Is Kibble Actually Bad?
Kibble isn’t inherently ‘good’ or ‘bad’. When we look at the right type of food to feed our growing furkids, we should look at what’s appropriate for them as mammals who obtain most of their energy from protein-rich foods. As someone who feeds her 3 dogs raw, I understand that not everyone is willing to spend a little more time and money to follow suit, so I’ve listed out a digestible guide (pun intended) to help you choose the right dry based food for your dog’s needs :
How to Source the Right Type of Kibble for Your Dog
1. Assess Your Dog’s Needs
Life Stage: Dogs have different nutritional requirements depending on their age. Puppies need growth formulas, adults need maintenance formulas, and senior dogs may require food designed for aging bodies.
Breed and Size: Larger breeds have different caloric needs and nutritional requirements compared to smaller breeds. Some kibble is specifically designed for large breed puppies, adult dogs, or small dogs.
Activity Level: Highly active dogs (working dogs, sporting dogs) require more protein and energy-dense food than more sedentary dogs.
Health Issues: If your dog has health conditions like obesity, allergies, or digestive sensitivities, you’ll need to choose kibble that addresses these specific concerns (e.g., weight management formulas, grain-free, or limited ingredient diets).
2. Check the Ingredients List
First Ingredient Should Be Protein: The primary ingredient in your dog’s kibble should be a high-quality source of animal protein (e.g., chicken, turkey, beef, or fish). Animal proteins are complete and bioavailable, meaning they contain all the essential amino acids your dog needs for muscle development, immune health, and overall vitality.
Avoid By-Products: Avoid kibble that lists "by-products" or "meat meal" as a primary ingredient. By-products are often low-quality, non-meat parts of the animal (e.g., organs, bones, feathers) and may lack sufficient nutritional value.
Whole Grains or Low-Glycemic Carbs: Look for whole grains (like brown rice, oats, barley) or other high-quality, fiber-rich sources like sweet potatoes or legumes (lentils, chickpeas) as carbohydrate sources. Avoid fillers like corn, soy, or wheat, which provide empty calories and are harder to digest for some dogs.
Healthy Fats: Good sources of fat like chicken fat or fish oil provide essential fatty acids, which support skin health, coat condition, brain function, and joint health. Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are crucial for a balanced diet.
Fruits and Vegetables: These add natural antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber to the kibble. Look for ingredients like sweet potatoes, peas, carrots, blueberries, or spinach.
3. Evaluate the Nutritional Profile
Crude Protein: The protein content should be appropriate for your dog’s size and activity level. For most adult dogs, crude protein should be around 20-30%, but more active or working dogs may require higher levels.
Crude Fat: Healthy fats provide energy and support coat health. For an average dog, 8-20% fat content is generally good. Working or active dogs may need more.
Fiber Content: Fiber helps with digestion and maintaining healthy stools. Look for fiber content between 3-6%, depending on your dog’s digestive needs.
Micronutrients and Supplements: Ensure the kibble is fortified with essential vitamins and minerals, such as vitamins A, D, E, and B-complex, as well as minerals like calcium, phosphorus, and zinc. Omega fatty acids and probiotics are also beneficial for overall health.
4. Check for Additives and Preservatives
Natural Preservatives: Choose kibble with natural preservatives, such as mixed tocopherols (vitamin E) or rosemary extract, rather than artificial preservatives like BHA, BHT, or ethoxyquin.
No Artificial Colors or Flavors: Artificial additives can cause sensitivities or digestive issues in some dogs, so opt for kibble that doesn’t include these unnecessary chemicals.
5. Select Based on Special Dietary Needs (if applicable)
If your dog has food sensitivities, allergies, or specific health concerns (e.g., kidney disease, joint issues, weight management), look for kibble formulated to address these needs. There are hypoallergenic, grain-free, low-fat, and weight-control formulas that can better suit dogs with particular health requirements.
For dogs with sensitive stomachs, choose a kibble that uses a limited ingredient diet (LID), which minimizes the number of ingredients and can help identify allergens.
6. Consider the Brand’s Reputation and Transparency
Brand Quality: Research the brand’s history, manufacturing practices, and quality control standards. Reputable brands often have transparency about sourcing, production, and ingredient quality.
Third-Party Testing: Brands that use independent laboratories to test their products for safety, nutrient content, and quality are more likely to provide consistent and reliable products.
7. Review Customer Feedback
Reviews and Testimonials: Look for feedback from other dog owners. Positive reviews about your chosen brand or formula can help confirm its quality and effectiveness. If a large number of dogs had digestive issues, allergies, or other concerns with the product, it may not be the best choice.
How to Supplement Kibble with Other Foods
Even the best kibble can benefit from supplementing with fresh or whole food items. This helps provide extra moisture, variety, and nutritional benefits, and can make the meal more exciting for your dog. Here’s how to safely add variety:
1. Add Fresh Proteins
Cooked Meat: Adding lean, cooked meats like chicken, turkey, beef, or fish can enhance the flavor and increase protein content. Just make sure the meat is plain (no seasoning, garlic, or onions), and cut it into bite-sized pieces.
Eggs: Scrambled or hard-boiled eggs are a great protein-rich addition. Eggs also contain essential fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. Avoid adding salt, butter, or oil to the eggs.
2. Include Vegetables and Fruits
Cooked Veggies: Dogs love vegetables like carrots, peas, green beans, sweet potatoes, or spinach. These are high in fiber and vitamins and can aid digestion. Make sure the veggies are cooked (not raw) and cut into small pieces to prevent choking.
Fruits: Offer fruits like apple slices (without seeds), blueberries, strawberries, or watermelon as a healthy, hydrating snack. Just be cautious with portions, as fruits contain natural sugars.
3. Boost with Healthy Fats
Fish Oil: Adding fish oil, or even just a small amount of canned salmon (without the salt), provides omega-3 fatty acids, which help with skin and coat health and inflammation.
Coconut Oil: A teaspoon of coconut oil can improve digestion, promote a shiny coat, and provide a good source of healthy fats.
4. Use Bone Broth or Stock
Bone broth (without added salt or seasoning) is a nutritious liquid that can be poured over kibble to make it more appetizing and help with hydration. It’s also rich in collagen and amino acids, which benefit joints and digestion.
5. Add Fiber for Digestive Health
Pumpkin: A small amount of plain canned pumpkin (not the spiced variety) can help with digestion, especially if your dog experiences diarrhea or constipation. It’s rich in fiber and easy to digest.
Chia Seeds: Sprinkling a small amount of chia seeds onto your dog’s kibble can add fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants.
6. Hydrate the Kibble
Since kibble is dry, adding water or low-sodium broth can improve moisture intake and make it easier to digest. You can even mix in a bit of wet food for variety and extra hydration.
7. Special Supplements (if needed)
If your dog has specific health concerns (like joint issues, allergies, or digestion), consider adding targeted supplements. Probiotics (for gut health), glucosamine (for joints), or antioxidants (like turmeric or spirulina) can provide additional benefits when added to their meals.
Finding the right kibble for your dog involves assessing their specific needs, selecting high-quality ingredients, and ensuring the kibble matches their life stage, breed, and health requirements. Once you’ve chosen a kibble that fits these criteria, supplementing it with fresh, whole foods can boost nutrition, make mealtimes more exciting, and improve overall health. A well-rounded approach, combining a good base kibble with occasional fresh additions, is a great way to offer your dog a balanced, enjoyable diet.
If you dog has other specific requirements not mentioned above, don’t hesitate to drop me a Free 15 minute call to find out how I can help!
