Debunking Doggie Diets: Why Kibble Isn't King

Unveiling the truth about your dog's favorite kibble

It's ingrained in our thoughts that dry kibble is a great, balanced meal option for our furry friends. But is it really the healthiest choice for your dog? Let's break down a few reasons why this may not be the case.

High Carbohydrate Content

Dogs are biologically designed to thrive on a diet rich in proteins and fats, similar to what their wild counterparts would eat. Kibble, on the other hand, often contains a high percentage of carbohydrates, which dogs find hard to digest. This is because, unlike humans, dogs lack the amylase enzyme in their saliva, which initiates the digestion of carbohydrates in the mouth, and their digestive system only secretes a small amount. As a result, a diet high in carbohydrates can lead to digestion issues and overall poor health for your pet.

Questionable Ingredients

On top of the high carbohydrate content, kibble is often filled with subpar ingredients that most wouldn't consider optimal for their pets. These can include meat byproducts (not actually meat) and fillers like corn, wheat, and other grains. These ingredients don't just fill up space in your pet's meal, they can also wreak havoc on your dog's digestive system. For instance, grains like corn and wheat can cause allergies, skin issues, and gastrointestinal upset in many dogs. It's crucial to look beyond the front of the packaging and fully comprehend what's inside your dog's food.

Loss of Nutrients Due to High-Temperature Processing

Kibble undergoes a manufacturing process that often exposes it to high temperatures. This process, while necessary to ensure the food has a long shelf-life, can also strip away many of the raw materials' nutrients. Vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids are all susceptible to degradation when exposed to high heat. The manufacturers know this, so they add synthetic vitamins and minerals to make up for the shortfall. However, these are hard for the body to digest in their synthetic form. This could mean that your dog isn't getting all the nutrients they need to stay healthy, even if they're eating their kibble every day.

In conclusion, while kibble may be a convenient option for feeding your dog, it's worth reconsidering its "healthiest choice" status. Your best friend deserves the best food, and armed with this knowledge, you can make a more informed decision about what goes into your dog's bowl.