Is Kibble Bad for Dogs?

If you’re a pet owner, chances are you’ve wondered, “Is kibble bad for my dog?” With so many opinions out there, it’s hard to know what’s best for your pet! Some swear by kibble, while others prefer fresh, raw, or homemade diets. 

What Exactly Is Kibble?

Kibble is dry dog food, typically made from a mix of ingredients like meat, grains, vegetables, and added vitamins and minerals. It’s baked or extruded (cooked under high pressure) into crunchy, bite-sized pieces, making it easy to store, measure, and feed. Kibble comes in various flavours and formulas, and some are designed for different breeds, sizes, ages, and dietary needs or all life stages.

Everyone Says Kibble is Bad for My Dog? 

For decades now, big commercial pet food brands have been filling our minds (and our dogs' bowls) with rubbish! These multi-million dollar brands heavily influence the veterinary industry during their early education and continue to support them throughout their careers.

Many of these brands prioritize cost-effectiveness over quality, using fillers like corn, soy, and by-products rather than high-quality protein and purposeful ingredients. This has led to poor nutritional value in much of the kibble on the market, which can contribute to issues like obesity, digestive problems, and allergies in dogs.

Sadly, this mass-market approach has created a broad perception that all kibble is unhealthy. While it’s true that low-quality kibble isn’t doing our dogs any favours, there are excellent kibble brands out there, using carefully selected ingredients and thoughtful recipes to provide a balanced, nourishing diet. High-quality kibble options are packed with real meat, essential nutrients, and wholesome ingredients that support dogs' health in a convenient form, so not all kibble deserves the bad rap it’s been given.

The Pros of Kibble

1. Convenience: Kibble is easy to store, measure, and feed, making it a popular choice for busy pet parents. It doesn’t require refrigeration, and you can leave it out without worrying about it spoiling right away.
2. Balanced Nutrition: High-quality kibble is formulated to provide a balanced diet, containing all the essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals dogs need. This is especially true of brands that use real, high-quality ingredients.
3. Supports Dental Health: The crunchy texture of kibble can help scrape away plaque and reduce tartar build up. Some kibbles are even specifically designed for dental health, including ingredients like kelp or parsley for fresher breath.
4. Affordable: Kibble is often more budget-friendly than raw or fresh dog food, making it accessible to more dog owners.
5. Portion Control: Measuring kibble is a breeze, so you can help your dog maintain a healthy weight by controlling portions.

The Cons of Kibble

1. Quality Variations: Not all kibbles are created equal. Some lower-quality brands use fillers like corn, wheat, and by-products instead of real meat. Fillers can cause allergies or digestive issues in some dogs, so it’s essential to choose kibble made with high-quality ingredients.
2. Dehydration: Kibble has very low moisture content, which can lead to dehydration in dogs, especially if they don’t drink enough water. Dogs on a kibble diet need constant access to fresh water to stay hydrated.
3. Highly Processed: The extrusion process that makes kibble shelf-stable also involves cooking at high temperatures, which can destroy some nutrients. This means some kibbles need to have synthetic vitamins and minerals added back in, which some pet parents feel isn’t as beneficial as nutrients from fresh, whole ingredients.
4. Potential for Allergies: Kibble with common allergens like corn, soy, or chicken by-products can trigger sensitivities in some dogs. If your dog is prone to allergies, look for hypoallergenic formulas or options without grains or specific proteins.
   
   

Want to learn more? Check out our detailed blog post, "What is Kibble?"

Is Kibble Healthy or Harmful?

Ultimately, kibble isn’t inherently bad for dogs. The key is quality: high-quality kibble can provide a balanced diet and support your dog’s overall health. The issues arise with low-quality kibble that may be full of fillers, additives, or questionable ingredients. Here’s what to look for when picking a kibble:

• Named Meat as the First Ingredient: Ingredients are listed by weight, so a good-quality kibble will have a named meat (like chicken, salmon, or beef) as the first ingredient.
• Healthy Fats: Look for good sources of fat, like fish oil or flaxseed, which provide essential fatty acids for a healthy coat and skin.
• No Artificial Additives: Avoid kibble with artificial colours, flavours, or preservatives. These are unnecessary and can cause sensitivities in some dogs.
• Minimal Fillers: Avoid kibble with excessive amounts of corn, wheat, or soy if your dog has a sensitive stomach or if you are looking to increase your dogs nutritional absorption. 
• Minimal Sodium / Salt Content:  Look for a kibble with moderate levels sourced from natural ingredients, avoiding excessive sodium levels which can lead to health issues over time.

Alternatives to Kibble

If you’re still unsure about feeding kibble, here are a few alternatives:

• Fresh or Homemade Diets: These can be customized to meet your dog’s specific needs, but they require careful preparation to ensure balanced nutrition.
• Raw Diets: Some pet owners swear by raw diets, which can mimic a dog’s ancestral diet. However, raw diets need to be handled carefully to avoid contamination, and they may not be suitable for every dog.
• Freeze-Dried or Dehydrated Food: These options offer the convenience of kibble but are made with minimal processing and retain more nutrients.

So, Is Kibble Good For Your Dog?

The answer is: It depends on your dog’s unique needs and the kibble fed! Some dogs thrive on high-quality kibble, while others may need a different type of diet to feel their best. If you’re feeding kibble, here are a few tips to make it even better:

1. Add Fresh Toppers: Mix in fresh, dog-safe foods like carrots, blueberries, or a bit of cooked chicken for added nutrients and flavour.
2. Hydrate It: Add a bit of water or low-sodium bone broth to kibble to make it easier to digest and keep your dog hydrated.
3. Consider Rotational Feeding: Some pet parents rotate between different kibble proteins or add fresh food occasionally to give dogs a variety of nutrients and flavours.

Want to dive deeper? Read our blog post, "How Do I Know If I’m Choosing a Good Kibble for My Dog?"

The Bottom Line

Kibble can be a convenient, nutritious option, especially when you choose a high-quality brand. Like humans, each dog has different dietary needs, so feel free to experiment to find what works best for both you and your pup. Whether you go with kibble, fresh food, or a mix of both, what matters most is providing a balanced diet that keeps your dog healthy, happy, and wagging!