often than not related to your dog’s diet.
So what can we do?
While opening a bag of kibble is super quick and convenient, it’s actually one of the worst things for our dog’s long term well-being . I often liken it to driving by McDonalds for dinner every night instead of making a quick, Cooking doesn’t have to be complicated or time consuming. The time you are not willing to take to spend a few minutes in the kitchen, you will be forced to perhaps spend at the veterinary office later, much like us humans need to invest time in our own health.
Let’s get into some of the reasons why I’m so passionate about this topic for your dog, and hopefully help shine some light at the issues at hand.
(and please note when I was a first time dog parent, I too fed kibble, we don’t know what we don’t know)
🥙 Nutritional completeness:
Each food source contains a unique profile of nutrients. For example, organ meats are rich in vitamins A and B, while fish provides omega-3 fatty acids. Vegetables offer various antioxidants and fiber. By combining different food sources, you ensure a more complete and balanced nutrient intake. This approach mimics a dog’s natural diet in the wild, where they would consume various parts of prey animals and some plant matter.
🐕Improved digestion:
Different foods require different digestive processes. For instance, raw meats stimulate the production of digestive enzymes, while fibrous vegetables promote healthy gut motility. This variety keeps the digestive system “exercised” and efficient. Additionally, a diverse diet supports a more varied gut microbiome, which is crucial for overall health, including immune function and even behavior.
😵💫Reduced risk of food sensitivities:
When dogs are exposed to a limited range of ingredients for extended periods, they may develop sensitivities or allergies to those specific ingredients. Rotating proteins (e.g., beef, chicken, fish, lamb) and other ingredients can help prevent the immune system from becoming overly reactive to any single food source. This is especially important in puppyhood when the immune system is developing.
🤯Mental stimulation:
Dogs, like humans, can experience food boredom. Different tastes, textures, and smells engage their senses and provide mental enrichment. This can be particularly beneficial for dogs prone to anxiety or destructive behaviors. The act of chewing on different textures (like raw bones or vegetables) can also be a form of stress relief and mental engagement.
💧Hydration:
Many dogs don’t drink enough water, which can lead to urinary tract issues and other health problems. Fresh foods like fruits, vegetables, and raw meats have high moisture content, contributing to overall hydration. This is especially important for dogs prone to urinary tract infections or those living in hot climates.
🦷Dental health:
The mechanical action of chewing on raw meaty bones or crunchy vegetables helps scrape plaque off teeth. This natural tooth-cleaning process can complement regular brushing and professional cleanings, potentially reducing the risk of periodontal disease, which is common in dogs fed solely on soft foods. And no, Greenies are not going to help with your dog’s dental hygiene!!
🍲The processing method:
The extrusion process used to make kibble involves high heat and pressure, which can denature proteins and destroy heat-sensitive vitamins. It then becomes necessary to add back synthetic vitamins, which are not as bioavailable as naturally occurring nutrients. The Maillard reaction that occurs during processing can also create potentially harmful compounds like acrylamide.
🧪Artificial additives:
To extend shelf life and enhance palatability, many commercial kibbles contain artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors. Some of these additives, like BHA and BHT, have been linked to health concerns in long-term studies.
🌾Carbohydrate content:
Dogs have no nutritional requirement for carbohydrates, yet many kibbles are high in grains or other carb sources to aid in the manufacturing process and reduce costs. While dogs can digest carbs, a high-carb diet may contribute to obesity, diabetes, and other health issues in some dogs.
🥩Lack of fresh enzymes:
Raw foods contain natural enzymes that aid in digestion and nutrient absorption. These enzymes are destroyed by the high-heat processing of kibble. While dogs produce their own digestive enzymes, the additional enzymes in fresh foods can support more efficient digestion and potentially reduce the digestive system’s workload.
💨Potential for staleness and rancidity:
Once a bag of kibble is opened, exposure to air leads to oxidation of fats, potentially creating harmful compounds. This process accelerates in warm or humid environments. Rancid fats not only taste bad but can also contribute to inflammation in the body.
🦴Limited ingredient diversity:
Even if you rotate between different flavors of kibble, the base ingredients often remain the same due to manufacturing constraints. This limits the range of nutrients and bioactive compounds the dog receives. In contrast, a varied whole food diet can introduce a much wider array of nutrients, including those we may not yet fully understand or appreciate.
There are many other reasons why kibble is not ideal, and the way ingredients and statements about the food are stated on the packaging doesn’t help, which adds a depth of conception that the consumer is not aware of. That topic deserves its own blog post, so more on that later!
Looking for some new and creative ideas for how to cook for your pet? Stay tuned for my upcoming e-book “Canine Culinary Bliss: Nutritious, Whole Food Gourmet Recipes” ebook that will be available next month!
While I understand that time and money sometimes are factors when choosing food for your dog, there are ways you can “spruce up” kibble to make it more palatable and healthy for your pup. I teach more about this in my health consultations, and if you’re interested in booking a session to learn more, I’d love to chat and share some great ideas! You can schedule a time that works for you here.
Remember, always consult with your veterinarian before making changes to your dog’s diet or lifestyle.
Disclaimer: medical information or statements made on this site are not intended for use in or as a substitute for the diagnosis or treatment of any health or physical condition or as a substitute for a veterinarian-client relationship which has been established by an in-person evaluation of a patient. This information and advice published or made available through this website is not intended to replace the services of a veterinarian, nor does it constitute a veterinarian-client relationship. Each individual’s treatment and/or results may vary based upon the circumstances, the patients’ specific situation, as well as the health care provider’s medical judgment and only after further discussion of the patient’s specific situation, goals, risks, and benefits and other relevant medical discussions. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease.
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