Kibble is a go-to dog food choice among many pet parents, offering convenient storage, easy feeding and plenty of variety options.
However, kibble diets can lack flavor and nutrition due to the use of high heat processing and lower quality ingredients in their production.
Contents
Protein
Kibble is a processed pet food made of cooked and sterilized ingredients designed to make it shelf stable while eliminating pathogens. Kibble typically contains proteins from meats, animal fats, as well as various other sources, vitamins, and minerals; for optimum health and performance premium recipes may incorporate real meat instead of animal by-products like “meat meal.”
Kibble foods contain synthetic vitamins that the body is unable to process, leading to vitamin deficiencies and other health problems over time. By contrast, raw diets typically feature higher bioavailable protein contents (around 13-14% crude protein). These diets more closely resemble what dogs would find naturally in their environment which has proven effective at supporting immunity.
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are another source of energy. Carbohydrates supply glucose (a simple sugar) directly into your system for use as fuel during times when protein sources aren’t readily available; additionally, glucose aids cell repair processes and serves other essential functions in your body.
Kibble dog foods typically contain carbohydrates and starches to support the extrusion process and keep food together, while canned, fresh and raw diets typically have much lower amounts.
Carbs provide energy to dogs as well as many essential vitamins and minerals, including antioxidants, soluble and insoluble fiber, phytochemicals, essential fatty acids, essential fatty acids and much more. A diet consisting of carbohydrates can provide their needed energy source; however it should come from whole food ingredients rather than refined, high-sugar options.
Fat
World War II saw meat rationed and manufacturers implemented an innovative process called extruding to create little, round pieces known as kibble. Extrusion uses high pressure steaming of animal meals, grains and vegetables that create small rectangular pellets known as extrudate.
The best kibble foods will contain healthy fats from sources like chicken, fish and vegetable oils. Avoid food products containing cheap fats from rendered carcasses of sick, diseased or dead animals.
Many kibbles also contain essential vitamins and minerals. Look out for products with added vitamin E to protect cell walls against damage from free radicals, as well as those containing chelated minerals – they’re easier for the body to absorb than standard minerals.
Fiber
Fiber content of dog food is of vital importance in terms of stool quality. While adequate fiber levels can aid digestion and relieve constipation and diarrhea symptoms, too much may lead to gas and bloating issues.
High-fiber foods typically consist of vegetables and fruits that are easily digestible, such as broccoli, kale, spinach, cabbage and apples – these foods contain plenty of fiber as well as vitamins and minerals!
Kelp is another option that contains both soluble and insoluble fiber, feeding beneficial bacteria in your pup’s colon and increasing their production of SCFAs like butyrate to help decrease chronic inflammation, potentially decreasing cancer risks as well.
Other Ingredients
Quality kibble dog food contains an ideal balance of proteins, grains, vegetables and nutritional supplementation – all cooked and packaged so that it remains shelf stable for pet parents.
Pet food manufacturers who utilize meat meal or by-products must carefully source them. While not hazardous, these meats tend to have lower quality than fresh meats and do not provide as many essential vitamins and minerals.
Many brands of kibble use preservatives to keep fats from going rancid during storage, an especially crucial consideration for extruded varieties as manufacturing exposes them to high heat. Look out for foods containing fish oil for additional omega-3 fatty acid benefits including improved skin and coat health, strengthened immunity systems and decreased inflammation in joints; overall better overall health!
