Kibble vs. Raw: The Dog Food Debate
War, huh, yeah. What is it good for? Absolutely nothing.
Whether you love controversy, or it’s your worst nightmare – we are taking on the risky business of kibble vs. raw. Wild, we know, but rest assured our aim is to take a light-hearted look into both perspectives... Sharing some recommendations, exploring your options and all (we hope) without making enemies or taking sides!
Our Conviction
Is kibble or raw feeding better for dogs? Why is raw better than kibble? Let’s compare. On one paw you have kibble which is thought to be the safe option, cheap, and easy to store - while on the other paw we have raw feeding which is centred upon being nutrient-rich, species appropriate, and a game changer for your pet’s health. In this instance, the “better” choice comes down to you and what you know to be your strongest conviction when feeding your pup. Ask yourself: what matters most?
Why is raw feeding good for dogs? You may be sick of hearing us say this, but the benefits really do speak for themselves… (if they don’t already have a happy owner shouting from the rooftops about them).
Sick of dog breath? Picking up nasty number twos? Seeing your pup suffer with seasonal allergies? You name it, we believe raw feeding can remedy those merciless common complaints experienced by dog lovers alike. Time and time again, your testimonials have proven this to be true.
On a personal level, raw has been truly revolutionary for us. Our resulting passion for this way of feeding and its real positive impact has made it our business to help your pups thrive.
Showing Understanding
What is the healthiest food to feed your dog? Arguably, whatever is right for you in terms of meeting your budget, circumstances, and good intentions for your pet…
Despite our conviction, we are believers that feeding some raw is better than none. If you can incorporate a percentage of raw into your dog’s diet (perhaps by swapping out one meal a day) you are still going to be doing your dog some good by introducing them to all that highly bioavailable nourishment and investing in their future health and happiness. Our recommendation is to introduce as many raw elements into your pet’s diet as possible and take note of visible changes.
Remember, slow and steady wins the race. Things to consider when introducing change to your dog’s diet: food sensitivities are a real thing, and overcoming digestive upset takes knowing your pup best, trial and error, plus the patience to identify any nuances to get their gut health right. It is not always straightforward when you are getting started, but we promise it’s worth it in the long run!
Peaceful Protest
Do vets recommend raw diet for dogs? There’s still a lot of opposition and resistance when it comes to the acceptance and acknowledgement of raw feeding and its benefits.
Kibble has been the go-to dry dog food for just over a century since the first dog biscuit was introduced in the late 1800s, this product has slowly evolved into the ‘kibble’ we recognize today... Typically starch-rich, packed with preservatives, and highly processed using extrusion – a questionable recipe for success resulting in inflammation, poor digestion, and a myriad of other health issues. Yet regularly served to our pets as the “chow of choice” in homes right across the country.
That said, there’s nothing to say that one-by-one we can’t turn the tide on what’s considered ‘normal’ and healthy for our pets. Trust your gut. Forget the marketing, do your own research, and start to observe the physical changes and improvements that come with transitioning to raw. It’s the whole reason we now do what we do: Monty’s story.
Uniquely You
Every dog, every story, and every circumstance is unique. There's zero judgement here, just love. After all, that's the reason we feed raw in the first place. Simply put, it's not about choosing teams, it's about making the wellbeing of all dogs our number one priority.
That's why we advocate for what we believe is best for your pups, however there are times when adapting your approach is the only way to continue supporting their optimum health and happiness. On that note, let’s look at a few different options:
- AM to PM Mix it up… start your day with a boost of raw and wind down with your chosen meal alternative (tailored to suit your schedule). Let’s call this the 50/50 approach.
- Love On Top Now here’s where you can really have fun and get creative... Grab yourself some cute molds (paws, bones, you name it!), inspire yourself with raw recipes, and finally add your bling to those bowls. It’s the ideal opportunity to introduce supplements as well. Think of this style as the “cherry on top”!
- You Make My Dreams Come True We are talking training treats and it’s air-dried all the way… especially for that long lasting, mentally enriching reward! Equally, why not experiment with frozen fancies to help your pups cool down when summer comes.
Remember, we are in this together. Top Dog Food & Supply is here to help you reach your personal goals, whatever that looks like. Here's to living in harmony, despite our differences.