Kibble Dog Food vs Raw Food

By Hungry Bark | October 9, 2020

We all know good nutrition is important for quality of life. There are dozens, if not hundreds, of recommendations on the right way to feed your dog. Of all the diets that have become popular for dogs, raw food is by far the most wide-spread. What exactly is a raw-food diet for dogs, and how does this differ from the traditional dry dog food diet?

A raw food diet designed for dogs focuses on raw meats, bones, fruits, vegetables, and occasionally, dairy products. Raw food was originally fed to performance dogs, like sled dogs and racing greyhounds, but quickly gained popularity in our mainstream population.

The raw food diet is promoted as being an “ancestral diet” meaning it is close to what dogs would have eaten before being domesticated. Most raw diets are homemade, but as they have increased in popularity, they have also become commercially available.

Most people are familiar with the kibble diet. Dog kibble is made up of ingredients including protein sources like meat, grains, and added vitamins. These ingredients are combined and then cooked to form the classic kibble that we all are familiar with.

Higher quality foods contain fruits and vegetables and better protein sources, and there are grain-free kibbles available as well. Kibble is designed to meet a dog’s nutritional needs and can be based on a dog’s specific energy level and age.

When it comes down to a raw food diet vs a traditional kibble diet, they both have benefits and drawbacks.

Raw meat carries a risk of being contaminated with bacteria, and if given whole, bones can splinter or cause tooth fractures. Homemade raw diets may also be deficient in necessary nutrients.

Lower quality kibbles can be deficient in vitamins, and some use plant sources for protein instead of meat, which is not as digestible.

So which diet is right for your dog? The answer is, the jury is out. A super premium kibble like those made by Hungry Bark is a great option for those who aren’t completely sold on a raw food diet. Hungry Bark recipes are packed with superfood ingredients, and all of their protein comes from high-quality meat sources. Every formula also contains probiotic ingredients to aid digestion. If you are worried your dog is not getting enough high-quality protein, the Hungry Bark Protein Mix-Ins are single ingredient, freeze-dried toppings that can add the extra nutrition your dog needs without worrying about contamination from raw meat. The protein mix-ins can also be added to a raw food diet to add extra protein and a boost of flavor.

Another huge benefit to feeding kibble is the convenience. You simply pour the delicious morsels into a bowl, and your dog is guaranteed to get the nutrition that they need to fuel a healthy lifestyle. Whether you’re at home or traveling, kibble is the perfect, mess-free option for many families!

Whichever direction you decide to go with your dog’s diet, remember, not everything is right for every dog. What is right for one dog, may not work for another. Whichever route you go, make sure the food you give is good quality to ensure that your dog is receiving maximum benefits from their food. If you have any concerns, don’t be afraid to reach out to your veterinarian for guidance. With guidance, you and your dog will have a long and happy life together.

Reference: Raw Dog Food on CanineJournal.com