Are you stuck on deciding between Raw food vs Kibble? Want the answer to “Is raw better than kibble?”
Cheer up then! In this specialized guide, I’ll share all the answers necessary to decide on which side of the raw diet vs kibble debate you should stand on.
I am going to tell you all about raw dog food vs Kibble. We will start from the basics and gradually move towards the bigger and more complex scenarios. I will give you as much knowledge as possible so you can make a well-informed decision that is vital for your animal friend’s better well-being.
What is Raw Food?
To decide between raw food vs Kibble for dogs, you should know what both the terms mean in the first place.
Let’s start with raw food first.
Raw food is an uncooked diet for animals consisting mainly of meat, bones, and organs designed to mimic what animals eat in the wild. This type of diet is as close to being as natural as possible. It is usually the first choice for pet parents who want to shift their domesticated animals from processed foods to healthier and organic alternatives.
Raw diets for pets typically include:
Raw Meat
Muscle meat (often still on the bone), organ meats (like liver and kidneys), and sometimes fish.
Bones
Raw, edible bones are included for their calcium and phosphorus content. These can be whole or ground.
Fruits and Vegetables
These are often included in smaller amounts to provide essential vitamins and fiber.
Eggs and Dairy Products
Raw eggs and dairy products like cheese, yogurt, and raw milk are sometimes also included to provide additional protein and nutrients to pets suffering from nutritional deficiency.
What is Kibble?
Kibble is a dry pet food typically made for cats and dogs. It is a convenient, shelf-stable form of pet nutrition that comes in small, bite-sized pieces.
It has a dry and crunchy texture and is made to withstand room temperatures for long periods without getting spoiled. Kibble often includes non-beneficial ingredients, such as carbohydrates and artificial preservatives.Kibble is a processed pet food that contains synthetic nutrients your dog does not absorb. Dogs utilize roteins and fats, which most commercially available kibble food lacks.
Breaking down the major components of Kibble looks like this:
Protein
Kibble typically sources protein from chicken, beef, lamb, fish, or plant-based proteins.
Grains
It commonly includes corn, wheat, rice, or barley, though grain-free options are also available.
Vitamins and Minerals
It is fortified with essential nutrients to ensure a balanced diet.
Potential for Additives
Some kibble contains artificial additives that some pet owners prefer to avoid.
When choosing Kibble, looking at the ingredient list and nutritional information is essential to ensure it meets your pet’s specific dietary needs. The nutritional value of the ingredients in Kibble is depleted by extreme heat processing.
Almost all kibbles are highly processed and cooked at high temperatures to preserve shelf life. Firstly, all the ingredients mentioned above, like meat, vegetables, and grains, are boiled together and then shaped into standard balls with a brown spray. Next, vitamins, minerals, and fats are sprayed onto the kibble balls.
Raw Food Vs Kibble for Dogs: Which is Better?
Now that you know enough about the basics of raw food vs kibble food for dogs. Let’s further discuss which of these can be a better option for your pet.
For starters, the whole debate of “Is raw food better than kibble for dogs?” or “Is kibble good for dogs?” is really a subjective one and a matter of personal preference.
Both raw food and Kibble have their potential benefits and downsides, and it eventually comes down to the pet owner to decide which option they consider suitable for their pet.
Dogs were the first domesticated species and the only animal known to enter into a domestic relationship with people during the Pleistocene. They were domesticated around the 1500s-1800s, and there were no commercially available packaged foods for a long time. They used to devour raw diets and lived healthy lives.
But soon after, when the domestication of dogs started increasing rapidly, the need for a quick and easy solution to their meals also showed up. Kibble was then introduced as a ready-to-serve, easy meal solution for them.
Raw food provides several health benefits, including increased dental health, Improved coat and skin, better digestion, reduced allergies, and better weight management for pets.
On the other hand, Kibble is a convenient, bankable, simple serve, cost-effective solution to your pet’s cravings. However, as discussed above, kibble food also lacks some significant nutritional benefits.
If you want an easy and generic solution, Kibble is your best option. But, if you are not satisfied with packaged and processed food for your pet and want them to feed on their ancestral diet, with added health benefits, you can choose a personalized raw diet plan.
Remember! Always consult your veterinarian before making any extreme changes in your dog’s diet. You have to make sure your dog is in a position to adjust to a newer lifestyle.
Who Should Choose a Raw Diet?
People with ample time and money and who can sit long hours with veterinarians to get in-depth knowledge about their pet’s nutritional needs can choose a raw diet.
Although raw foods have tremendous health benefits and added nutritional value for your pets, formulating a balanced raw diet plan can take hours. So, only passionate people and people with patience should choose a completely raw diet.
While a raw food diet is mostly more expensive than Kibble, the savings made through fewer vet visits compensate for any increase in cost for a raw diet. Most importantly, a balanced, species-specific diet can help dogs to live longer, happier, healthier lives.
Who Should Choose Kibble?
People who don’t have excess money to spend and want a cost-effective and easy solution for their dog’s meals should choose Kibble.
Remember, there is no harm in choosing Kibble over raw food. Your pet will do just fine without raw food. Just make sure it’s getting regular vet visits to ensure there is no nutritional imbalance or deficiency in the pet. Kibble food is also feasible for people who are short on time.
Conclusion
In the end, the choice between raw food and Kibble is a personal decision that depends on your pet’s specific needs and your resources. Whether you choose the natural, nutrient-rich raw diet or the convenient, balanced Kibble, the most important factor is that your pet receives a healthy, balanced diet that promotes their overall well-being.
Each diet has its merits, with raw food offering potential health benefits and Kibble providing unmatched convenience and affordability. Consulting with a veterinarian will help ensure you make the best choice for your pet’s diet, leading to a happier and healthier life for your beloved companion.
FAQs
Is Raw Food Better Than Kibble for Dogs?
Raw food has added nutritional benefits in it. It increases dental health and improves digestion in animals. So, yes, you can say that raw food is better than Kibble in most cases.
Who Should Choose Kibble for Dogs?
People who are short on time and financial resources and want an easy and convenient solution for their pet’s meals can choose Kibble.
