The Surprising Truth About Kibble and Its Impact on Your Pet's Health

Most dog and cat owners want the best for their pets, but choosing the right food can be confusing. With countless options on the market, it’s hard to know what truly supports your pet’s health. One fact is becoming clearer: highly processed kibble often contributes to chronic health problems, while raw feeding offers nutrition that aligns better with a dog and cat’s natural biology. This post explores the hidden dangers of kibble and why more pet parents are turning to raw diets to help their pets thrive.

Dry dog kibble close-up on wooden surface

What Is Kibble and Why Is It So Popular?

Kibble is dry pet food made by mixing ingredients, cooking them at high temperatures, and shaping them into small pellets. It’s convenient, affordable, and has a long shelf life, which explains why it dominates the pet food market.

Pet stores and supermarkets are filled with kibble brands promising balanced nutrition. However, the convenience of kibble often comes at a cost to quality. Many kibble products contain fillers, artificial additives, and low-quality protein sources that do not meet a dog or cat’s nutritional needs.

How Kibble Processing Affects Nutritional Value

The manufacturing process for kibble involves cooking ingredients at very high heat and adding processed vitamins & minerals (usually obtained from China). This process:

• Destroys many natural enzymes and nutrients

• Reduces the bioavailability of proteins and vitamins

• Requires synthetic vitamins and minerals to be added back in

  
  

Dogs and cats evolved to eat fresh, whole foods rich in natural enzymes and nutrients. When these are lost during processing, dogs and cats may not absorb the nutrients they need, which can lead to deficiencies over time.

Common Health Issues Linked to Kibble Diets

Many chronic health problems in dogs and cats have been linked to long-term feeding of highly processed kibble:

• Allergies and skin problems: Fillers like corn, wheat, and soy can trigger allergies.

• Digestive issues: Lack of natural enzymes and fiber can cause poor digestion and irregular bowel movements.

• Obesity: High carbohydrate content in kibble can contribute to weight gain.

• Dental problems: Kibble does not clean teeth effectively and can lead to plaque buildup.

• Chronic inflammation: Artificial preservatives and additives may promote inflammation.

  
  

These issues often develop gradually, making it hard for pet parents to connect them directly to diet.

What Is Raw Feeding and Why Is It Gaining Popularity?

Raw feeding involves giving dogs and cats uncooked meat, bones, organs, and sometimes fruits and vegetables. This diet mimics what dogs’ and cats' ancestors ate in the wild and provides biologically appropriate nutrition.

Raw diets are rich in:

• Natural enzymes that aid digestion

• High-quality proteins and fats

• Vitamins and minerals in their natural form

  
  

Many pet parents report improvements in their pets’ coat condition, energy levels, digestion, and overall health after switching to raw feeding.

Benefits of Raw Feeding Backed by Research

Studies and veterinary observations support several benefits of raw feeding:

• Improved digestion and nutrient absorption

• Healthier skin and shinier coats

• Reduced allergies and food sensitivities

• Better dental health due to chewing raw bones

• Increased energy and vitality

  
  

While raw feeding requires more preparation and care to ensure safety, the nutritional advantages are significant.

How to Transition Your Pet from Kibble to Raw Food

Although it is recommended to switch from kibble to raw food gradually to avoid digestive upset, I personally have never had an issue switching over cold turkey (pun intended). Here are some recommendations if you want to transition them slowly:

1. Start by mixing a small amount of raw food with your dog’s current kibble (using canned food to transition is even better and easier, especially for cats).

2. Increase the raw portion over 7 to 10 days while decreasing kibble.

3. Monitor your pet’s stool, energy, and appetite during the transition.

   
   

Using pre-prepared raw meals can simplify the process.

Addressing Common Concerns About Raw Feeding

Some pet parents worry about raw feeding risks such as bacterial contamination or nutritional imbalance. These concerns can be managed by:

• Sourcing high-quality, fresh ingredients from reputable suppliers

• Practicing good hygiene when handling raw food

• Including a variety of meats, organs, and bones to cover nutritional needs

• Consulting professionals for guidance on balanced recipes

  
  

With proper care, raw feeding can be a safe and healthy choice.

What Every Pet Parent Should Know Before Choosing Pet Food

Choosing the right food means looking beyond marketing claims. Here are key points to consider:

• Ingredient quality matters: Whole, recognizable ingredients are better than fillers and by-products.

• Processing impacts nutrition: Less processed foods retain more natural nutrients.

• Dogs and cats need biologically appropriate diets: Their digestive systems are designed for meat-based diets.

• Observe your pet’s health: Coat condition, energy, digestion, and weight are good indicators.

  
  

Final Thoughts on Feeding Your Pet for Life

Feeding your pet is one of the most important ways to support their health and happiness. While kibble offers convenience, it often falls short in providing the nutrition dogs and cats need to thrive. Raw feeding, when done carefully, aligns better with a pet’s natural biology and can improve many aspects of health.