Whether for you or your pet, the single most important decision you can make is the food you eat. A close second is exercise. Nothing else will have as significant an impact on creating vibrant, thriving pets as food will.
Likewise, feeding the wrong foods can lead to numerous health conditions. So, where do we start? How do we determine what is “best” for our pet’s health and longevity?
Understanding the Biology of Dogs
Before discussing the biology of dogs, let’s consider what biologically appropriate foods mean for different animals. For example, hummingbirds thrive on nectar because their bodies are designed to process it as a primary food source.
Similarly, pandas primarily consume bamboo shoots and stems, as their biology has adapted to this specific diet. While they may occasionally eat other plants or even meat, this constitutes only about 1% of their diet.
Dogs, however, are carnivorous animals with sharp teeth, a specialized gastrointestinal tract, and predatory instincts. Their genetics, derived from wolves, are adapted to process a diet rich in animal protein and fat.
Types of Food Available for Dogs
When it comes to feeding your dog, there are several options to consider:
- Homemade Raw or Lightly Cooked Diets
- Commercially Prepared Raw Foods
- Commercially Prepared Lightly Cooked Foods
- Freeze-Dried Foods
- Dehydrated Foods
- Canned Foods
- Kibble
Each of these options has its pros and cons, and understanding them can help you make informed decisions about your dog’s diet.
Kibble: The Good and the Bad
Why Do So Many People Choose Kibble?
In a word: convenience. Kibble requires no thawing, cooking, or preparation—you simply scoop and serve. It’s also considered more economical compared to other options.
But are we asking the right question? Instead of questioning why other products cost more, we should be asking ourselves: why is kibble so cheap?
Concerns with Kibble
- High-Heat Processing: Kibble is cooked at extremely high temperatures, creating chemical byproducts such as acrylamide and heterocyclic amines, both known carcinogens.
- Aflatoxins: Contaminants that can occur in grains used in kibble, leading to serious health risks.
- High Carbohydrate Content: Excessive carbs in kibble contribute to inflammation, allergies, dental disease, obesity, diabetes, and other chronic conditions.
- Lack of Moisture: Kibble is not moisture-appropriate, which can cause mild dehydration during digestion. This dehydration often leads to excessive thirst, overdrinking, and urination issues.
- Digestive Issues: Kibble can result in large, stinky stools and gas due to its poor digestibility.
Canned Food: The Good and the Bad
Canned food often contains higher moisture content compared to kibble, which helps with hydration. However, the downside is that many canned foods still use fillers and low-quality ingredients, and they’re also processed under high heat, which can degrade nutrient quality. Additionally, the cost of feeding canned food exclusively can add up quickly.
Fresh Raw Foods: Benefits and Drawbacks
The Benefits
- Nutritional Integrity: These diets retain more nutrients, as they are not subjected to high-heat processing.
- Appropriate Moisture Content: Fresh foods provide hydration, reducing the strain on your dog’s kidneys and urinary system.
- Digestibility: Fresh foods are easier for dogs to digest, resulting in smaller, firmer stools and less gas.
- Improved Health Outcomes: A biologically appropriate diet can reduce the risk of inflammation, obesity, allergies, and chronic diseases.
The Drawbacks
- Preparation Effort: Raw diets can require more effort in terms of preparation, storage, and handling. Once you get in a routine, it can be as easy as kibble. Check out How preparing raw can be as easy as kibble.
- Cost: These diets tend to be more expensive than kibble or canned foods, though they often save on veterinary costs in the long run.
Freeze-Dried and Dehydrated Foods: Convenience and Considerations
Freeze-dried and dehydrated food options can be an excellent alternative to fresh raw foods. They are shelf-stable, lightweight, and convenient for travel, boarding, camping, or other situations where fresh foods might not be practical, all while still providing high-quality nutrition.
However, these options lack the natural moisture found in fresh foods, making them less ideal as a full-time diet. Additionally, due to the extra processing involved (specialized equipment, energy use, etc.), they can be quite expensive if used as a primary feeding option.
Conclusion
Choosing the right food for your dog is one of the most impactful decisions you can make for their health and well-being. While convenience often drives decision-making, it’s important to consider the long-term benefits and potential drawbacks of each option.
Whether you opt for raw, lightly cooked, freeze-dried, or even kibble, understanding your dog’s biological needs is key to ensuring they live a vibrant and healthy life.