Kibble is a form of dry food which is commonly used to feed dogs, they may seem as an affordable and convenient way of providing a balanced diet to your furry friend but in most cases that is actually far from the truth. Kibble, especially cheap or lower quality kibble can prove to be extremely harmful for your furry friend. Let us take a deep dive into that chunky packet of kibble to understand what is being served and what are the healthier alternatives available.

Can dogs eat kibble?

Yes, dogs can eat good quality kibble that have quality assurance and can add necessary nutrients to your dog’s mealtime. These can also prove to be extremely convenient and highly affordable while being easy to store but, poor quality kibble on the other hand can prove to be harmful in several different ways:-

1. High levels of carbohydrates which can lead to immense gain in weight

2. Highly processed, destroying several nutrients present in the raw ingredients

3. Low hydration and water content due to it being a fry food

4. Several different additives, preservatives and fillers 

5. Presence of Acrylamide, a particular Carcinogen, found in several commercialised dog foods, which can lead to cancer

What is a healthier alternative to kibble for dogs?

There are several alternatives in the market now when it comes to kibble such as canned dog food, but one can experience major health benefits when they introduce fresh food to their dog’s diet. Some of the major benefits which one can experience include:-

1. Increased Lifespan: A study found that dogs which consume fresh food live for an average of 13.1 years as compared to dogs which consume commercial food, which live upto an average of 10.4 years. This means 2 years extra with your best friend! This is largely to do with the fact that fresh food helps in weight management and younger dogs can still tolerate harmful toxins early on, but as they grow older, their tolerance reduces allowing the toxins to build up.

2. Weight Management: A healthy body weight is associated with the increased 20% lifespan. Fresh food has a high concentration of water and nutrients, with enough fiber to keep your dog full without consuming excessive calories.

3. Improved Digestion: Fresh plant foods contain a good amount of fiber. Just like we humans require fiber for gut health, fiber supports regular stools and regulates stool consistency in our dogs, too. Fiber can help dogs with digestive issues from loose bowels to gas to constipation while supporting their digestive health. 

4. Improved Immunity and Disease Prevention: Human-grade food made from high-quality ingredients helps build strong immunity and increased vitality. Even older dogs show improved range of motion and increased playfulness after switching to a fresh, human-grade diet. The protein and natural antioxidants in high-quality fresh foods also help fight ailments and diseases. Because commercial dry foods are prepared at such high temperatures, the natural nutrients in the individual ingredients are destroyed and cannot provide these restorative properties.

5. Increased Energy Levels: Fresh foods often contain ingredients which are easier to digest for dogs, leading to better nutrient absorption, including essential amino acids and proteins, which are essential for energy.

6. Better Skin and Coat: Many dogs suffer from skin problems such as itching, rashes and dry fur. While pet parents often dismiss these symptoms as allergies, many skin problems can be caused by the large amount of fillers in processed dry dog ​​food. A fresh diet rich in nutrients with essential fatty acids (usually a combination of omega 3, 6 and 9) improves skin and hydrates the coat, leaving dogs so soft you'll never want to get them out of bed.

Where can I buy good quality fresh food?

Here at Goofy Tails, we have a whole range of fresh foods for dogs which includes the Chicken and Quinoa, Lamb and Pumpkin, Veggie and Sweet Potato, Buff and Berry, and a range of grain-free products for dogs which are allergic to grains, this includes our Chicken and Herbs and the Lamb and Rosemary meal. These products have been specifically designed to serve your furry friend’s needs and provide adequate nutrition without comprising flavour. All our meals are preservative-free, gluten-free, made in a human-grade kitchen using human-grade ingredients, suitable for dogs of all sizes, ages and breeds, and ready to eat straight out of the package.