When it comes to feeding our dogs, there are numerous options on the market, but kibble remains one of the most popular. As a dry, shelf-stable food, kibble has been a go-to for dog owners for decades. But in recent years, its suitability for long-term feeding has come into question. Is kibble truly a good choice for your dog, or are there better alternatives? This blog dives into the science of kibble, weighing its pros and cons, and concludes with a recommendation from a companion animal nutritionist.
How Kibble is Made: A Look at the Production Process
The process of making kibble involves multiple steps, from selecting and preparing ingredients to cooking, shaping, and packaging. While the specifics can vary from one manufacturer to another, most commercial kibble is made using a method known as extrusion, which has been widely used since the 1950s for creating dry, shelf-stable pet food. Here is a detailed breakdown of how kibble is made:
1. Ingredient Selection and Preparation
The first step in making kibble is selecting and preparing the ingredients. These include a combination of animal-based proteins (such as chicken, beef, or fish), plant-based proteins (like peas or lentils), grains (such as rice or barley), fats, vitamins, and minerals. Manufacturers often use a mixture of fresh and dry ingredients, depending on the desired nutritional profile and formulation.
- Protein Sources: These can include fresh or frozen meats, meat meals (rendered and dried animal tissues), and plant proteins like soybean meal. Meat meals are made by cooking down animal parts to remove fat and water, then drying the remaining material into a powder.
- Grains and Carbohydrates: Carbohydrates like corn, wheat, or rice provide energy and help form the dough-like consistency needed for extrusion. Grain-free formulas might use alternative carbohydrates such as potatoes, peas, or lentils.
- Vitamins, Minerals, and Fats: To ensure the kibble is nutritionally balanced, manufacturers add vitamins, minerals, and fats to meet AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) nutrient requirements. Fats help enhance palatability and provide essential fatty acids.
Once selected, these ingredients are mixed into a uniform blend, similar to how you might mix ingredients for baking bread or cookies. The ratio of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates is adjusted according to the specific recipe or nutritional requirements the manufacturer is targeting.
2. Grinding and Mixing
Before cooking, the dry ingredients are ground into a fine powder. This is done using a hammer mill or similar machinery to ensure uniform particle size, which helps the ingredients blend more evenly during the mixing process. The ground ingredients are then combined in large mixers with liquid components, such as water, fats, and sometimes fresh meat or broth, to form a consistent dough.
- The consistency of the dough is crucial. It needs to be moist enough to flow through the extruder but not too wet, as that can affect the final texture of the kibble.
3. Cooking Through Extrusion
The mixed dough is then transferred to an extruder, which is a key piece of equipment in the kibble-making process. The extruder is essentially a large, high-pressure, high-temperature cooker that shapes and partially cooks the dough. The extrusion process involves the following:
- High Pressure and Heat: The dough is pushed through a tube under high pressure while being heated to temperatures between 200°F and 300°F (93°C to 149°C). The heat serves multiple purposes: it helps cook the ingredients, sterilizes the mixture, and makes the starches gelatinize, which is crucial for forming a cohesive kibble shape.
- Shaping and Cutting: As the cooked dough reaches the end of the extruder, it is forced through a metal die, which shapes it into small pieces. The die can be customized to produce different kibble shapes and sizes. As the dough exits the die, a rotating knife cuts it into individual kibble pieces.
- Rapid Expansion: The change in pressure as the dough exits the extruder causes it to expand rapidly, giving kibble its characteristic puffed or airy texture. This process is similar to how pasta expands when boiled.
4. Drying the Kibble
Once the kibble pieces are extruded, they contain a high moisture content (around 25-30%). To ensure shelf stability and prevent spoilage, the kibble must be dried. This is done using large, conveyor-belt-style ovens called dryers:
- Drying Process: The extruded kibble moves through the dryer on a conveyor belt, where it is subjected to heated air. This process reduces the moisture content to about 8-10%, which is ideal for preventing mold growth and extending the shelf life of the product.
- Cooling: After drying, the kibble is allowed to cool. This prevents condensation and moisture build-up once it’s packaged, which could otherwise lead to spoilage.
5. Coating and Flavoring
To improve palatability and make the kibble more appealing to dogs, manufacturers coat the dried pieces with fats, oils, and flavor enhancers. This process is known as enrobing, and it typically occurs in a rotating drum where the kibble is tumbled with the added fats and flavors. Common coatings include:
- Animal Fats: These add flavor and are often highly palatable for dogs.
- Digest (Protein Hydrolysates): These are made by breaking down proteins into smaller peptides and amino acids, creating a coating that enhances the aroma and taste of the kibble.
- Natural or Artificial Flavors: These can be added to further improve the taste and aroma, making the kibble more attractive to picky eaters.
The coating step is crucial because dogs are primarily driven by smell when it comes to choosing their food, and the coating ensures that the kibble smells appetizing to them.
6. Quality Control and Testing
Before being packaged, kibble undergoes a series of quality control checks to ensure that it meets safety and nutritional standards. These checks might include:
- Nutritional Analysis: Testing the final product to confirm that it meets the intended nutrient profile, ensuring consistency with AAFCO guidelines.
- Microbial Testing: This ensures that harmful bacteria like Salmonella or E. coli are not present in the food.
- Density and Texture Testing: The kibble is checked for consistency in size, density, and texture to ensure it meets the manufacturer’s standards and is easy for dogs to chew and digest.
These steps help to ensure that every batch of kibble is safe, nutritious, and consistent with the brand’s formulation.
7. Packaging
Once the kibble passes quality control checks, it is packaged into bags, boxes, or other containers. Most manufacturers use vacuum-sealed or airtight packaging to maintain freshness and prevent oxidation of the fats, which can cause rancidity over time. Some packaging also includes resealable options to make it easier for pet owners to keep the food fresh after opening.
- Labeling: The packaging is then labeled with important information, such as the brand name, ingredients, guaranteed analysis (which lists the minimum and maximum levels of protein, fat, fiber, and moisture), feeding guidelines, and AAFCO compliance statement.
- Storage: Finished kibble is stored in climate-controlled warehouses until it is shipped to retail locations or directly to consumers.
The convenience, affordability, and wide availability of kibble make it a preferred choice for many pet owners. But like any food, its nutritional value depends heavily on the quality of the ingredients and the manufacturing process.
The Nutritional Benefits of Kibble
1. Balanced Nutrition
Many high-quality kibbles are formulated to provide a complete and balanced diet for dogs. According to the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), dog food must meet specific nutrient profiles to be labeled as “complete and balanced.” These profiles ensure that the food contains adequate levels of protein, fat, vitamins, and minerals essential for a dog’s health. If the kibble meets AAFCO standards, it can provide all the nutrients a dog needs for maintenance or growth.
2. Dental Benefits
Kibble can offer some dental health benefits due to its crunchy texture. The mechanical action of chewing helps to scrape off some of the plaque and tartar from a dog’s teeth. However, the extent of these benefits can vary based on the kibble’s size, shape, and hardness, and it may not be enough to fully prevent dental disease. Dental-specific kibbles, designed to promote oral health, can be more effective in this area.
3. Convenience and Long Shelf Life
One of the biggest advantages of kibble is its convenience. It’s easy to measure, store, add to puzzle toys and transport. Its long shelf life also means it can be bought in bulk and stored without refrigeration, making it a practical choice for busy pet owners. This convenience makes it easy to maintain a consistent feeding routine for dogs, which can be especially important for animals with specific dietary needs.
Potential Drawbacks of Kibble
1. Quality of Ingredients
While some kibbles are made with high-quality ingredients, others may include lower-quality protein sources, fillers, and by-products. These ingredients can reduce the digestibility and nutritional value of the food. For instance, some kibbles use plant-based protein sources like corn or soy, which can be harder for dogs to digest compared to animal-based proteins. The ingredient list on a kibble bag can be deceiving, as terms like “meat meal” can refer to a variety of different animal parts, not all of which provide high-quality protein.
2. Loss of Nutrients During Processing
The high-temperature extrusion process used to make kibble can lead to the loss of certain heat-sensitive nutrients, such as some vitamins and amino acids. While manufacturers often add vitamins and minerals back into the kibble after cooking, these added nutrients may not be as bioavailable (readily absorbed and utilized by the body) as those found in fresh, less processed foods. Additionally, some of the healthy fats in the ingredients can degrade during the cooking process, affecting the overall fat quality of the diet.
3. High Carbohydrate Content
Kibble often contains a significant amount of carbohydrates, which are necessary for the extrusion process to create its shape and texture. While dogs can digest carbohydrates, their ancestral diet consisted primarily of meat. The higher carbohydrate content in kibble may contribute to weight gain or certain health conditions in some dogs, particularly those prone to obesity or metabolic disorders like diabetes.
The Debate: Kibble vs. Fresh and Raw Diets
With the rise of fresh and raw diets, many dog owners are questioning whether kibble is the healthiest option for their pets. Fresh and raw diets aim to replicate what dogs might eat in the wild—meat, bones, organs, and some plant matter. Proponents of these diets argue that fresh food is more natural and species-appropriate, providing nutrients in their whole form, which could be more bioavailable and beneficial for a dog’s digestion and overall health.
However, fresh and raw diets come with their own challenges. They require careful formulation to ensure balanced nutrition, as imbalances in calcium, phosphorus, or other nutrients can have serious health consequences for dogs. Moreover, raw diets carry a risk of bacterial contamination, such as Salmonella or E. coli, which can pose a health risk to both dogs and their owners if not handled properly.
Kibble is often more economic, has less recalls and is more balanced than any other food type. Another thing to note is that it is also easier to travel with due to it’s long shelf life. However, some dogs may be more picky and since kibble is not quite as palatable as wet food. As a pet nutritionist, I would recommend doing a 50/50 mix of kibble and either fresh food or wet food.
How to Choose a High-Quality Kibble
If you decide that kibble is the right choice for your dog, selecting a high-quality product is key. Here are a few tips to help you make an informed decision:
- Check for AAFCO Compliance: Look for a statement on the packaging that indicates the kibble meets AAFCO nutrient profiles for either “maintenance” or “growth and reproduction.” This means the food has been tested or formulated to meet minimum nutrient levels.
- Look for Named Protein Sources: First start by looking for whole protein ingredients. This means look for ingredients like “Chicken” or “Salmon”. Ingredients labeled as meal (like “chicken meal”) are good as well as these are just whole proteins that have been ground and dried for use in dry dog food. However, it is best to avoid by-product meals (like “meat by-product meals”) as these often contain less muscle meat and is also a mix of bone, cartilage and other carcass parts that are less digestible. Protein ingredients should also be listed first. This means that they are used in the highest inclusion rate compared to any other ingredient.
- Avoid Artificial Additives: Select products that are free from artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives. Many high-quality brands use natural preservatives, like mixed tocopherols (vitamin E), to maintain freshness. Instead look for added ingredients with omega 3’s, antioxidants and fruits/veggies. These ingredients aren’t necessary for life but can help keep your dog healthy, fight off disease and potentially live longer. Look for ingredients like fish oil, flaxseed, chia, turmeric, cranberries, kale, carrots, among others.
- Consider Grain-Free or Limited Ingredient Options: Ensure that there are no over processed carbohydrates (usually labeled as “flours”) and high sugar carbohydrates (wheat, corn or tapioca). These are high glycemic ingredients and cause spikes in blood sugar. For dogs with allergies or sensitivities, grain-free or limited ingredient kibbles may be beneficial. Peas, beans, lentils and other legumes are great plant ingredients and are NOT toxic to dogs or cause any heart problems. There is a lot of misinformation about grain free dog food right now. Legumes are actually fantastic ingredients to have in your dog’s food as they help to lower your dog’s blood sugar, provide a source of protein and help keep your dog full for longer. Other good high fibre, grain free options can are pumpkin, sweet potato and turnip are fantastic as well.
- Review the guaranteed analysis. A good dog food should have a balance of all nutrients. Look for a moderate amount of protein. Many dog owners believe that more protein is better but this is not necessarily true. Dogs have a threshold for how much protein they can absorb. Too much protein could result in weight gain and puts dogs at risk for developing pancreatitis. I would recommend looking for something in the range of 22-35% crude protein. Go for a low fat option. Some pet food companies add extra fats and oils into their diets but many owners also forget that more protein also means more fat as well. I would recommend looking for food with a crude fat range of 5-20%.
Expert Opinion: Is Kibble Right for Your Dog?
As a certified companion animal nutritionist, I am an advocate for whichever food works best for your dog! This could be the cheapest kibble from the grocery store or the most expensive freeze dried kibble from a local vendor. If your dog is healthy and loving their food, that is the main thing!
Kibble can be a convenient and nutritionally complete option for many dogs, especially when choosing a high-quality brand that meets AAFCO standards. However, it is important to recognize that not all kibbles are created equal, and pet owners should be aware of the ingredient quality and formulation of the product they select.
I am by no means “anti-kibble”. There are many dogs that live long, healthy lives on kibble and it is a product that I suggest to many pet-parents. Kibble is an affordable option that provides balanced, simple nutrition that is actually backed by many scientific studies! Just ensure to read the label and be aware of what’s actually in your pet’s food.
Which Kibble Brands Do Pet Nutritionists Recommend?
With so many different brands on the market, it’s hard narrowing done a list of the best. Here are just a few that I like to recommend to pet owners, based on my list above on what to look for. Keep in mind that these are just my opinions based on what I see on the label and I am not sponsored by any of these brands!
- Petcurean brands (GO!, Now, Gather & Summit)
- FirstMate
- Canadian Naturals
- Open Farm
- The Honest Kitchen
- Redbarn
- Wellness
Andrea Geiger is a certified companion animal nutritionist with a master’s degree in Veterinary Toxicology and Nutrition. With over five years of experience in product development and consulting, Andrea specializes in creating science-based nutrition plans and formulating recipes that prioritize pet health, ensuring optimal nutrition for dogs and cats alike.
Final Thoughts: Is Kibble Good or Bad for Dogs?
The answer to whether kibble is good or bad for dogs isn’t as simple as a “yes” or “no.” It depends on the quality of the kibble, the individual dog’s needs, and the owner’s preferences. Kibble can provide a complete and balanced diet, but it’s crucial to choose a product that meets high standards for ingredient quality and nutrient content. While fresh and raw diets may offer benefits in terms of ingredient transparency and bioavailability, they also come with risks and require careful formulation.
If you’re considering a change in your dog’s diet or if you’re unsure whether your current kibble is the best option, consulting with a veterinary professional or a certified companion animal nutritionist can help ensure your pet receives the best possible nutrition for a long, healthy life.