Understanding the Nutrition Spectrum: Lightly Cooked vs. Raw Food vs. Kibble for Dogs

Jump to sections:

Fresh food vs kibble 

Kibble: Is it a necessary evil? 

Fresh Dog Food: A Nutrient-Rich Alternative 

Gently cooked vs raw 

Home cooked vs commercial 

Embracing a Fresh Canine Nutrition Approach with Brunswick Fur Food 

 

A lot has been said about the benefits of feeding fresh food to your canine companion, as compared to the ultra-processed kibble that is readily available in market today. A lot of research has occurred in recent years, with www.foreverdog.com being a leading source of literature and authority on the topic. A collective consensus on the topic has been reached and the summary of it suggests that ultra-processed food harms our canine companions and that fresh is the way to go.  

Now, fresh dog food comes in many forms, quite simply you can cook it at home, it is really not that complicated. There are recipes you can find online, you will have to think a bit about balancing nutrients etc. But if you were keen all the help is available online. Again, Foreverdog is a good source of recipes for home cooked meals. Fresh food comes lightly cooked, and comes raw. Fresh food comes in Human-grade ingredients form, (we will write about it down the line) and comes in pet grade form. Your local butcher might be supplying you a tub of fresh meat, which is great, and certainly preferred over processed food, as long as you know what is in the tub.   

In the ongoing debate surrounding canine nutrition, at Brunswick Fur Food we have taken a stand for fresh, human-grade (we’ll explain in another blog, why?) and lightly cooked diet. There are several advantages of lightly cooked meals, particularly the retention of essential nutrients while steering clear of the potential risks associated with raw meat consumption. Lightly cooked food is not only suitable for dogs with sensitive stomachs but also provides a complete and balanced diet catering to the nutritional needs of puppies, adults, and seniors. Not every dog likes raw and not every pet parent prefers serving raw. You will hear that wolves ate raw meat and so we should feed raw diet, well they did, but our dogs have been adapting to our lifestyles for a long time. Just like us, they love cooked meals.  

In addition, lightly cooked diet is known for its ease of digestion, making it a viable option for dogs with sensitive stomachs.  

Let’s take a closer look at some of these.  

Fresh food vs kibble 

Choosing the right diet for your pup is crucial for their overall health and well-being. When it comes to canine nutrition, the debate between fresh dog food and kibble often takes centre stage. 

  

Kibble: Is it a necessary evil? 

Kibble, or dry dog food, is a convenient and cost-effective option widely available in the market. Kibble often has a longer shelf life, making it practical for pet owners with busy lifestyles. However, it's important to note that the manufacturing process of kibble involves higher levels of processing and the use of preservatives. While many commercial kibble brands aim to provide complete and balanced nutrition, the nature of processing (extruding) can lead to some loss of heat-sensitive nutrients. At Brunswick Fur Food, we couldn’t be further away from recommending anything that is ultra-processed. We do understand that cost is often a factor in selecting kibble as an option, but don’t ignore the importance of adding some fresh  to every bowl.  

  

Which brings us to, 

Fresh Dog Food: A Nutrient-Rich Alternative 

Fresh dog food, prepared with real ingredients, offers a host of benefits. This option typically includes minimally processed meats, vegetables, and grains, providing a diverse range of nutrients. The cooking process preserves essential vitamins and minerals, promoting overall health. Fresh dog food can be especially beneficial for dogs with sensitive stomachs, as it tends to be easier to digest.   

One key advantage of fresh dog food is its customisation. Pet owners can tailor the ingredients to meet their dog's specific dietary needs, ensuring a well-balanced and personalised meal plan. The higher moisture content in fresh food also contributes to better hydration, supporting urinary health. 

The decision between fresh dog food and kibble ultimately depends on your dog's individual needs and your lifestyle. Fresh dog food offers a closer-to-nature approach with a focus on quality ingredients and customization. On the other hand, kibble provides convenience and a longer shelf life, making it a practical choice for some pet owners. 

Gently cooked vs raw 

The choice between raw and gently cooked dog food sparks discussions with no end, raw dog food enthusiasts advocate for a diet rich in unprocessed ingredients, emphasising the preservation of natural enzymes and nutrients. Raw dog food proponents argue that a raw diet aligns with a dog's ancestral preferences, promoting a glossy coat, improved dental health, and enhanced energy levels. 

On the other hand, gently cooked dog food offers nutritional integrity and palatability while addressing potential safety concerns associated with raw diets. This method involves cooking ingredients at lower temperatures, preserving essential nutrients without the risks of harmful pathogens.  

The choice between raw and gently cooked dog food ultimately hinges on factors such as a dog's health condition, personal preferences, and the owner's comfort with handling raw ingredients. Both options aim to provide dogs with a nutrient-dense, species-appropriate diet, and the decision depends on finding the right balance for your canine companion's overall well-being.  

Home cooked vs commercial 

Our grandma cooked for her dog, our mum cooked for her dog, we love people who cook for their dogs. We truly do, and there is no greater joy than seeing your furry companion demolishing what you just cooked. Over time we will release recipes that you can follow, but as mentioned above these recipes are generally easily available.    

However, not only do some dogs eat quite a lot of food which might be hard to cook at home, there are also some complexities in ensuring a complete and balanced diet. That’s why commercial options like us at Brunswick Fur Food and a handful others exist, to provide you a convenient solution, delivering minimally processed meals designed by veterinary experts to meet or exceed AAFCO, saving both time and effort in the kitchen.  

In addition, with a complete and balanced lightly cooked fresh foods like Brunswick Fur Food, there's no need for extra supplements. We ensure that all essential nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, and macronutrients, are already incorporated into the meals, ensuring the well-being of your pups.  

Embracing a Fresh Canine Nutrition Approach with Brunswick Fur Food 

If you threw everything we just said away and just followed one thing, consider a fresh food approach for your dogs, of course we at Brunswick Fur Food are happy to support your journey of transitioning to fresh food, but it doesn’t even have to be that. Encourage your pup to chew on a fresh carrot every now and then, and there, you have just embarked on the journey.