Is kibble good or bad for dogs? A science-based analysis
Kibble has been the go-to food for decades. Here’s exactly how it’s made, what the science says about its pros and cons, and how to pick a good one.
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
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.
The first step is selecting and preparing a combination of animal-based proteins (chicken, beef, or fish), plant-based proteins (peas or lentils), grains (rice or barley), fats, vitamins, and minerals. Protein sources include fresh or frozen meats and meat meals, which are rendered and dried animal tissues. Grains and carbohydrates provide energy and help form the dough-like consistency needed for extrusion, while grain-free formulas use alternatives like potatoes, peas, or lentils. Vitamins, minerals, and fats are added to meet AAFCO nutrient requirements.
These ingredients are mixed into a uniform blend, with the ratio of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates adjusted according to the specific recipe or nutritional targets.
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 cooks the ingredients, sterilizes the mixture, and gelatinizes the starches, which is crucial for forming a cohesive kibble shape.
As the cooked dough reaches the end of the extruder, it’s forced through a metal die that shapes it, and a rotating knife cuts it into individual pieces. The change in pressure as it exits causes rapid expansion, giving kibble its characteristic puffed or airy texture, similar to how pasta expands when boiled.
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.
Nutritional benefits and potential drawbacks
Many high-quality kibbles are formulated to provide a complete and balanced diet for dogs. According to AAFCO, dog food must meet specific nutrient profiles to be labeled as “complete and balanced,” ensuring adequate levels of protein, fat, vitamins, and minerals.
Kibble can offer some dental health benefits due to its crunchy texture, which helps scrape off plaque and tartar. The extent of these benefits varies based on the kibble’s size, shape, and hardness, and dental-specific kibbles can be more effective.
Kibble is easy to measure, store, add to puzzle toys, and transport. Its long shelf life means it can be bought in bulk and stored without refrigeration, a practical choice for busy pet owners.
While some kibbles use high-quality ingredients, others include lower-quality protein sources, fillers, and by-products, which can reduce digestibility and nutritional value. Terms like “meat meal” can refer to a variety of different animal parts, not all of which provide high-quality protein.
The high-temperature extrusion process can lead to loss of certain heat-sensitive nutrients, such as some vitamins and amino acids. Added-back nutrients may not be as bioavailable as those in fresh, less processed foods, and some healthy fats can degrade during cooking.
Kibble often contains a significant amount of carbohydrates, necessary for the extrusion process. The higher carbohydrate content 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 its long shelf life. However, some dogs may be more picky, 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
- 1Check 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.”
- 2Look for named protein sources. Look for whole protein ingredients like “chicken” or “salmon.” Ingredients labeled as “meal” are good too, since these are whole proteins ground and dried. Avoid “by-product meals,” which contain less muscle meat and more bone, cartilage, and other less digestible carcass parts. Protein ingredients should also be listed first.
- 3Avoid artificial additives. Select products free from artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives. Look for natural preservatives like mixed tocopherols, and added ingredients with omega-3s, antioxidants, and fruits or veggies like fish oil, flaxseed, chia, turmeric, cranberries, and kale.
- 4Consider grain-free or limited ingredient options. Avoid over-processed carbohydrates (“flours”) and high-sugar carbohydrates like wheat, corn, or tapioca, since these are high glycemic and cause blood sugar spikes. Peas, beans, lentils, and other legumes are great plant ingredients that are not toxic to dogs and are not linked to heart problems, despite recent misinformation. Pumpkin, sweet potato, and turnip are other fantastic grain-free, high fibre options.
- 5Review the guaranteed analysis. Look for a moderate amount of protein, in the range of 22 to 35% crude protein, since more protein isn’t always better and dogs have a threshold for how much they can absorb. Go for a low fat option, in the range of 5 to 20% crude fat, keeping in mind that more protein often means more fat too.
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.
Brands I like to recommend to pet owners, based on the criteria above:
- Petcurean (GO!, Now, Gather & Summit)
- FirstMate
- Canadian Naturals
- Open Farm
- The Honest Kitchen
- Redbarn
- Wellness
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.
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.